The ATLAS educational portfolio is a suite of learning resources designed to engage diverse public groups with key themes, approaches and results from the ATLAS project. 
Under the banner of “Atlantic Adventures with ATLAS” the resources include a downloadable cold-water coral reef survey mat, augmented reality colouring sheets, activity packs and other things, all with instructions and background science summaries.
They were all developed especially for ATLAS, designed for use by project partners, teachers, informal educators, and also suitable for home-learning. The resources can be used on their own or combined to provide a full range of activities and a workshop suitable for science festivals, schools*, open days, community events.
*Curriculum links are provided to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (up to Third Level) but all resources are suitable for international use and with family audiences.
Contents of the Portfolio:
A collection of information sheets and pull-up banner designs to explain the project and topics including ocean literacy, exploration technology and taxonomy.
A downloadable composite image of a cold water coral reef with survey sheet in multiple languages.
- Educational Activity Packs on the following topics:
A script, resource list and demonstration film that explains how to run the “Atlantic Adventures with ATLAS” workshop. The workshop is adaptable with modular elements covering a wide variety of topics including general ocean literacy, deep-ocean exploration and cold-water corals.
Information about an ROV simulator developed for ATLAS partners.
3 bespoke augmented reality colouring pages and link to download the free Spectacular app.
An illustrated quiz-style flow chart to explore the characteristics of deep-sea creatures.
An introduction to the concept of ocean literacy and suggested props which highlight the importance of the oceans in our daily lives.
Instructions and information pack. A document outlining all the background science needed to deliver the activity effectively as well as instructions and kit lists for the activity itself.
A3 printable display sheet. An A3 printable sheet that can be displayed alongside the activity to explain it in classrooms or at events.
Our Public Engagement sheet is available in several languages, and there is more information on the importance of the oceans in the school show.
The Atlantic Adventures team in an ocean literacy workshop at Dynamic Earth (c) Dynamic Earth
Lean about the different types of marine technology to help you to get some ideas for designing your own robot wiith the design time ideas pdf
When you have buiilt your robot, fill out a design time worksheet
A full set of instructions for teachers and parents can be found in this Lego design challenge pdf
Instructions on how to construct small clay models of vents which release CO2 gas, inspired by a discovery in the Azores.
Instructions and information pack - a document outlining all the background science needed to deliver the activity effectively as well as instructions and kit lists for the activity itself
A3 printable display sheet - an A3 printable sheet that can be displayed alongside the activity to explain it in classrooms or at events
See more information on hydrothermal vents in the school show.
Making models of hydrothermal vents. (c) Dynamic Earth
This is a public engagement or classroom activity which explores the characteristics of creatures found in the deep sea through a quiz-style flowchart. The downloadable file contains the flowchart as well as a page giving more information about the creatures. Find the pdf here
A quiz-style activity highlighting the lack of plants in the deep sea and featuring a selection of interesting creatures found on ATLAS expeditions.
Instructions and information pack. A document outlining all the background science needed to deliver the activity effectively, as well as instructions and kit lists for the activity itself
Activity pack. This contains resources used as part of the activity - pdf with creature photos and answers on the back. Also contains an A3 printable sheet that can be displayed alongside the activity to excplain it in classrooms or at events.
Black coral with Crab, Logachev Mounds, Rockall Bank. (c) Laurence de Clippele, June 2012
Dynamic Earth worked with QuiverVision Ltd. to develop 3 bespoke augmented reality colouring pages. The pages highlight 3 areas of the Atlantic Ocean that were investigated by the ATLAS scientists.
- A Redfish at the LoVe Observatory, Norway
- A Blackmouth Catshark at the Mingulay Reef Complex, Scotland
- A Deep-Sea Skate and Octopus on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount, Scotland
Download the colouring page PDF and get creative! Then scan the QR Code on the page and explore the deep sea in the Spectacular! App.
Spectacular is available on most mobile devices. Download here. There is a video showing how the app works here.
Colouring Pages can be downloaded here: LoVe Observatory, Mingulay Reef, Hebrides Terrace Seamount
Atlantic Adventures team leader, Izzie, using the Spectacular app during a training session at Dynamic Earth (c) Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth worked with the company Marine Simulation to develop a video-game simulator which allows people to experience what it is like to ‘fly’ an underwater robot as an ATLAS scientist. You can see what one of the missions looks like by visiting the link below. It will take you to a 3D model of a scene from the hydrothermal vents mission. If you have a 360 viewer you can use this too!
For more information on the ROVsim please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dynamic Earth visitors exploring hydrothermal vents in the Azores with the ROV simulator game. (c) Dynamic Earth
A mapping activity which introduces some of the threats faced by cold-water coral reefs.
Instructions and information pack. A document outlining all the background science needed to deliver the activity effectively as well as instructions and kit lists for the activity itself
You can also find an Example Coral Reef Threats sheet and a blank one: Coral Reef threats sheet - plain
Lophelia Pertusa cold-water coral close-up, Mingulay reef complex, JC073 Changing Oceans Expedition (c) Laurence de Clippele, 2012
This is a reef survey floor mat saved as a high resolution pdf file, to be printed on a large scale. The ATLAS project printed this on vinyl banner material 1.5m tall x 3m long. Printing companies can produce this for around €100. Alternatively, it can be printed on A3 paper for class/group activities.
There is also a Reef Survey pack in English, French, German and Spanish. This explains the activity and provides a kit list. There are corresponding keys for running the activity in English, French, German and Spanish. The answers can be found here.
