Join the global schools competition exploring Earth’s most powerful ecosystem.
The ocean is Earth’s blue heart – a living, interconnected system that regulates climate, drives weather, and sustains life across the planet.
In this unit, students journey through five distinct ocean regions to explore how marine ecosystems shape our world. From microscopic plankton and powerful ocean currents to coral reefs and whales, learners uncover how natural systems connect – and what happens when that balance is disrupted.
For Teachers
Share ITZA with your class: itza.io
Access support materials like the Oceans Prep Pack.
That’s it! Students can explore independently — in school or at home.
🏆 School and individual leaderboards are released at the end of each week.
For Students
Go to itza.io and create a free account.
Enter your school team code (from your teacher).
Start in the Oceans Hub.
From there:
Choose your path – Begin anywhere and explore five interactive quests.
Earn the badge – Complete all five to become an Ocean Guardian.
Get rewarded – Earn Yakka to unlock prizes in the ITZA Store.
Go deeper – Submit a conservation project for a chance to become a Villars Fellow.
🏆 School and individual leaderboards are released at the end of each week.
How long does the challenge run for?
The Oceans Challenge runs 2nd – 13th March.
Students can complete the two hours of interactive content in class or at home during this period.
What does the challenge involve?
Students complete five interactive ocean quests in the Oceans Hub to earn their Ocean Guardian badge.
As they progress, they earn Yakka points, which unlock rewards in the ITZA Store.
How long does it take?
The challenge takes approximately two hours to complete.
Two class sessions are usually enough for students to finish all five quests and earn their badge.
How do learners compete?
Students can take part:
• Individually, or
• As part of their school team using a School Code
When students join their school team:
• Points earned contribute to the school’s total
• Weekly individual and school leaderboards track progress
Top learners and top schools win prizes.
What do students earn?
✔ The Ocean Guardian badge
✔ Yakka points to spend in the ITZA Store
✔ A place on the weekly leaderboards
✔ The chance to win challenge prizes
Is the challenge free?
Yes – the Oceans Challenge is completely free to take part.
Do students need to complete all five quests?
Yes. All five quests must be completed to earn the Ocean Guardian badge and unlock rewards.
Can students complete the challenge at home?
Yes. Students can participate independently at home or during class time.
What happens after the challenge ends?
Leaderboards close on 13th March.
Final winners are announced shortly after.
Deliver this unit with confidence using WDC-backed resources:
✔ Lesson plans & curriculum maps
✔ Discussion prompts on pod ethics and conservation
✔ Student certificates and WDC-backed digital credentials
✔ Assessment criteria for student-led projects
How do ocean predators hunt and survive in extreme environments?
Orca pod hunting strategies
Squid game in the deep
How do stingrays help dolphins hunt?
