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Mini Marine Biology Course: Sharks, Turtles, Whales & Dolphins (FLEX)

This four week flex class will explore some of the most charismatic and iconic marine creatures. We will learn about their anatomy and behaviour, the different species and the threats they face.
WiseOceans Academy
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(190)
Class
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What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1 hour per week. Learners will be expected to watch a video each week. There will also be weekly worksheets to complete and online quizzes and activities will be posted for those who want more.
Assessment
We will provide feedback - written or via video for any work submitted. Learners will receive a completion certificate from WiseOceans Academy

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5
This flex class is designed for students who want to work at their own pace. There are no live sessions. 
In this course we want to share our love and enthusiasm for some of the most iconic and charismatic creatures in our oceans. We know there are lots of ocean lovers out there so we hope that you'll join us and start your journey towards becoming an ocean ambassador.

VIDEO LESSON, WORKSHEETS, GAMES, QUIZZES
Each week we will share a video lesson about each topic. There will be questions posed throughout the video that the learner can 'answer'. The content of the lesson will support the worksheet provided. The worksheet will have a range of tasks suitable for different ages as well as games/puzzles. Original online quizzes will be posted to add to the fun. 

FEEDBACK
There will be optional opportunities for short face-to-face video chats for any learner that requires additional support. Any submitted work submitted will receive feedback.

PLEASE NOTE - these topics are similar in content to those in our Oceans Explorers Club and are not designed to be taken along side these live classes.

Week One: Sharks - So misunderstood and SO awesome. We'll explore their 'super powers', bust some shark myths and learn about iconic species like the great white, hammerhead and whale shark as well as lesser known - but equally amazing sharks.
Week Two: Whales - These charismatic ocean giants are so fascinating. We will learn about the whale family - the difference between baleen and toothed whales - and their unique anatomy and behaviour.
Week Three: Sea turtles - There are just 7 species of sea turtle but there's plenty to learn about them. Sadly all sea turtles are endangered but there are plenty of people working hard to help them. We will look at their life cycle which means lots of cute videos of hatchlings that we've taken over the years.
Week Four: Dolphins - One of the most beloved of ocean creatures. Did you know that dolphins are part of the toothed whale family? And that killer whales are the biggest dolphins? 

Each topic will also explore some of the threats each creature faces. This will be done in a non-gory/non-sensationalist way and focus on what actions are being taken to help and what we can all do as individuals to help.

Learning Goals

Students will learn about the anatomy and behaviour of four marine megafauna animals (Sharks, Whales, Sea turtles, Dolphins) as well exploring the threats they face and potential solutions to these threats.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Sharks
 Along with myth busting some common misconceptions in our lesson we are going to explore just a few of the amazing species of shark that call our oceans home. From the Dwarf lantern shark to Whale sharks we will learn how and what they hunt, where they live, and much more! 
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Turtles
 This week we look at sea turtles - their anatomy, behaviour and life cycle. We will discuss how to tell green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles apart and then finish off learning about some the threats that turtles face. 
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Whales
 Some whales are the biggest creatures in our oceans - yet eat tiny krill and plankton. Others have teeth - but are smaller than some sharks. We will learn how we can tell these two groups apart, and then have a closer look at some of the most famous species. 
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Dolphins
 In this session we will take a look at some of the oceans smartest creatures. We will learn about their anatomy and behaviour, including some of the cool ways they hunt, before having a closer look at some different species. 
1 assignment

Other Details

Supply List
Printable worksheets will be provided. 
The overarching project could require additional resources such as Powerpoint (or equivalent) / video editing if the student wants to use these, but equally, this can be completed with paper and pens.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2021
5.0
190reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Marine Biology from Univeristy of Exeter
Martha
Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology from Bangor University
Hannah
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Nottingham
Liane Fulford
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science from Avans University
Ashley
WiseOceans has been providing virtual marine education for over ten years. Our team of marine biologists are based around the world and their work brings real-life and relevant experiences to the lessons. 

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Self-Paced Class
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$10

weekly
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 3 learners
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Ages: 7-12

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