From whale poo to tiny plants: It's half term and we're having fun at Convex Insurance learning all about the amazing 'whale pump'.

This half term we headed to Convex Insurance on a mission to inspire sixty children with the wonder of whales. Armed with our ocean knowledge and our best sticking and gluing skills, we explained the important link between the ocean’s gentle giants and blue carbon.

University of Exeter scientist, Dr Ben Harris, taught us about different types of whales and a process called the ‘whale pump’. This is where enormous whale poos (otherwise known as poonamis!) keep important nutrients suspended near the ocean’s surface where they boost the growth of ocean microalgae. These important microalgae, or phytoplankton, float in the upper part of the ocean where sunlight penetrates the water, allowing them to photosynthesize and absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

After working together to identify different whales from videos, the children made their favourite species of whale or squid using craft materials, explored the ocean through a virtual reality experience, and even tasted squirmy seabed worm puddings!