Classroom Resources
Check out our free worksheets, videos, activities, and other downloadable resources to inspire ocean learning in your classroom!
While these resources are classroom-appropriate, nothing complements these worksheets and activities like a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Opt for a self-guided or guided experience and learn more from the ocean floor today! View rates or enquire about an excursion today.
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Curriculum-aligned resources are free to use below, Click the handy links below to jump to your stage, plus take a look at our general posters, infographics and other fun resources below.
NEW RESOURCES! The Seabin Project
Developed in partnership with Seabin, this suite of free curriculum-aligned learning resources explores marine plastic pollution in Sydney Harbour across three year levels — Stage 2 (Years 3–4), Stage 3 (Years 5–6), and Stage 4 (Years 7–8).
Each student pack utilises real data from the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium x Seabin partnership to develop age-appropriate skills in scientific investigation, data interpretation, geographical thinking, and sustainability problem-solving. Activities range from creative poster design and graphing tasks to evidence-based reports and policy-style proposals.
A Teacher Resource Pack with answer guides and suggested lesson sequences is also available to download separately. All resources are free to use in the classroom, online, or during a visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Stage 2: ST2-4WS | ST2-5WT | GE2-1 | GE2-2 | GE2-4
Stage 3: ST3-4WS | ST3-5WT | GE3-1 | GE3-2 | GE3-3 | GE3-4
Stage 4: GE4-1 | GE4-2 | GE4-3 | GE4-4 | GE4-5 | GE4-7 | GE4-8 | SC4-4WS | SC4-6WS | SC4-7WS | SC4-8WS | SC4-10PW
Download:
Stage 2 Pack
Early Stage 1 (Ages 4-6)
Find some entry-level resources below. Expand on these to also suit Stage 1 with discussion activities and teacher guidance.
Resources for Early Stage 1 (pre-K & Kindergarten)
My Sea Friends Preschool Resource
STe-3LW-ST; ENe-1A, ENe-4A, ENe-7B; VAS1.1 – explore marine animals through sensory play, storytelling and art, building understanding of habitats and communication.
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Which Ocean Do I Live In?
STe-3LW-ST; GEe-1, GEe-2 – match sea animals to global oceans, exploring habitats, environments and where living things belong through mapping and discussion.
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All About Baby King Penguins
STe-3LW-ST; ENe-4A, ENe-7B – learn about penguin habitats, diet and life cycles through a simple factual text supporting reading and understanding.
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'That's Not My Shark' Play Cards & Teacher Resource
Make a splash and spark curiosity about sharks and sea creatures with under‑the‑sea sensory and craft activities for home or adaptable to any Early Years or Stage One setting.
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What Will I Find in the Ocean?
STe-3LW-ST – sort and identify ocean animals, building understanding of habitats and where living things belong through classification and discussion.
DownloadStage 1 (Ages 6-8)
Find some entry-level resources below to use within your classroom.
We have some more resources located at the bottom of this page for larger units, arts & craft, and more.
Resources for Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2)
What Belongs in the Ocean?
ST1-4LW-S; GE1-2; PD1-2 – sort items to identify what belongs in the ocean, exploring habitats, human impact and actions to protect environments through discussion.
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Describing Sea Creatures
ST1-4LW-S; EN1-1A, EN1-11D – describe and represent sea creatures using vocabulary, drawings and discussion to communicate ideas about animal features and characteristics.
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Meet Our SEA LIFE Creatures
ST1-4LW-S; EN1-2A – match sea creatures to features, describing characteristics and using simple texts to communicate understanding through observation and discussion.
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Creature Needs
ST1-4LW-S; GE1-2 – explore what living things need to survive, comparing animal and human needs through sorting, discussion and prioritising activities.
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My Habitat Snapshot
ST1‑4LW‑S; ST1‑1WS‑S; ST2‑4LW‑S; ST2‑1WS‑S; GE2‑2 – create a marine animal habitat profile, exploring features, diet and environments while linking ideas of diversity, identity and belonging.
DownloadStage 2 (Ages 8-10)
Find some entry-level resources below to use within your classroom. Expand with discussion points to align these to a Stage 3 curriculum too!
We have some more resources located at the bottom of this page for larger units, arts & craft, and more.
Resources for Stage 2 (Year 3 & 4)
Are All Sea Creatures Fish?
ST2-4LW-S; ST2-1WS-S – classify sea animals as fish/not fish by comparing features (gills, lungs, fins), using sorting and discussion to develop reasoning and scientific vocabulary.
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Diary of a Deep Sea Explorer
EN2-2A; EN2-7B; EN2-10C – write a first-person diary using descriptive and sensory language to create an underwater setting, developing vocabulary, grammar (past tense) and imaginative writing…
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Coral Reef or Open Ocean?
ST2-4LW-S; GE2-1; GE2-2 – compare coral reef and open ocean habitats, sorting animals and explaining adaptations, food chains and how environments meet living things’ needs.
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A Trip Around the World
ST2-4LW-S; GE2-1; GE2-2 – explore and describe global habitats, comparing conditions and how environments meet living things’ needs through discussion and vocabulary-based activities.
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Finding My Ocean Passion
ST2-4LW-S; GE2-2; EN2-1A – explore ocean threats, discussing impacts on environments and living things, and create a mind map to organise ideas, build awareness and support informative communication.
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'Let's Protect' Poster
EN2-1A; EN2-7B; EN2-11D – create a persuasive poster using emotive language, rhetorical questions and other devices to promote ocean conservation, developing communication and audience awareness.
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Sustainable Manifestos
ST2-4LW-S; GE2-2; EN2-1A – explore sustainable actions to protect oceans, creating a class manifesto with solutions and impacts, building environmental awareness and persuasive communication skills.
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Identifying Threats to our Oceans
ST2-4LW-S; GE2-2; EN2-1A – investigate ocean threats (e.g. pollution, overfishing), discussing human impacts and causes, and recording ideas to build environmental awareness and explanatory…
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Cauliflower Coral as a Threatened Species
Explore cauliflower coral and how scientists are helping restore it. Students learn about habitats, human impact and conservation through real examples. SC2-4LW-ST; ST2-WS; GE2; Sustainability
DownloadStage 3 (Ages 10-12)
Find some entry-level resources below to use within your classroom.
Resources for Stage 3 (Year 5 & 6)
Cauliflower Coral as a Threatened Species
Investigate coral ecosystems, threats and conservation using real data. Students explore biodiversity, cause–effect and ecosystem change. SC3-4LW-ST; ST3-WS; GE3; Sustainability
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Beneath the Tides - Coastal Habitats & Rockpools
Aligned to NSW Science Stage 3 Living World outcomes ST3-4LW-S and ST3-5LW-T, focusing on how environmental conditions affect survival, adaptations, and ecosystem relationships.
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Teeth & Tails: Shark Adaptations & Survival
Stage 3 unit exploring shark adaptations, teeth, feeding and food webs through investigations and quizzes, aligned to ST3-4LW-S, ST3-5LW-T, and ST3-1WS-S with links to survival and ecosystems.
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Troubled Waters: Endangered Ocean Species
Bring ocean conservation into your classroom with this SEA LIFE resource investigating 4 endangered Australian species. Curriculum-aligned for Stage 3. ST3-4LW-S · ST3-SCI-01 · EN3-RECOM-01 ·…
DownloadSave Our Seas: The Rangers Challenge
Self-guided activity pack for ages 5-11. The perfect resource to add on to your excursion visit!
Save Our Seas: The Rangers Challenge
Challenges students to become ultimate ocean conservation champions with our free 'Save our Seas: The Rangers Challenge' activity pack.
As your students explore the different zones within the aquarium, they will meet some of our amazing marine friends and will unlock 'turtley' awesome knowledge about marine animals and their habitats.
How it works →
- Before the trip, watch Ranger Bethan's video message, she will set pupils their challenge.
- Teachers can print off the activity booklets for their age group to use during their visit (There are two versions of the pack, one tailored to ages 5-7yrs and the other 7-11yrs).
- Using the free activity pack, students will work in groups to complete a number of engaging tasks.
- Back at school, complete the challenge with an informative campaign that will educate their community on the challenges our oceans face.
This resource includes pre- and post-visit activities to use alongside an excursion to SEA LIFE.
Key Learning Outcomes - Early Stage 1 to Stage 2 (Age 5-11)
- Explore the sea creatures they’ll meet and understand their habitats.
- Recognise the impact of human activity on marine life.
- Discover practical ways they can protect oceans and their inhabitants.
Get the pack and make your SEA LIFE trip an inspiring, action-packed experience for your class.
Join the Challenge!
Activity Pack | Save Our Seas (Ages 5-7)
ST1-4LW-S; ST1-1WS-S – explore sea creatures and habitats through observation, recording facts and identifying features, building early classification, inquiry and environmental awareness skills.
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Activity Pack | Save Our Seas (Ages 7-11)
ST2-4LW-S; ST2-1WS-S; GE2-2 – investigate sea creatures, habitats and threats, collecting data and proposing solutions to support conservation, building classification, inquiry and environmental…
DownloadStage 4 (Ages 12-14)
Find some entry-level resources below to use within your classroom.
Expand with discussion points to align these to a Stage 5 curriculum, too!
Stage 4 Resources (Years 7 & 8)
Animals in Danger: Overfishing
GE4‑2; GE4‑3; GE4‑4; GE4‑5; SC4‑14LW; SC4‑15LW; SC4‑16CW; SC4‑4WS – explore ecosystems, human impacts and sustainability, analysing data and perspectives to explain environmental change.
Download Information & Activity Sheet
Explore the Ecosystem: Seahorses
GE4‑2; GE4‑3; SC4‑14LW; SC4‑15LW; SC4‑4WS – analyse a seahorse food web, exploring predator–prey relationships and human impacts to explain ecosystem balance and environmental change.
Download Information & Activity Sheet
Critical Conservation: Coral Bleaching
GE4‑2; GE4‑3; GE4‑4; GE4‑5; SC4‑14LW; SC4‑15LW; SC4‑16CW; SC4‑4WS – investigate coral bleaching and human impacts, analysing causes and solutions to explain ecosystem change.
Download Notes, Worksheet & Answer Sheet
The Evolution of Sharks: Natural Selection
SC4‑14LW; SC4‑15LW; SC4‑16CW; SC4‑4WS – explore shark evolution and adaptations, analysing natural selection and survival to explain how species change and respond to environmental pressures.
Download Worksheet & Answer Sheet
The Future Workforce of SEA LIFE
GE4‑4; GE4‑5; SC4‑16CW; SC4‑4WS – explore marine careers, analysing roles, skills and knowledge to understand conservation, career pathways and management of marine environments.
Download Activity Sheets
Cauliflower Coral as a Threatened Species
Analyse coral biology, ecosystem roles and conservation strategies. Students evaluate data, threats and scientific solutions. SC4-14LW; SC4-WS; GE4; Sustainability
DownloadThemed Day Resources
Turtle Activity Booklet
This World Oceans Day (June 8 2026), meet the sea turtles that call SEA LIFE Sydney home. Learn more about their journey to SEA LIFE, unique facts about their lifecycles and more.
World Oceans Day (June 8) is a global event that highlights the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life. It encourages students to explore ocean ecosystems, understand the impact of human activities, and take action to conserve species such as sea turtles.
This resource is best suited to Stages 1 & 2
- ST1‑4LW‑S – describes how living things live in different places and have basic needs (e.g. turtles in ocean habitats)
- ST1‑1WS‑S – asks questions, observes and records simple information about living things
- ST2‑4LW‑S – examines how living things depend on each other and their environment for survival (e.g. turtle habitats, food, threats)
- ST2‑1WS‑S – collects, records and communicates data when investigating scientific ideas
- GE2‑2 – explains how environments support living things and how humans impact them
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Indigenous Post-Visit Resource
Designed to be used before or after a guided or self‑guided visit to SEA LIFE Sydney, this booklet offers engaging insights into First Nations perspectives and connections to marine environments.
To support authenticity and cultural integrity, SEA LIFE Sydney partnered with Wingaru, a Sydney‑based organisation specialising in First Nations education. Wingaru works closely with local Traditional Custodians to ensure communities are actively involved in the development of content. This collaborative approach enables First Nations voices to guide how knowledge is shared, ensuring it is accurate, respectful and culturally safe, while recognising the importance of community ownership and ongoing connection to Country.
GE2‑1; GE2‑2; GE3‑1; GE3‑2; GE3‑3; ST2‑4LW‑S; ST3‑4LW‑S – explores Caring for Country, sustainability and marine environments, building understanding of human–environment connections and stewardship.
National Threatened Species Day (7 September)
Discover our classroom resource for Threatened Species Day, focusing on the captivating Cauliflower Soft Coral. Dive into the world of this unique marine species and explore its role in our delicate ecosystem.
This classroom resource is a PowerPoint presentation with notes on our Cauliflower Coral Project, along with stage-specific notes and activities.
Find curriculum links for Stage 2, 3 & 4 in each presentation.
Stage 2 Presentation - Cauliflower Coral as a Threatened Species
Stage 3 Presentation - Cauliflower Coral as a Threatened Species
Stage 4 Presentation - Cauliflower Coral as a Threatened Species
Beneath the Tides
Beneath the Tides is a mini unit that takes students on an exploration of our ocean and what can be discovered just below the surface. Through a focus on rockpool ecosystems, students investigate how marine organisms survive in changing environments.
Aligned to the NSW Science and Technology K–6 syllabus (Stage 3), this resource supports outcomes ST3-4LW-S and ST3-5LW-T, as students explore how environmental conditions influence survival, examine structural and behavioural adaptations, and analyse relationships between organisms within ecosystems.
Did you know we have a recently-upgraded rockpool exhibit? Perfect to support this unit with hands-on learning! Learn more by enquiring about an excursion, or view rates here.
Download
Beneath the Tide Student Worksheets:
- Epaulette Shark Worksheet - Beneath the Tides
- Sea Urchin Worksheet - Beneath the Tides
- Sea Star Worksheet - Beneath the Tides
- Octopus Worksheet - Beneath the Tides
- Rockpool Worksheet - Beneath the Tides
Watch
Teeth & Tails Resource
Dive into the world of animal features of one of the most interesting creatures of the deep - sharks!
Download classroom materials:
- Teeth & Tails Teacher Guide
- Teacher-used guide with example student sheets covered below, as well as answers. NOTE: investigations may need separate materials
- Lesson One: Tooth Toolkit
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ST3-4LW-S – examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
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ST3-5LW-T – explains how food and fibre are produced sustainably in managed environments for health and nutrition
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- Lesson Two: The Shark's Toothpaste Toolkit
- ST3-4LW-S – examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
- ST3-1WS-S – plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions
- Lesson Three: The Shark Feed Toolkit
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ST3-4LW-S – examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
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ST3-5LW-T – explains how food and fibre are produced sustainably in managed environments for health and nutrition
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ST3-2DP-T – selects and uses suitable materials, tools and equipment for a specific purpose
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ST3-1WS-S – plans and conducts scientific investigations
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- Lesson Four: The Shark Champion Quiz
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ST3-4LW-S – examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
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ST3-5LW-T – explains how food and fibre are produced sustainably in managed environments for health and nutrition
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Enrichment activity:
Sphengic Resource
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and NSW Teachers Federation have partnered to develop this amazing resource which explores the unique and diverse family relationships through the story of Sphengic - our special gentoo penguin raised by two male penguins Magic & Sphen!
This unit aligns with the NSW Science and Technology K–6 (2024) syllabus, supporting students to develop an understanding of living things and their environments through the real-life context of penguins. Students explore the characteristics, needs and life cycle of living things while engaging in observation, questioning and discussion. The unit addresses outcomes:
STE-SCI-01 and STE-PQU-01 (Early Stage 1), ST1-SCI-01, ST1-PQU-01 and ST1-DAT-01 (Stage 1), focusing on describing living things, posing questions and using information to identify patterns and relationships.
Download
You can purchase the Sphengic Storybook here.
Please note, all proceeds from this book go towards our SEA LIFE Trust, who play a key role in conserving and protecting our oceans for future generations!
Troubled Waters Resource
Developed by SEA LIFE Aquariums, this resource takes students on a journey across Australian and New Zealand waters to explore four endangered marine species — the Australian Sea Lion, White's Seahorse, Australian Sawfish, and Sea Turtle.
Through fact files, habitat profiles and adaptations research, students develop scientific literacy while building a genuine understanding of conservation challenges facing our oceans. Activities extend into persuasive and informative communication, asking students to research, create and share their own advocacy work.
Watch
NSW Curriculum Outcomes | Primarily Stage 3 (Years 5–6)
ST3-SCI-01 (scientific knowledge and sustainable practices)
ST3-DAT-01 (interpreting data)
ST3-PQU-01 (posing questions and fair tests)
EN3-RECOM-01 (reading comprehension)
EN3-OLC-01 (communicating to wide audiences)
EN3-VOCAB-01 (Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary)
Can also be used as a Stage 2 extension activity (Years 3–4), supporting ST2-4LW-S, ST2-1WS-S and EN2-RECOM-01.
White's Seahorse: Habitat, Science and Design
Dive into the world of White's Seahorses with this multi-component unit from SEA LIFE Sydney, designed for Stages 1 & 2. Students build knowledge of seahorse appearance, habitat, behaviour and endangered status through a storybook, fact cards, infographic and comprehension worksheet, before applying their learning through a real-world design challenge - creating their own seahorse hotel inspired by SEA LIFE's White's Seahorse Breeding and Release Program.
