This club will be a fun way to explore the ocean ecosystems of the world together! From the narwhals of the Arctic to the penguins of Antarctica and so much more in between. We will discuss some of the most interesting creatures on earth, such as the sea otters of the kelp forests, the manatees of the mangroves, the puffins of the open ocean, and the giant squids hiding in deep sea trenches. 

Learners will become familiar with ocean ecology, food webs, and the unique biodiversity of earth's ocean ecosystems through games, crafts, science experiments, discussions, and slideshows. Naturalist terms will be introduced that describe animal behavior (eg: carnivore, nocturnal), as well as animal classification terms (eg: invertebrate, amphibian, etc). Listen to animal vocalizations, identify natural objects, and even occasionally meet live animals. The underwater world is full of so many fascinating animals to explore together! 

The beginning of each class will be an opportunity for introductions, sharing, and guided discussion. Students may bring items to class to share related to marine science such as shells, ocean animal toys or stuffed animals, pictures, artwork, etc. Supplemental art and/or science project suggestions will be included based on the weekly theme.  

Each class will be different from, and independent of every other class. During ongoing classes, learners can attend either one or all of the classes, and can join in at any time. 

The 2024 weekly schedule is below;

September 30: Arctic Ocean
October 7: Kelp Forests
October 14: Tidepools
October 21: Mangrove Forests and Barrier Islands
October 28: Beaches and Seashells
November 4: Coral Reef Fish- The Red Sea
November 11: Hawaii & Volcanic Island Reefs
November 18: Coral Types- The Great Barrier Reef
November 25: Hydrothermal vents
December 2: Submarine Volcanoes
December 9: Deep Ocean Trenches
December 16: Open Ocean- Puffins 
December 23: The Galapagos Islands-Marine Iguanas
December 30: Antarctica-Penguins 

MARINE MAMMALS
January 6: Whales 
January 13: Dolphins
January 20: Polar Bears and Walruses
January 27: Sea Otters and Seals
February 3: Manatees and Dugongs

FISH
February 10: Ocean Fish
February 17: Sharks and Rays
February 24: Deep Sea Fish

MARINE INVERTEBRATES
March 3: Octopus and Squid
March 10: Crabs and Starfish
March 17: Mollusks and Jellyfish

PLEASE NOTE: Class will not be held on March 24th

MARINE REPTILES
March 31: Sea Snakes and Saltwater Crocodiles
April 14: Sea Turtles

ANCIENT OCEANS
April 28: Prehistoric Marine Reptiles- Plesiosaurus and Mosasaurus 
May 5: Monster Fish and Extinct Whales
May 12: Prehistoric Marine Invertebrates- Ammonites and Trilobites
May 19: The Megalodon and Ancient Sharks

The following Nature Explorers animals may occasionally make live appearances: 
Scaly: the Corn Snake
Slimy: the Tiger Salamander
Lizzie: The Leopard Gecko

Classes may run up to five minutes over the scheduled time depending on learner discussion and questions.