Explore the Fascinating World of Marine Biology & Marine Mammals!

In the first 4 weeks, 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 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 into why some species are at risk for extinction and what can be done to protect them.  
      In the second 4 weeks, students will continue explore areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and learn about the multitude of species of aquatic life that exist but also some of the chemical processes and challenges that these marine organisms face due to our ever-changing environment.  Students will learn about coastal ecology and conservation, which will include exploring conservation groups and how they are helping to protect and conserve organisms.  Students will also be looking at effects of pollution, invasive species, and processes such as coral bleaching.  We will also study the biological impacts of climate change and how it effecting marine organisms such as corals, fish, polar bears, walruses, sea lions, penguins, and sea birds.  Students will also explore deep sea biology  and continue to learn about the magnificent creatures of the deep and how they survive. Students will look deeper into processes such as photosynthesis and bioluminescence. Learn about the life cycles and different habitats of underwater organisms and what makes them so amazing and extraordinary.  Also get an introduction into 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 who 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 oceans 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 an interactive software program, nearpod, that allows them to take short quizzes, answer short questions, collaborate with other students and watch short interactive videos pertaining to course material.