White Rock Student Course

You will be introduced to the White Rock documentary and investigate the longspined sea urchin crisis affecting kelp forests across Australia’s Great Southern Reef.

Here is a list of important words related to this lesson.

You will explore the biology, habitat, diet, adaptations, and classification of the longspined sea urchin using scientific language and visual analysis.

You will explore how ocean currents and warming seas are driving the southward spread of longspined sea urchins along Australia’s coastline.

You will analyse how unchecked sea urchin populations create urchin barrens and compare these outbreaks to other ecological disturbances such as Crown-of-Thorns starfish.

You will solve interactive challenges to investigate predator–prey relationships, ecosystem resilience, and management strategies used to restore reef balance.

You will explore Indigenous connections to Sea Country and examine how Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Western science can work together in marine restoration.

You will investigate what ecosystem resilience means and how biodiversity, management, and long-term monitoring support kelp forest recovery.

You will examine sustainable seafood practices and explore how over-harvesting, market demand, and management decisions affect marine ecosystems.

You will research seafood products to evaluate sustainability claims and consider how consumer choices influence marine resource management

You will explore the sustainable harvesting practices of the Haenyeo women and consider how culture, community knowledge, and long-term thinking support ecosystem health.

You will investigate the cultural, nutritional, and sustainability aspects of sea urchins by designing a sea-urchin-focused recipe and food resource.

You will evaluate sea urchin management strategies by building and presenting evidence-based arguments through structured class debate.

You will conduct a community survey to analyse public attitudes toward kelp forest restoration and different sea urchin management options.

You will design and deliver a school-based awareness campaign to communicate the sea urchin issue and inspire action to protect kelp forests.

You will work with your classmates to create a classroom action plan aimed at addressing environmental challenges, particularly the preservation of kelp forests.