Visual Marine Biology: Draw Your Way Through the Study of Ocean Life

The Enrichment in Marine Sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) curriculum has 22 lessons in marine science, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, technology, and marine policy that can be used to prepare for a National Ocean Sciences Bowl competition. However, forming a team and competing in the science bowl is not a part of this class. 

Each week will feature a unit from the NEMO curriculum (listed below), a published article which will provide real world context, and live sketches which will bring the material to life. There are 22 units and each will be taught as a stand alone class. Learners can join this ongoing class at any point in the curriculum and can remain enrolled for multiple cycles of the curriculum. 

Completing the NEMO curriculum is a great qualification for Marine Science scholarships offered by NOAA and other ocean stewardship organizations and can be a great foundation for a career with NOAA. In addition to hard science, this class will feature cool ocean animals and ecosystems, while fostering wonderment for the natural world.

Teacher Peter leads learners through class with questions, asking learners to make theories and conjectures. He encourages students to draw along with him as he animates the material. You will see your learner, drawing, answering questions, and sharing their ideas when they log in to class. 

Please bring colored pencils and paper, or an iPad, a stylus, and the app Procreate or Sketchbook to class! 



NEMO Curriculum (Summer 2025):

April 21-25 
Ocean Exploration: Navigation, History of Ocean Science

April 28-May 2	
Ocean Acidification: The Ocean Can Absorb Carbon Dioxide from the Atmosphere

May 5-9	
Biogeochemical Cycle: Carbon Cycling in the Ocean

May 12-16	
The Dead Zone: Plankton blooms; Hypoxia; Dead Zone Formation

May 19-23	
Ocean Layers I: Salinity and Stratification

May 26-30	
Ocean Layers II: Temperature, Salinity and Density

Jun 2-6	
Currents: Thermohaline Circulation and Wind-Driven Currents

Jun 9-13	
Waves: Shallow and Deep Water Waves; Tsunamis

Jun 16-20	
Tides: Tide Causes and Classifications

Jun 23-27	
El Niño: El Niño Drivers and Characteristics

Jun 30-Jul 4	
Technology I: Satellites and in Situ Sampling

Jul 7-11	
Plate Tectonics I: Earth Layers and Plates

Jul 14-18	
Plate Tectonics II: Plate Motion

Jul 21-25	
Sediments: Sediment Composition; Types of Ooze

Jul 28-Aug 1	
Coastal Dynamics: Active/Passive Coasts; Deltas; Erosion

Aug 4-8	
Plankton: Plankton Identification and Types

Aug 11-15	
Invertebrates: Types of Invertebrates; Sampling Techniques

Aug 18-22	
Vertebrates I: Fish Classification; Sustainable Seafood

Aug 25-29	
Vertebrates II: Marine mammals

Sep 1-5	
Marine Ecosystems: Ecosystem Definition; Marine Ecosystem types; Ecosystem-Based 
Management

Sep 8-12	
Marine Policy: Legislative Mandates as Related to Fisheries, Pollution, Climate, and the Ocean

Sep 15-19
Technology II: AUVs ROVs