ST1-SCI-01 (investigates questions about living things and environments)
ST1-DDT-01 (designs and produces solutions)
ST2-SCI-01 (uses information to investigate effects of energy on living systems)
ST2-DDT-01 (designs and produces solutions to meet an identified need)
EN1-RECOM-01 (reads and comprehends texts)
EN1-VOCAB-01 (Tier 1 and Tier 2 vocabulary)
EN1-UARL-01 (understanding and responding to literature)
EN2-RECOM-01 (reads and comprehends texts for wide purposes)
EN2-VOCAB-01 (Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary)
Download here:
- Seahorse Storybook
- Seahorse Hotel Design Project
- Seahorse Infographic
- Seahorse Fact Cards
- Seahorse Comprehension Worksheet
Accessibility Resources
We have created our very own, and first ever, accessible high contrast book.
“Shark Facts” is a resource for all students, including those with visual disabilities and for younger learners with sensory needs.
Our book comes in two versions, a high contrast book for reading, and a video suitable for playing alongside our book or as an audiobook.
We have created a brand new, accessible high contrast book. “Rockpool Ranger” is a resource for all students, including those with visual disabilities and for younger learners with sensory needs.
Our book comes in two versions, a high contrast book for reading, and a video suitable for playing alongside our book or as an audiobook.
Animal Fact Sheets & Posters
Murray-Darling Rainbowfish - A Threatened Species Poster
Discover this threatened species with this handy poster to display in your classroom!
Download
Spotted Handfish - A Threatened Species Poster
Discover this threatened species with this handy poster to display in your classroom!
Download
Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon - A Threatened Species Poster
Discover this threatened species with this handy poster to display in your classroom!
Download
Protect Our Sea Turtles Poster
Download this free poster to help your students learn the threats to sea turtles, and how to help protect them!
Download
Just-For-Fun & Craft Activities
Turtle Colouring-In Sheet
Download our FREE sea turtle colouring-in sheet!
Bottle Cap Turtle Craft Activity
Download our FREE Bottle Cap Turtle craft activity for your classroom and see how you can re-use bottle caps and turn into turtle-ly cool sea art!
Make Your Own Aquarium!
Download our FREE 'make your own aquarium' activity!
Making Magic Sand!
What makes magic sand so magical? Students get hands-on exploring the hydrophobic properties of magic sand — observing, predicting and testing what happens when it meets water. A fun, curiosity-driven introduction to material properties and scientific investigation.
Turtle Storybooks
Blair The Loggerhead Turtle
Download our FREE Blair storybook!
Calvin The Green Sea Turtle
Download our FREE Calvin storybook!
Iluka The Hybrid Hatchling
Download our FREE Iluka storybook!
Plugga The Green Sea Turtle
Download our FREE Plugga storybook!
Family Day Resources
Unique Mums of the Animal World
Download our FREE 'Unique Mums of the Animal World' poster for the classroom!
The Coolest Dads of the Animal World
To celebrate all Dads great and small, we have created a cool pop-up penguin card activity for any child to complete to show how much they love their dad! Simply download this activity and share it with your class!
Grandparents Day Storybooks
Tell your Grandparents how much you love them with these storybooks! Add your grandparents' name into the story adventure to make it turtle-ly special. The button below has a book for Grandma and a book for Grandpa.
The Lost Little Egg Storybook
Go on an adventure with SEA LIFE's penguins Milla and Jude as they try and find the parents of the little lost egg!
Women & Girls in Science
Celebrate the amazing women who work at SEA LIFE across Australia and New Zealand and discover what awesome careers you can have working with animals and conservation!
Read Interviews Here
Plastic Free July
Get your class involved in plastic free July!
We now use about 20 times more plastic than we did 50 years ago. Included in that plastic consumption are the 4.4 billion plastic straws that are used each year! For the month of July, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are encouraging all schools to get involved in the Plastic Free July initiative and reduce plastic use within their school and community.
We've created a poster to help educate students on how to reduce their plastic and make plastic free alternatives.
Download now
FREE Certificate!
Download our custom World Teacher's Day certificate! Surprise your special teacher to show them hpw grateful you are for their help!
DOWNLOAD NOW
Want access to more great resources?
Email our team at education@merlinentertainments.com.au to request specific assets for your topic of study, to recommend changes to existing resources and more!
