Photo Activities for Teachers
Explore ocean life through Troy Mayne’s real underwater photographs. These free classroom activities suit ages 6–12, with separate prompts for ages 6–8 and 9–12. No Reef Gang book is required.
Free classroom activity packs
Each four-page PDF includes two photo studies, a pupil worksheet and teacher notes with suggested answers. Project the photographs and print just the worksheet if preferred. PDFs open in a new tab, where you can save or print them.
Original starter activities
1. Look closely
Use the close-up photograph in the pack. Name three things you can see, sketch one detail and ask a question. Try: I notice … I think … because … I wonder … Discuss which statements are observations and which need more evidence.
2. Compare ocean homes
Compare the coral reef and seagrass photographs in the pack. Find two similarities and two differences. Draw each habitat and label three visible features. Ask what other evidence could help you learn about the animals that live there.
3. A camouflage detective
Find the animals in the pack's camouflage photographs. Look for eyes, body edges, colours and textures. Design a paper animal that blends into a patterned background and explain your choices. A still photograph does not show an animal changing colour over time. Underwater photography © Troy Mayne / Oceanic Imagery.