TV presenter and patron of Bite-Back, Steve Backshall MBE, heads a list of wildlife experts who have contributed to an exciting new school’s education pack, Shout Out for Sharks, available from this week.
Created by the charity and First News Education, it’s the first time a resource on the topic of sharks and shark conservation has been developed to perfectly fit the National Curriculum for children aged seven to eleven.
Complete with additional input from zoologist, Megan McCubbin, and oceanographer, Helen Czerski, the primary school pack brings sharks to the classroom and presents a compelling case for students to rethink the way they view sharks.
The free education pack features six weeks of lesson plans along with supporting classroom resources. The Shout Out for Sharks education pack will also be promoted directly to 9,000 primary schools nationwide by First News Education.
Steve Backshall said: “This engaging and creative new education pack directly challenges the tired and stereotyped portrayal of sharks. With the fate of the marine world in our hands, we hope it will help create a new generation of students who have a clear understanding of the importance of sharks to life in the oceans as well as life on earth. I whole-heartedly encourage teachers to download the pack and use the materials to help inspire a positive future for sharks.”
The 56 page education pack covers topics including an introduction to different shark species, the issues facing shark populations and the portrayal of sharks in the media and films. It also incorporates a creative competition inviting students to help change the perception of sharks through art, poetry, and other media. The winning competition entry will win a video call with Steve Backshall for their entire class to hear first-hand about his shark and wildlife interactions.
According to the charity, more than 73 million sharks are killed every year, many just for their valuable fins. Without intervention, some scientists predict that key shark species could be wiped out in the next 50 years, potentially disrupting the way the oceans operate along with its ability to produce 60% of the oxygen we breathe.
Campaign director for Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “The way children learn about sharks is about to change forever. For far too long youngsters have been exposed to one constant but misleading narrative; that sharks are scary. As a result, that belief immediately puts shark conservation on the back foot. After all few people want to protect something that scares them.
“That’s why we think this education pack is so important. We see it as a chance to rebrand sharks and encourage youngsters to see them as the lions and the leopards of the ocean and worthy of admiration and protection.”
