Ocean Protectors

1. Read Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15. Discuss how God says we should protect all life on Earth.
2. How many oceans exist in the world?
3. Identify the oceans on a map.
4. What are the ocean animal classifications? Explain the differences and name animals under each.
5. Explain the following and how it affects the Earth.
   1. Endangered animals
   2. Invasive species
   3. Ocean pollution
6. Pick an ocean endangered animal and learn about it.
7. Pick an ocean invasive species and learn about it.
8. Discuss possible solutions for ocean pollution.
9. Make an ocean terrarium or aquarium.
10. Learn more about protecting our oceans in one of the following ways: Visit an aquarium, beach, read a book, or watch a video.

Helps

1. Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 2:15 talks about how God gave man all that He created. He wants us to "rule" the Earth, which means He wants us to take care of it and protect it. One way we can do that is through protecting our oceans
2. There are 5 oceans in the world. Atlantic, Artic, Indian, Pacific, Southern (Antarctic)
3. Identify oceans on a globe/map, print map and have children colour the oceans, play a game such as a matching, puzzle, or relay game
4. Sample Animal Classes: (Animal Classes/kids.britannica)
   1. Mammal: animals that drink milk, has hair, and breathe air (e.g., dolphins, whales, seals, manatees, sea otter)
   2. Fish: animals that have gills, scales, fins and breathe in water (e.g., sharks, fish)
   3. Reptile: animals that are cold-blooded, have scaly skin, and breathe air (e.g., sea turtles, sea snake, marine iguana)
   4. Crustacean: animals that usually have a hard covering, like a shell (e.g., crabs, lobsters, shrimps, barnacles)
5. Explanations:
   1. An animal or plant is endangered when there are so few left alive on the planet that the entire species is in danger of vanishing forever. When a species is completely gone—and not a single one survives anywhere on Earth—it is considered extinct. Unfortunately, one out of every eight species of birds, one in four mammals, one in three amphibians, and one in five plants are endangered (kids discover).
   2. An invasive species is a "living thing that gets introduced to a new place that it does not normally belong to and to which it typically causes harm. If you look at the word 'invasive,' it may remind you of the word 'invade.' This makes sense because an animal can invade an area, dominate it, and leave very little for other living things to survive" (study.com).
   3. Ocean pollution is a combination of both trash and chemicals that mainly come from communities on land. These are most commonly blown into or washed into our oceans and seas. This type of pollution is very damaging to our environment and the habitats of animals that live in bodies of water. This is one largely growing problem in today's world. Trash can harm both the environment and its inhabitants. These animals are in danger because they are not meant to eat or even be exposed to these chemicals and trash. Although this is a major problem there are things being done to protect our oceans, and there are even things we can do ourselves to protect these ecosystems and the animals in them. (national geographic)
6. Example endangered animals, please search for current: Whale Shark, Green Sea Turtle, Hammer Head Shark
7. Example invasive animals, please search for current: Lionfish, European Green Crab, Snake Head Fish
8. Example topic solutions for ocean pollution: Recycling, Beach cleanups, Sunscreen – using eco friendly, fewer plastic products, effects from industries, rivers and streams
9. Do an internet search for craft ideas.
10. Research what is available in your area

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