Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries

FOR SCHOOLS

Get your school involved

Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries Inc. (EMS) is a marine education program supported by Department for Environment and Water. EMS is inviting five schools (years 9 &10) to (years 9, 10 and 11) to register for the EMS School Education Program.

EMS is looking for schools that can be involved between Oct – May . All in water activities will be completed while water warm and before the end of April.

The EMS Education Program empowers schools and communities by providing hands-on ‘in-water’ experiences in the ocean. The full EMS program involves investigating marine biodiversity within local unprotected marine environments before venturing to a fully protected marine sanctuary. After this experience (and/or classroom activities and research), students are able to compare unprotected and protected areas and are supported to put their knowledge into action within the community. EMS educators and snorkel leaders offer guidance, direction and coordination of classroom exercises and field trips to the ocean. We also provide snorkel equipment, instruction, resources with curriculum links and snorkel safety management.

REGISTER your school for our School Education Program

    The EMS program concept

    • In-class introduction to marine biodiversity/marine parks
    • Snorkel instruction session in pool
    • Investigation of local marine area
    • Marine Park/Sanctuary Zone experience
    • Comparison between local area and fully protected area
    • Action for the marine environment

    To have a look at what our sister program has offered schools for past 14 years. Click here.
     
    Cost of program:
    The school is required to cover the cost of program (approx.$2,500), transport and any other associated expenses with regard to field trips, such as food or overnight accommodation if necessary.  All snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided.

    Wanted: Parents, Grandparents, care givers

    We are looking for parent / adult volunteers

    We rely on the school’s ability to provide in-water adult/parent ‘supervisors’ to ensure adequate ratio of 1:4 (1:2 for year 8 and below).
    All EMS snorkelling, including ‘once off’ snorkel experiences are run in accordance with the EMS Safety & Standard Operating Procedures.

    You will be contacted to discuss needs of your school and scheduling of in class and snorkelling activities.

    For further information contact Carl Charter info@emsau.org or phone 0466 278 187

    Resource download

    EMS and NRM Education work together to provide teacher support through professional development and networking opportunities. The EMS program is linked to the Australian Curriculum and provides access to marine science resources and lesson plans.

    For more information on resources, lesson plans and curriculum links please download our Educators resources below: