Save the Ocean! Introduction to Marine Protected Areas
Have you ever wondered how to protect the ocean? In this 4-week long course, students will be introduced to Marine Protected Areas. Students will learn how we can protect whales, fish, coral reefs, and much more through MPAs.
Olivia Alexander
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(14)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This introductory course to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is aimed at students interested in oceanography, marine biology, and coastal management. The topic of MPAs is multidisciplinary and will address environmental issues faced by our oceans, from both a scientific and social perspective. Students will be provided with pre-class reading, a pre-class activity, and a post-class discussion question. A workbook will be posted in the classroom for students to print and keep for their own study. The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the concept of MPAs, their importance, and the challenges faced in their implementation and maintenance. In addition to this, students will be challenged to think critically about the establishment of an MPA and its social and economic impacts through discussion and lecture. Week 1: What is a Marine Protected Area? Let’s explore what an MPA is, the common pressures on the marine environment, the importance of protecting the ocean, and how an MPA can do this. This week will provide students with an overview of the current challenges faced by ocean conservationists. Week 2: How can we protect the ocean? Each pressure addressed in week one will be explored in greater detail, with options on how we can reduce the pressures for a successful MPA. Week 3: Establishing an MPA We will discuss how choices are made when creating MPAs, such as their size, regulations, and goals. Week 4: A Case Study Based on the first 3 weeks of classes, students will be guided to build an MPA together. The location will be selected in week 3 as a class. Before our live lesson, students will be asked to do research on an MPA of their choice to begin thinking critically about protecting the ocean. Lesson Breakdown Each lesson will begin with a quick review of the ideas students cultivated during the online discussion. Then there will be a 25-30 minute slideshow with discussion and questions. For the remaining 15 minutes, we will use a case study to apply the content of the lecture. Finally, I will pose the discussion question and remind students to begin to discuss it on the class discussion board. Students taking this course will be supported at all levels. Although having some knowledge of conservation or ecology would be helpful, students are encouraged to ask questions to help understand course content.
Other Details
Supply List
Each week, pages will be posted to the classroom with the pre-class activities. These pages can be put together to make a workbook. The total size of the workbook is about 30 pages, with an introduction, class rules, checklists, activities and space for taking notes during class. It would be helpful to print the workbook but not compulsory.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.9
14reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a marine scientist, I have had the privilege of working with Marine Protected Areas in Portugal. I have also taken post graduate courses on MPAs, including their science and legislation. Reviews
Live Group Class
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
3-6 learners per class
