Unit 1Marine Biology: Ecosystems & Interactions
8 lessons8 Weeks
Marine Biology: Ecosystems & Interactions
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Introduction to Marine Biology Fields and the Deep Sea 
In this lesson, students will be introduced to the many areas that encompass the broad field of marine biology. Additionally, students will study in depth the unique deep sea environment by exploring hydrothermal vent systems and volcanoes, as well as looking at the many unique and usual species that have adaptations such as bioluminescence to live in such extreme temperatures and pressures. 
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Coral Reefs 
In this lesson, students will study many different species of corals and learn about their characteristics and the role they play in ecosystems as a whole. Students will also explore many different forms of aquatic life that thrive around coral reefs, including blacktip reef sharks, clownfish, and parrotfish. 
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Intertidal Zone - Estuaries 
In this lesson, students will explore near shore aquatic ecosystems by learning about estuaries. They will learn about the formation of many estuarine habitats, their unique water composition, as well as investigate marine species that inhabit these ecosystems. Ranging from sea urchins to barnacles, students will explore unique species while exploring wetland ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands!
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Arctic and Antarctic Marine Environments 
In this lesson, students will learn about the arctic and Antarctic environments as well as explore the diverse species that inhabit this polar region, including polar bears, narwhals, and penguins. We will discuss environmental factors that impact their livelihood as well as their unique behaviors and characteristics that help them to exist in the cold temperatures. 
 Week 5
Lesson 5
The Florida Everglades 
In this lesson, students will learn about the dynamic diversity of ecosystems that make up the Everglades! Starting with the beautiful freshwater environment of the Kissimmee River and ending with the amazing salt water environment of the Atlantic Ocean. We will discuss the challenges these areas of the world face every day as well as some of the extraordinary organisms that call this environment their home. 
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Lagoons 
In this lesson, students will learn about one of the most extraordinary warm water ecosystems. Separated from the open ocean by the unique diversity of a coral reef ecosystem, lagoons are home to some of the most fascinating warm water organisms. We will discuss how changes in ocean chemistry have impacted these areas of the aquatic ecosystems as well as impacted the livelihood of the animals in it. 
 Week 7
Lesson 7
The Pacific Ocean
In this lesson, students will learn about one of the largest oceans in the world. We will explore topics such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as well as the challenges faced in protecting such a large ecosystem. We will also look at some of the unique behaviors of the animals living here such as migration patterns and family dynamics between different species. 
 Week 8
Lesson 8
The Atlantic Ocean 
In this lesson, students will learn about the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, We will discuss it's unique circulation patterns as well as how warmer waters in the Atlantic Ocean are influencing life in the Arctic.  Students will learn about a range of different species ranging from the majestic manatee to the graceful seahorses that inhabit the shallow water ecosystem, their unique characteristics and their role in the marine ecosystems. 
Unit 2Marine Species Study: Marine Mammals
4 lessons4 Weeks
Marine Species Study: Marine Mammals
 Week 9
Lesson 9
The Otariidae Marine Mammal Family 
In this lesson, students will learn about the amazing Otariidae marine mammal family! We will explore the unique characteristics that identify the members of this family such as visible ear flaps and sensory whiskers as well as study some of the many species of fur seals and sea lions that comprise this family.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
The Phocidae Marine Mammal Family
In this lesson, students will learn about the fascinating Phocidae marine mammal family! In continuing our study of pinnipeds, students will look at the many diverse attributes of members of this family of "earless" seals and learn about some of the species that are grouped into this family such as harp seals and elephant seals.
 Week 11
Lesson 11
The Odobenidae and Ursidae Marine Mammal Families
In this lesson, students will learn about the last group of pinnipeds - walrus as well as explore the extraordinary Ursidae family! In studying the Odobenidae family, students will learn about the unique characteristics of walrus and about some of the environmental factors that are impacting their populations. In the second part of our lesson, students will learn about the Ursidae marine mammal family and learn about the many unique adaptations of polar bears. 
 Week 12
Lesson 12
The Delphinidae and Mustelidae Marine Mammal Families & Order Sirenian
In our last lesson, students will learn about the Delphinidae and Sirenian marine mammal families as well as learn about the aquatic members of the Mustelidae family. We will look at many different features of the dolphin (Delphinidae) family and learn about some of the many species of dolphin including White-Sided dolphins and  Amazon River dolphins. Next, students will learn about the aquatic members of the Mustelid family - sea otters. Finally, explore the unique characteristics of Sirenians.