The sea that teaches: why children need to understand oceans

      An inspiring journey to understand how oceans shape life, culture, and the planet’s future

Imagine a world where children grow up knowing that the sea is not just a place of beauty, but the beating heart of the Earth. Teaching them about oceans opens doors to science, empathy, and responsibility for the future. Let’s dive into this adventure!

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet for many children, they are merely a vast blue expanse seen in photos or during beach vacations. Teaching young ones about oceans goes far beyond pointing at a map or talking about colorful fish: it’s opening a window to understanding life on the planet. Oceans regulate the climate, produce over half the oxygen we breathe, and harbor biodiversity that sustains global food chains. According to a 2019 Stanford University study, marine ecosystems absorb about 25% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, helping to mitigate climate change. When a child learns this, they begin to see the sea as a silent superhero, essential for our survival. This realization can spark a genuine desire to protect what is vital.

Practical Tip: Take children to watch documentaries like Our Planet (Netflix), which showcase the beauty and importance of oceans in a visual and accessible way. Follow up with a conversation about what they learned!

But why start so early? The answer lies in the child’s brain, which is like a sponge ready to absorb knowledge and shape values. Studies from Harvard University (2020) show that children exposed to sustainability concepts before age 10 develop greater environmental awareness throughout life. Teaching about oceans isn’t just about sharing facts; it’s planting seeds of responsibility. Writer and educator Antônio Carlos dos Santos, in his “Planet Child Collection,” particularly in the book My Oceans, created for children aged 2 to 10, uses playful language to introduce the importance of the seas and the challenges they face, such as pollution and global warming. The book emphasizes that oceans are not just “scenery” but living systems that connect us all. By reading stories like these, children start to understand that their actions, even small ones like avoiding single-use plastics, can make a difference.

Fun Fact: Did you know that oceans produce more oxygen than all the world’s forests combined? Thanks to phytoplankton, tiny marine organisms, the sea is the planet’s largest “lung”!

Beyond the scientific aspect, learning about oceans also opens doors to culture and history. Peoples worldwide, from Polynesian navigators to artisanal fishers on Brazil’s coast, have built their identities around the sea. Sharing these stories with children fosters empathy and respect for diversity. For instance, the story of Sylvia Earle, an American oceanographer and one of the greatest ocean advocates, can inspire young minds. At age 12, Sylvia went on her first dive and decided to dedicate her life to studying the seas. Now, at 89, she continues to fight for the creation of protected marine areas. Showcasing examples like hers teaches children that passion for something greater can change the world.

Inspiring Story: Sylvia Earle, known as the “Lady of the Oceans,” has led over 100 marine expeditions and spent thousands of hours underwater. Her message to children? “The sea is our home, and it’s up to us to protect it.”

Ocean education can also be fun and practical, especially when creative methods are used. Antônio Carlos dos Santos, through his methodologies like MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) and MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), suggests that learning should be an engaging experience. In MAT, for example, children are encouraged to act out stories about the sea, taking on roles as scientists or activists. In MBPT, puppets like the charismatic Mané Beiçudo tell stories about ocean pollution, turning complex topics into accessible narratives. These approaches, detailed in Santos’ work, show that theater and art can be powerful tools to engage young learners. A 2022 University of Oxford study confirmed that artistic methods in teaching increase retention of environmental concepts in children by 30%.

Practical Tip: Organize a theater play at school or home where children act as marine animals or scientists. Use recycled materials to create costumes and sets, reinforcing the sustainability message.

Another reason to teach about oceans is the impact of climate change, a central theme in the “Planet Child Collection.” The book My Oceans highlights how global warming is acidifying the seas and destroying coral reefs, which are true “nurseries” of marine life. A 2023 UNESCO report warns that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, 90% of coral reefs could disappear by 2050. When children learn about these issues, they not only grasp the science behind them but also develop a sense of urgency. Santos’ book proposes an epic challenge: that young readers identify solutions, such as reducing waste or supporting conservation projects. This practical approach is key to turning knowledge into action.

Motivational Quote: “No drop in the ocean is too small to make a difference.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos, My Oceans.

Oceans also teach lessons of resilience. Consider the seahorse, which, despite its tiny size, survives in challenging environments by clinging to seaweed with its tail. Sharing stories like this with children can inspire them to face challenges with courage. Santos’ ThM (Theater Movement) methodology uses physical movement to have children mimic marine animals, connecting body and mind to learning. This type of activity not only makes teaching more dynamic but also helps children internalize values like persistence and cooperation. A 2021 University of Cambridge study showed that activities combining movement and environmental learning boost children’s self-esteem by 25%.

Fun Fact: Seahorses are the only animals where the male carries the offspring in a pouch, like a “pregnancy”! This quirk captivates children and teaches about diversity in nature.

Teaching about oceans also opens doors to future careers. With growing concern for sustainability, professions like marine biology, environmental engineering, and water resource management are on the rise. Showing children they can be part of the solution is empowering. The example of Boyan Slat, a young Dutchman who, at 18, founded The Ocean Cleanup to remove plastics from the oceans, is inspiring. Today, his organization clears tons of waste from the seas annually. Stories like this, paired with reading My Oceans, show that individual action can have a global impact.

Inspiring Story: Boyan Slat started his project with a simple idea: using ocean currents to capture plastics. Today, his technology is used in oceans and rivers worldwide.

Finally, teaching about oceans is an invitation to hope. Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress: protected marine areas are expanding, and technologies to clean the seas are advancing. The book My Oceans ends with a powerful message: change begins with everyone’s participation. Involving children in this movement ensures the next generation grows up with deep respect for the planet. As Sylvia Earle said, “Without healthy oceans, there is no healthy life on Earth.” Let’s inspire our children to be the guardians of the seas!

Practical Tip: Plant the seed of action: encourage children to write letters to local authorities requesting more ocean protection or to join beach cleanup efforts.

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