This book inspires kids to explore the nature at their local beaches, connecting them to familiar marine environments, introducing the concept of the GSR through Frankie, Sam and Professor Seaweed.

Aimed at year 1-4 students, CSIRO Publishing have created these Teacher Notes to support classroom use of the Great Southern Reef picture book by Prue Francis and Paul Venzo.

One of the GSR’s most iconic creatures is of course the Weedy Seadragon. If you have ever seen one in the wild, you will know that these whimsical creatures will take your breath away.

The book is recommended for readers ages 6-9 and the teacher notes are available here. The teacher notes explore pre-reading activities, discussion questions and science, art and English related activities.

The Spotted Handfish has survived since the time of the dinosaurs — until now. Invasive sea stars, pollution and climate change mean that this unique Australian is in real trouble. This primitive little walking fish is the perfect mascot for the smaller critters in across the Great Southern Reef that need our conservation help.

Written by marine scientist Rebecca Morris, this book explores themes of environmental impact and the resilience of nature, making it a powerful educational tool for young readers to understand the importance of the Great Southern Reef, vulnerability of kelp forests and restoration techniques.

Recommended for readers ages 4-8, it can be used as a powerful education tool for older students too.

With a Little Kelp from Our Friends is a fantastic, easy-to-understand book for kids to learn about just how important seaweed is. Mathew Bate reveals how it is used in food, health, and medicine. Some of the book’s important themes also include seaweed farming, the history of seaweed use around the world and seaweed’s role in solutions for a changing climate.

Recommended for years 7 and up

In this delightful children's picture book, Aunty Patsy Cameron generously shares the stories and traditions from her family's seasonal island life in Tasmania. With evocative text and stunning illustrations, Sea Country lets the reader know when to pick ripe wild cherries, when the moon (mutton) birds fly home and how the nautilus shells smell like the deepest oceans. Teacher notes provided here.

"Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean" is an enchanting children's book that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the joyous days spent by the ocean. Created by the talented Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, this work celebrates the ocean (Gaagal) as a special place where families can swim in the waves, catch fish (yamaarr), and enjoy eating, dancing, and playing games together. It's a vibrant portrayal of the ocean's beauty and a call to cherish and protect these precious marine environments.

At first glance there's nothing much to see. But the rock pools are full of secrets. Nestling between rocks ... Hiding in the seaweed ... What creatures will you find? Discover their secrets in this flap book. Children will be fascinated with the depictions of sea cucumbers, crabs and sea anemones. The addition of a pictorial glossary is also very useful for those students who want to learn more about sea creatures and their environment.