SeaHive reefs and shelters provide an ideal method for students to maximise their practical participation in projects that use recycled materials to benefit the marine environment.
Students find it especially rewarding to design and deploy their own structures , and then observe first hand how the new habitats they have created are populated by local species.
SeaHives deployed in marinas and harbours should be suspended 2 to 3m below the surface, so they can easily be monitored by students using pole mounted cameras.
Time lapse photography is especially effective for recording how pioneering filter feeding animals and algae attach themselves to SeaHives and rapidly create an entirely new ecosystem.
Key Stage 2 Curriculum Links
- Engineering
- Environment and sustainability
- Science and biology
- Careers and marine industries
SeaHives Workshop Overview
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
(including a flexible 10-minute break if required)
1. Explaining the importance of Plymouth as a maritime hub. (20 minutes)
Using a map of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP), students are introduced to key moments in Plymouth’s history, explore local marine habitats, fishing methods, research and recreational activities. The session includes:
- Key industries and activities in PSNMP
- Fishing net simulation
- Examples of structures that provide shelter for marine life: SeaHive artificial reefs / ARC marine ‘Reef Cubes’ / Living Sea Wall tiles
2. SeaHive Construction (25 minutes)
Students work together in groups of 4 or 5 to build a SeaHive while learning how underwater cameras are used by divers and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to monitor and observe marine wildlife.
3. Sea Life Identification (25 minutes)
Students work together to identify marine animals and plants from images and videos of marine life living in and on SeaHives suspended in Plymouth marinas. Topics include:
- Classification
- Life cycles
- Native and non-native species
- Food webs
A marine-themed ‘Word Search’ of the animals identified is included to reinforce learning.
4. Protecting Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (25 minutes)
Students work in groups to sort a variety of items collected from local beaches into natural and artificial materials. Using magnifying glasses students perform detailed analysis of materials that can be recycled, and discuss different ways that they can help protect the marine environment.
5. Questions and Evaluation (15 minutes)
Students review what they have learned and complete a short evaluation activity.
(Please note: Timings are approximate and can be adapted to suit the needs of each class.)
Price of 2hr session: £249 (inclusive of travel and materials)
(Sea Hives Ltd is not VAT registered.)
These workshops were successfully delivered to Plymouth primary schools earlier in 2026, with positive feedback from teachers, including:
“The children really enjoyed the session and were fully engaged throughout. It was a positive experience for them, and we appreciate the effort put into delivering such an interactive and enjoyable outreach activity.”
“Great session that the children really enjoyed.”
“The outreach session was engaging and the students learnt lots about the Marine Park. The lead practitioner was knowledgeable and kept the children’s interest and the whole session was amazing!”
If you would like me to deliver a session for your Year 4, 5, or 6 students, please contact me by email at [email protected], or call me on +447887 954 616. I would be delighted to discuss availability and answer any of your questions.
