Introduction to Marine Biology

Dive into the world of sea turtles, fishes, corals, sharks, and many others in an exploration that will take students 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.  

Students will have an opportunity to work with an interactive software program that allows them to collaborate with other students, take virtual field trips, view videos that support the lesson material, and answer short multiple choice assessments.  There are no pre-requisites for this class, just a curiosity to learn about the world under the sea.