Our primary programmes are designed to excite and captivate young minds, and bring them in touch with the marine world. The programmes align with NZ curriculum standards.
Please note that the rates shown are for NZ schools only and do not include GST. We are happy to adapt any of these programmes for other interested groups.
- Find out what teachers say about our primary programmes
- Keep up to date with our latest programme opportunities and news in our education newsletters
- Download brief details of all our primary programmes (PDF)
2026 programmes
Ecosystems and foodwebs
Supper in the Sea
Who eats whom in the ocean? Discover how local sea creatures are adapted to catch their food, avoid predators and stay alive. Explore issues regarding sustainability and human impact on the oceans.
- Years 3–8
- 2 hours
- $9 per student (excluding GST)
Download the Supper in the Sea programme outline (PDF)
Adaptions and habitats
Seashore investigation and Marine Metre Squared
Uncover the secrets on the seashore by peeking under rocks and in tide pools. Investigate and understand why marine animals live where they do.
- Years 1–8 (Year 5–8 use shore survey techniques and equipment)
- 2 hours (tide dependent)
- $9 per student (excluding GST)
Download the Seashore investigation and MM2 programme outline (PDF)
The secret life of sharks
Find out what species of shark are found in the local areas of the Otago Harbour and off the coast and how they are different from each other. Discover how scientists gather data about sharks and what this information tells us. Explore the external and internal anatomy of a shark and examine the unique features and adaptations it has to survive.
- Years 6–8
- 3 hours
- $15.50 per student (excluding GST)
Download the secret life of sharks programme outline (PDF)
Pāpaka Power
Investigate the incredible world of pāpaka (crabs)! Compare a range of local species and learn about their behavioural and structural adaptations to survive in different habitats.
- Years 4–8
- 2 hours
- $9 per student (excluding GST)
Download the Pāpaka Power programme outline (PDF)
Conservation and Sustainability
Ocean Caretakers
Why are humans concerned about plastics? How does it affect our moana? Investigate the local seashore through a Litter Intelligence survey and get up and close to the creatures that live along the coastline. Learn what you can do to be kaitiaki (guardians) of the coastlines.
- Years 3–8
- 2 hours (tide dependent)
- $9 per student (excluding GST)
Download the Ocean Caretakers programme details (PDF)
Aotearoa Ocean Histories
An introduction to important kaimoana species and taoka marine species in Otago. Go on a Peninsula Headland walk to learn about how kaimoana was collected with different native plants and throughout different seasons, and get up close to some local marine species.
- Years 5–8
- 2 hours
- $9 per student (excluding GST)
Download the Aotearoa Ocean Histories programme outline (PDF)
NZVR – Exploring our Marine Environment
Experience Aotearoa New Zealand's marine environment through Virtual Reality videos (Blake NZ-VR, New Zealand Geographic). Compare northern and southern environments, pristine and degraded ecosystems. Investigate the causes of environmental damage and how we can be kaitiaki (guardians) for our moana.
- Years 6–8
- In your classroom
- Class set of 35 headsets
- $200 per student (excluding GST) – 1 to 2 sessions
- $320 per student (excluding GST) – 3 to 4 sessions
Online and New Zealand Wide
Online Live from the Shore
Join a marine scientist on an exploration of the local coastline while it is live-streamed to your classroom. Ask questions and learn great stories to tell your own whānau next time you go to the seashore.
- Years 1–6
- $60 per student per hour (excluding GST) per hour
- Tide dependent
Online Live from the Fish Tank
Join a marine scientist and encounter the weird and wonderful adaptations found in the touch tanks. Live-streamed directly to your classroom, students will be encouraged to play along and compare their own adaptations to their distant swimming relatives.
- Years 1–6
- $60 per student per hour (excluding GST)
Aquavan Adventures
Specially designed to transport marine species, the Aquavan is equipped with chilled re-circulating seawater tanks. During visits to classrooms and community halls, a mobile touch tank supports encounters with a diversity of live marine animals.
If you are interested in the Aquavan visiting your school, please contact us.
Customisable
Our programmes can be customised to fit your class. Most of our programmes can be adapted to fit different age groups and learning needs. Multiple programmes can be combined to make a full day field trip. We can also create programmes with a specific focus, such as Plankton, Cephalopods (Squid and Octopus), Deep Sea Creatures, Seaweed, Experimental Science, how marine scientists study the ocean, classification of animals, Science Extension, etc.
Contact our educators to find out what we can do for you and your class.
Contact
For primary education enquiries and bookings:
Hannah Drury
Tel +64 3 479 5843
Email hannah.drury@otago.ac.nz