**Duration: **60 minutes

Level: Second Level (P5–P7) and Third Level (S1–S3)

Overview:
This engaging role-play lesson immerses learners in the complex world of marine decision-making by exploring different perspectives on Scotland’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Pupils take on the roles of stakeholders including fishers, conservation groups, tourism operators, local communities, and government voices to debate whether Scotland’s MPAs should have stronger protections. Through structured discussion, evidence-based argument, negotiation, and democratic voting, learners develop critical thinking, communication, and citizenship skills while exploring real environmental and economic trade-offs.

Learning Intentions:
Learners will:

1. Understand how different stakeholders interact with and depend on the marine environment.
2. Analyse conflicting interests surrounding marine protection.
3. Build arguments for or against stronger MPAs from a stakeholder perspective.
4. Participate in a structured debate using evidence and persuasive communication.
5. Explore how public consultations balance environmental, social, and economic priorities.

Success Criteria:
Learners can:

1. • Summarise their stakeholder’s priorities, concerns, and pressures.
2. • Construct informed arguments for or against stronger MPAs.
3. • Engage respectfully in debate using evidence to support viewpoints.
4. • Identify possible compromises between competing interests.
5. • Reflect on the complexity of marine management and policymaking.

Curriculum for Excellence Links:

Sciences

SCN 02-02a / SCN 3-01b – Habitats, threats, and environmental evidence

Social Studies & Geography

• SOC 2-10a / SOC 3-10a – Human impact and resource management
• SOC 2-08a / SOC 3-08a – Environmental sustainability and management strategies
• SOC 2-15a / SOC 3-15a – Group discussion and decision-making
• SOC 3-16a – Understanding and evaluating different viewpoints

Literacy

LIT 2-09a / LIT 3-09a – Discussion, debate, and persuasive communication