In the first eight weeks of this course, students will dive into the world of sea turtles, fishes, corals, sharks, and many others in an exploration that will introduce into the world full of amazing creatures. Explore areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and learn about the multitude of species of aquatic life that exist. Students will learn about coastal ecology and conservation, which will include exploring conservation groups and how they are helping to protect and conserve organisms.  We will also study the biological impacts of climate change and how it is effecting marine organisms such as corals, fish, polar bears, walruses, sea lions, penguins, and sea birds. Students will also explore deep sea biology and learn about animals such as the lanternfish and the cookie cutter shark and discover how they are able to survive in this extreme environment.  Learn about the life cycles and different habitats of underwater organisms and what makes them so amazing and extraordinary. Also, get an introduction to why some species are at risk for extinction and what can be done to protect them.  
      In the last 4 weeks, students will have the opportunity to learn about the amazing marine animals that exist in our environment.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about amazing creatures such as the polar bear which can exist in extreme cold conditions and can hunt on land as well as in the ocean.  We will also take a deeper look into their existence, into why their habitat is diminishing, and they are at risk for extinction. Students will also the extraordinary Orca whales and what makes them one of the ocean's strongest predators. Or the bottlenose dolphin who has a history of being a friend and guide to humans.  Students will have the opportunity to explore marine mammals from all over the world and learn about their presence in the ecosystem they live in.

      Students will work with Nearpod, an interactive software program that allows students to participate in discussion boards, answer short quizzes, go on virtual field trips,  and watch interactive videos that pertain to course material.  There are no pre-requisites for this course, just a love for animals and the environment.
      Students will also work with CK-12 an interactive learning platform, that allows students to answer practice tests, read articles, and work in interactive textbooks. Assignments will be assigned on this platform weekly. Each student will be provided with their own login information to access their assignments and readings, which the teacher will set up.