Sea turtles, some of the oldest creatures in the ocean, are guided by the natural light of the moon and stars from the moment they hatch. Unfortunately, bright lights along the shore can confuse these vulnerable creatures, leading them away from the safety of the water.

In this lesson, we’ll discover why sea turtles are so important to marine life. Then, we’ll create our own sea turtle-safe beach light. You’ll see how thoughtful design can help protect these animals and their underwater home!

A 3D model of Forward Education's sea-turtle safe beach light project build.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs are 17 goals created by the United Nations to make the world a better place.

This lesson will help us reach multiple goals, specifically goal 11 and 14. Goal 11 asks us to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable! Goal 14 is all about conserving our oceans.

By creating lighting solutions that limit disruption to natural habitats, we not only help sea turtles but also contribute to creating sustainable, resilient communities that respect their natural surroundings. This is a perfect example of how local actions can contribute to worldwide sustainability efforts.