About this resource

Created by the ACTF in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum, this learning resource supports students and teachers in Years 3 to 6 to explore the award-winning animated television series The Deep in the classroom and beyond. 

Based on the graphic novels by Tom Taylor and James Brouwer, The Deep follows the adventures of the Nekton family - a brilliant team of underwater explorers. With state-of-the-art technology and an unquenchable thirst for discovery, the Nektons explore the mysterious depths of the ocean, where most of our world lies unexplored and unexplained. Read more about the series in the About The Deep section.

Getting started

The Deep learning resource includes two learning sequences. They can be completed individually or together. Each page includes a sequence of tasks students can complete in the classroom with guidance from a teacher.

Learning Sequence 1: Ocean creatures, habitats and stories

Students explore all the fantastical and exciting creatures from The Deep. The tasks and activities centre around science and fiction, asking students to research the different creatures in the series. Applying their knowledge, students determine whether the physical and behavioural characteristics observed in the television series are based on real or imaginary underwater creatures.They then undertake a research task to learn more about four ocean creatures. Using this knowledge, students then design their own creature for an episode of The Deep, create a habitat and write a creative story – combining their science knowledge about real ocean creatures with imagination and creativity.

Learning Sequence 2: Protect the oceans using design and technologies

Design thinking is used by inventors, engineers and creatives to help solve complex problems, come up with imaginative solutions and develop new products that meet people’s needs. Students are encouraged to create a challenge statement based around sustainability and navigation and then collaborate to find a solution using technology. After investigating what technology is and how scientists use it, students work in teams to design an invention to help the Nekon family on their adventures. Using a design thinking framework, students simulate a 'sprint' where ideas are formed and realised in quick succession.

Curriculum links

Learning Sequence 1        
Science English Media Arts Critical and creative thinking

Year 3

AC9S3U01 

AC9E3LE05 

AC9AMA4E01

Level 3 (Years 3-4)

    Year 4

    AC9S4U01 

    AC9E4LE05 

    AC9AMA4E01

    Level 3 (Years 3-4)

    Year 5

    AC9S5U01 

    AC9E5LY06 

    AC9AMA6E01 

    Level 4 (Years 5-6)

    Year 6

    AC9S6U01 

    AC9E6LE05; AC9E6LY01 

    AC9AMA6E01 

    Level 4 (Years 5-6)

    Learning Sequence 2        
    Science Design and Technologies Sustainability Critical and creative thinking

    Year 3

    AC9S3H02; AC9S3I01

    AC9TDE4P01;  AC9TDE4P05

    Design SD1; SD2

    Level 3 (Years 3-4)

      Year 4

      AC9S4H02; AC9S4I01

      AC9TDE4P01;  AC9TDE4P05

      Design SD1; SD2

      Level 3 (Years 3-4)

      Year 5

      AC9S5H02; AC9S5I01

      AC9TDE6P01; C9TDE6P05

      Design SD1; SD2

      Level 4 (Years 5-6)

      Year 6

      AC9S6H02; AC9S6I01

      AC9TDE6P01; C9TDE6P05

      Design SD1; SD2

      Level 4 (Years 5-6)

      The Deep learning resource episode package

      To support this resource, a downloadable episode package is available to teachers. The package includes the full episodes listed below along with the edited clips from The Deep used in this learning resource. Download the The Deep learning resource package here.

      The Deep learning resource episode package
      Episodes in learning sequence 1 

      • Series 1 Episode 1: ‘Here Be Dragons’
      • Series 1 Episode 20: ‘The Song of the Siren’
      • Series 1 Episode 22:Strange Migration’
      • Series 2 Episode 4: ‘Treacherous Waters’
      • Series 3 Episode 7:The Sea Unicorn’
      • Series 4 Episode 3: ‘Little Problems’ 

      Episodes in learning sequence 2

      • Series 1 Episode 12: ‘Phantom Sub’ 
      • Series 1 Episode 14: ‘Junior Nektons’
      • Series 2 Episode 3: ‘Mermaids’
      • Series 3 Episode 9: ‘The Race’
      • Series 4 Episode 8: ‘Unidentified Floating Objects’
      • Series 4 Episode 9: ‘At the bottom of the Gyre’
      • Series 4 Episode 10: ‘Walking with Fish’
      • Series 4 Episode 11: ‘Getting Warmer’

      The Deep graphic novel

      Explore the following links to learn more about The Deep graphic novel and the accompanying Reading Australia teaching resource. 

      Additional resources

      Australian National Maritime Museum Learning Programs https://www.sea.museum/learn 

      Exploring The Deep https://www.exploringthedeep.com/ / https://www.exploringthedeep.com/mission/ 

      The Deep YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugiTRpz7c2eStGB2uZ4DDA

      Feedback

      The ACTF would like to better understand how teachers are using our resources in the classroom. We welcome feedback from teachers who have delivered and adapted our resources. Please reach out to education@actf.com.au with questions, comments and suggestions.

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