The mix of life in a place - lots of different kinds of living things, plus their different shapes, colours, and ways of living - all connected like a team

Why it matters: The more variety, the healthier the ocean is. Every critter, big or small, has a job.

Fun fact: Coral reefs are full of life: people call them “the rainforests of the sea.”

Say it like this: bye-oh-di-VER-si-tee

Your turn: Imagine if ALL fish looked the same. How boring would the sea be? Write or say one funny thing that would happen.

Do you want to know more? Read Sophia's article about marine species.

The make-believe friends who live in Bubble Buddies Bay, like Theo the urchin, Carci the crab and Teresa the sea turtle. They guide us through ocean stuff, crack silly jokes, and help big words make sense.

Why it matters: Bubble Buddies make learning about the sea fun. When a friendly character explains tides, reefs, or plankton, it’s easier to remember, care, and take action to protect the ocean.

Fun fact: Each Buddy has a quirk. Theo wears a seaweed cape, Carci plays shell drums, and Teresa draws in the sand. (Psst… they love fan mail from little explorers!)

Say it like this: BUH-bul BUH-deez

Your turn: Invent Your Buddy! Draw a new resident for Bubble Buddies Bay. Give them a name, a talent (e.g., “glow-stick dance”), and one ocean tip they always share. Add them to a map of the Bay!

Blurb: Living Light! Some animals make their own glow with a tiny chemical reaction inside their bodies - like nature’s night-lights in blues and greens.

Why it matters: Glowing can hide animals (see countershading), signal friends, confuse predators, or lure dinner. Scientists use glow-chemistry to learn how cells work.

Fun fact: Many glowing seas are made up of dinoflagellates - teeny plankton that flash when the water is stirred. Splash or swish, and the sea will sparkle like stars!

Say it like this: bye-oh-loo-muh-NEH-sens

Your turn: Night-Glow Jar (no glow needed!) In a dark room, fill a jar with water and glitter or tiny paper bits for “plankton.” Tap or swirl to see “flashes.” In real oceans, some plankton make light when they’re jiggled!

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