You can find the high resolution file of the mat for download at the Zenodo repository here. Note it is the last of the files, appearing underneath the activity sheets and keys.
Young visitors identifying deep water creatures from Rockall Bank using the Reef Survey Mat (c) Dynamic Earth
An introduction to taxonomy, instructions on how to develop a classification key and a simplified identification key using images of brittlestars from the Mingulay reef.
Instructions and information pack. A document outlining all the background science needed to deliver the activity effectively as well as instructions and kit lists for the activity itself
Activity pack. Downloadable PDF containing photos and keys to be used during the activity.
Blocks used in a simple taxonomy exercise aimed at primary school aged children (c) Dynamic Earth
Learning Officer Fran demonstrating the challenges of working on board a research ship with school pupils in Strathearn, Scotland (c) Dynamic Earth
This show was developed to explain the ATLAS project and the work of people involved in it. It starts with a brief introduction to how and why oceans are important, then moves on to how scientists and engineers work at sea. There are discussions around the technology used for exploration of the deep sea and the challenges posed by deep water. It also features an introduction to cold-water corals, how they feed and how bottom trawling for fish damages them. The show finishes with information about marine protected areas and a compilation video from various ATLAS cruises (expeditions at sea).
Atlantic Adventures with ATLAS Dynamic Earth Full Show
The show demonstrated in this video has been adapted by Dynamic Earth to suit public audiences and informal learning, however the script outlines a longer (45-50 minute) workshop version suitable for schools.
Here is a link to the PowerPoint presentation containing videos which is freely available to download from the ATLAS Community page on Zenodo.
The same link also contains a pdf file which provides an explanation of the show, a kit list, script and video transcript.
Demonstration of the ROV Challenge as part of a school workshop during remote and rural outreach (c) Dynamic Earth
360cean
Explore the CCGS Amundsen cruise in immersive 360° with these free, educational videos. The ATLAS 360° videos can be viewed on any device, but for best results we advise viewing using a virtual reality headset (such as the Google cardboard viewers: https://arvr.google.com/intl/en_uk/cardboard/get-cardboard/).
To enquire about the ATLAS Project branded viewers, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The ATLAS 360° videos onboard the CCGS Amundsen take you on a journey to explore the Canadian Arctic deep seas. The key objective of this scientific mission is to gain an in-depth understanding of the food sources and food delivery pathways to the sponge grounds and cold-water coral reefs.
View the ATLAS 360° videos below:
- The Amundsen vessel breaking through ice #360cean #360video #eu_atlas
- Experience the equipment used to explore the deep-sea #360cean #360video #eu_atlas #Amundsen
Instructions for experiments and demonstrations which introduce the effect of high pressure in the deep ocean.
Instructions and information pack. A document outlining all the background science needed to deliver these demos and activities effectively as well as instructions and kit lists
A3 printable display sheet. An A3 printable sheet that can be displayed alongside the activity to explain it in classrooms or at events
More information can be found in the school show.
Science communication staff demonstrating the effects of high pressure on deep sea creatures (c) Dynamic Earth
Sponge research in the lab (l) and in the field (r) illustrated with Lego © Johanne Vad
Here you can find education packs on the following subjects:
Animal, vegetable, mineral
A quiz-style activity highlighting the lack of plants in the deep-sea and featuring a selection of interesting creatures found on an ATLAS expedition. Animal, veg mineral instructions and activity PDFs
Hydrothermal vents
Instructions on how to construct small clay models of vents which release CO2 gas, inspired by a discovery in the Azores. PDF file available here and more information on p8-9 of the public engagement sheets and in the school show.
Ocean Importance
An introduction to the concept of ocean literacy and suggested props which highlight the importance of the oceans in our daily lives. PDF file here. More information can also be found in our Public Engagement sheet, available in several languages, and in the school show.
Ocean acidification
Instructions for experiments which demonstrate the process of ocean acidification. PDF file here and more information on p4-5 of the public engagement sheets and in the school show.
Pressure in the deep
Instructions for experiments which demonstrate the effect of high pressure: PDF file here. More information can also be found in our Public Engagement sheet on p2-3, available in several languages, and in the school show.
Taxonomy challenge
An introduction to taxonomy, instructions on how to develop a classification key and a simplified identification key using images of brittlestars from the Mingulay reef. Links to PDF files for Taxonomy Challenge Instructions and Taxonomy Challenge Brittlestars.
Threats to coral reefs
A mapping activity which introduces some of the threats faced by cold-water coral reefs. Instructions for Threats to Corals activity. You can also find an Example Coral Reef Threats sheet and a blank one: Coral Reef threats sheet - plain
Lego design time!
A design activity which explains the different types of marine technology and the pros and cons of each example, to help with ideas creating individual designs. See the page containing instructions
Instructions for experiments which demonstrate the process of ocean acidification.
Instructions and information pack. A document outlining all the background science needed to deliver the activity effectively as well as instructions and kit lists for the activity itself
A3 printable display sheet. An A3 printable sheet that can be displayed alongside the activity to explain it in classrooms or at events
Ingredients needed for a simple ocean acidification demonstration (c) Dynamic Earth
We have A3 public engagement sheets available in different languages to support learners in finding out more about the deep sea:
Public Engagement A3 sheet English
Public Engagement A3 sheet Français
Public Engagement A3 sheet Deustch
Public Engagement A3 sheet Español
We also have 6 pull-up banners to explain the ATLAS project to the general public. The banners are designed to fit an 800 mm x 2000 mm template. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like access to the original files. The banners are freely available for download here: https://zenodo.org/record/2651008#.XMGka-hKhPY
