Free, Standards-Aligned Marine Conservation Curriculum for K-6
Ready to inspire your students about ocean conservation? Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) offers a complete, free curriculum that combines hands-on activities, multimedia resources, and real-world science to help students become ocean and environmental stewards.
What You Get (All Free!)
10 Interactive Stand-Alone Lessons with hands-on activities
Activity Book pages with engaging exercises
Educational Videos supporting lesson content
Digital and print resources for flexible classroom use
All materials available in English and Spanish
Real Learning, Real Impact
Each lesson helps students develop:
Scientific understanding of marine mammal biology and ecosystems
Critical thinking skills about human environmental impact
Community engagement through conservation action projects
Empathy and responsibility for ocean life
Students explore concepts like marine mammal adaptations, food webs, wildlife rescue, and careers in conservation—all while discovering how their daily choices can protect ocean ecosystems.
Standards You Can Trust
Lessons are aligned with:
California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS)
Common Core State Standards
California Environmental Principles and Concepts
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Implementation Options
Complete lesson library - All materials ready for immediate classroom use
Expert educator delivery available in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties (California)
Professional development workshops for teachers
Ongoing curriculum support from CIMWI's education team
Why Teachers Love This Program
✅ Completely free and ready to use
✅ Locally relevant - focuses on Channel Islands marine life
✅ Action-oriented - every lesson includes ways students can make a difference
✅ Scientifically accurate - developed by marine experts and education professionals
✅ Flexible - fits your schedule and teaching style
✅ Bilingual resources for diverse classrooms
Ready to get started?
Browse our complete lesson library or contact us for implementation support and teacher training opportunities.
Questions? Contact our education team: education@cimwi.org