NOC’s free World Oceans Day online event

To celebrate World Oceans Day on 8 June 2021 the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is providing a free digital day of educational talks, hot-topic discussions and virtual tours, which will replace our usual on-site Open Day.

Our team of speakers are excited to share their latest science and technology with classrooms and homes across the world. Whatever your interest, education or time zone we have something for you. We have live and on-demand talks, downloadable factsheets and colouring in, a scavenger hunt, and an interactive education and career zone.

How to get involved

Teachers/educators

If your class (at school or home) would like to get involved in our morning education sessions please register your class here. Our scientists and engineers will be giving hourly interactive classroom sessions throughout the day on different themes. These sessions are aimed at years 7, 8 and 9 and seek to inspire the next generation of scientists and marine engineers. Come and find out what inspired our experts and their career paths to becoming oceanographers!

1. The role of the ocean in our changing climate with Dr Ben Moat and Dr Alejandra Sanchez-Franks. As a result of climate change, the world is facing unprecedented challenges. Come and find out how our ocean is reacting to the changing climate.
2. Science at the Coast with Dr Jenny Brown and Julia Rulent. Sea Level Rise and coastal hazards are affecting many countries, impacting both society and commerce. What do we need to do to prepared for the future?
3. Yellow Submarines for Greener Ocean Science with Dr Kristian Thaller. We know more about the surface of the moon than we do our Ocean. Therefore, is AI and automation the answer to increasing our understanding of the Ocean and its role in climate change?

If your class (at school or home) would like to get involved in our sessions please click below to find out more, including session times, and to sign up on behalf of your class.

Register for a free ticket for your household or school here

Ocean enthusiasts of all ages

We have a series of live and on-demand talks, based around hot topics and unique careers, happening throughout the afternoon and evening so sign up and drop in. Ask a panel of ocean experts your climate change queries (can the sea save us?) or find out how innovative tech will help us explore extreme environments (how do we explore deep beneath icebergs?), plus it is your chance to ask our experts about plastic pollution (are straws really the big issue?).

Between the scheduled talks, you can take a tour of our two royal research ships, the RRS James Cook and the RRS Discovery. You can also visit the Inspiring Futures exhibit to see what career paths our speakers have been on, from international degrees to apprenticeships. We will also have scientists, engineers and support staff who do a whole host of exciting jobs, on hand to answer questions about their education, qualifications, life at sea and career experiences.

Register for a free ticket for your household or school here