When the power goes off, Big Cuz, Nanna, Little J and Old Dog go to the beach. They use bread to catch hermit crabs, which in turn are used to catch a ‘bluebone’ fish. Big Cuz learns how to fish, Nanna makes a fire to cook the fish, and Little J finds a large clam shell to take to school the next day.

Engage - Pose questions about past and present objects, people, places and events

Theme - OCEANS

Revisit Little J & Big Cuz, Episode 4 ‘Right Under Your Nose’, and concentrate students’ attention on the sea environment.

Using a Think Pair Share activity, ask students if they know what an ‘ocean’ is. And, what they think is the difference between an ‘ocean’ and a ‘sea’. Invite each pair to suggest the differences.

As a class, view the video clip, What Is An Ocean? 

In the video, it names the five oceans. Ask students to recall the names of them and locate them on a map of the world. Have students compare the size of the oceans and where they are located to suggest whether the waters would be warm or cold.

Re-ask the question about the ‘difference between an ocean and a sea’, and ask the pairs to find at least two Seas on the world map. Invite students pose and respond to questions about the relationship between the masses of water.

Have students examine a map of Australia to find the various seas within its boundaries. Have them locate the sea closest to where they live. Develop a list of the Seas and Oceans surrounding Australia. Using a map of Australia template, have students label and colour these Seas and Oceans:

• Oceans: Pacific, Southern, and Indian
• Seas: Tasman, Coral, Timor

Reference: What Oceans Surround Australia?

View ‘Make the Ocean in a Jar!’. The information in the clip will give students an understanding of the three levels of the oceans, and the three levels of a beach break. Have students recall and list these levels.

Now, looking at a cross-section of a beach, have students name the different levels. As a suggested resource, refer to Coastal waters, Coastal river and estuary pollution.