FRBV26 CC Engage Citizenship Exploring Marine Ecosystems Nausicaa and Cap Blanc-Nez

On Saturday, March 21st, the students visited Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre in Boulogne-sur-Mer. As Europe’s largest aquarium, it is home to over 58,000 animals. Through three key exhibitions—Journey to the High Seas, Shores and People, and In the Eye of the Climate—the students explored the vital interactions between human activity and the marine environment.

In the large tank, they observed approximately 70 animal species, illustrating both the richness of marine life and its fragility, particularly regarding endangered species. The visit helped them understand that the ocean plays a fundamental role in global climate balance, absorbing nearly 90% of the excess heat linked to human activities and around 30% of CO2 emissions. These topics linked concepts such as climate, energy, and pollution to species’ adaptation, biodiversity, and food webs, while highlighting the challenges of sustainable development and marine resource management.

The visit also provided an opportunity to:

• Discover careers at sea, including roles such as scientists, engineers, technicians, and fishermen.
• Engage with marine life through a hands-on activity at the touch pool.

Unfortunately, the students were unable to attend the "7th Continent" educational activity; however, the issue of plastic pollution was explored in detail during science workshops the following Monday. On the return journey, the group stopped at Cap Blanc-Nez, a stunning natural site featuring white chalk cliffs that overlook the English Channel—at this point, France and the United Kingdom are separated by only thirty kilometres.

This visit forms part of an educational initiative designed to help pupils understand the central role of ocean ecosystems in regulating the climate. Students left with a deeper understanding of environmental issues and a greater sense of civic responsibility, specifically identifying practical steps to reduce plastic waste. This trip aligns with the National Curriculum’s educational pathways as well as the United Nations 2030 Agenda, raising awareness of global citizenship and responsible consumption.