The Secret Lives of Sharks: Understanding Shark Behavior and Conservation

What Will Be Taught?
Students will explore:
✔️ How sharks perceive and interact with their environment
✔️ Shark body language and communication
✔️ Hunting strategies and feeding behaviors
✔️ Migration patterns and navigation skills
✔️ The social structures of different shark species
✔️ Shark-human interactions and safety guidelines
✔️ The role of sharks in marine ecosystems
✔️ Threats to shark populations and conservation efforts
✔️ Research techniques used to study sharks
✔️ Ethical wildlife tourism and responsible shark advocacy

How Is the Class Structured?
Each class will follow a structured format to ensure a dynamic and engaging learning experience:
🔹 Introduction & Warm-Up (5-10 min): Review of key concepts and discussion of real-world shark encounters.
🔹 Main Lesson (20-30 min): A deep dive into the week’s topic using a combination of lecture, visuals, and interactive elements.
🔹 Engagement Activities (5-10 min): Activities may include video clips, games, group discussions, or real shark research case studies.
🔹 Q&A and Reflection (5 min): Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.

How Will I Teach?
Interactive & Multimedia-Based Approach – This class will incorporate engaging slides, high-quality videos of sharks in the wild, real-world research case studies, and interactive discussions.
Experiential Learning – Students will analyze actual shark tracking data, explore behavioral patterns, and even learn how scientists interpret body language signals in sharks.
Storytelling & Real Encounters – Insights from my own experiences and other scientists like Ocean Ramsey’s experiences, along with personal fieldwork stories, will bring shark behavior to life in an exciting way.
Critical Thinking & Discussion-Based Learning – Students will be encouraged to ask questions, analyze scenarios, and participate in meaningful discussions.

What’s My Teaching Style?
🔹 Passionate & Engaging – My goal is to inspire curiosity and a deep appreciation for sharks through energetic, enthusiastic teaching.
🔹 Science-Based & Analytical – While we’ll break down complex concepts, I emphasize real scientific research and evidence in all discussions.
🔹 Student-Centered & Interactive – This is not a passive lecture! Students will engage in discussions, activities, and hands-on learning experiences throughout the course.
🔹 Encouraging & Supportive – No prior knowledge is needed! Whether a student is new to marine science or a budding marine biologist, I create a welcoming environment where all learners can thrive.

How Much Will Learners Interact?
Live Discussions & Q&A – Students will have direct opportunities to ask questions and engage in group discussions.
Interactive Games & Polls – To reinforce concepts, fun activities like shark behavior quizzes and “Guess That Shark” games will be included.
Video Analysis – Students will watch exclusive underwater footage of shark behaviors and analyze body language cues.
Case Studies & Problem-Solving – Learners will investigate real shark research, tracking data, and conservation challenges.
Optional Homework & Projects – For students who want to dive deeper, optional activities like research challenges and creative projects will be available.

Why Take This Class?
Gain expert insights into the fascinating world of sharks
Develop critical thinking skills through real-world science applications
Engage in hands-on learning with videos, activities, and discussions
Be part of a conservation-driven community passionate about ocean life

By the end of this course, students will walk away with a deep understanding of shark behavior, the skills to interpret shark communication, and a passion for marine conservation.