Program Overview
The Water & Ocean-Based Program is designed to enhance students’ ocean literacy through immersive water-based and coastal learning experiences. Students explore marine ecosystems, learn basic snorkeling skills, engage with local maritime culture, and observe coastal wildlife.
Through direct interaction with the ocean environment, students gain a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, human connections to the sea, and the importance of protecting ocean habitats.
Program Goals
The program aims to:
- Improve ocean literacy and marine environmental awareness
- Introduce basic water safety and snorkeling skills
- Help students understand different coastal and marine ecosystems
- Connect cultural knowledge with ocean-based livelihoods
- Encourage respect and care for marine environments
Snorkeling Activity
Overview
Students are introduced to snorkeling in a safe and guided environment.
Activities
- Learn basic snorkeling techniques
- Get an introduction to snorkeling equipment
- Receive safety briefings for water activities
- Learn and practice underwater hand signals
Ecosystem Exploration
Overview
Students explore one or more coastal ecosystems and learn about their unique characteristics and ecological roles.
Ecosystems Option
Activities & Talking Points
- Receive short introductions to each ecosystem
- Learn what each ecosystem is, its uniqueness, resident biota, ecological functions, and threats
- Discuss simple actions that can help protect and improve each ecosystem
Unveiling the Sea People
Overview
Students learn about sea nomad communities and their local wisdom related to marine life and ocean survival.
Activities
- Receive an introduction to sea nomad tribes and their maritime culture
- Join a question-and-answer session with local community members
Flying Foxes (Megabats) Watching
Overview
Students learn about flying foxes and observe their natural behavior in mangrove and island ecosystems.
Activities
- Learn basic facts about flying foxes and their ecological role
- Join a mangrove walk to Beralas Bakau Island during low tide or take a boat trip at sunset during high tide to watch flying foxes leave the island
Stargazing Class
Overview
Students are introduced to basic astronomy and sky culture while experiencing the night sky in a coastal environment.
Activities
- Learn basic constellation identification
- Learn about sky culture and how people traditionally read the night sky
- Join a mangrove walk to Beralas Bakau Island during low tide or a sunset boat trip during high tide as part of the experience
Things to Bring
- Comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
- A notebook with a pen
- Mosquito repellant
- Watershoes
- Lunchbox
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic snorkeling and water safety skills
- Identify different coastal and marine ecosystems
- Describe basic characteristics and functions of marine habitats
- Explain cultural connections between people and the ocean
- Show increased awareness of marine conservation and ocean protection