Welcome to the Wonderful World of Marine Biology (Ages 9-14)

Have you ever wondered about the magical world of animals and organisms that exist in our aquatic environment? 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 affecting marine organisms such as corals, fish, polar bears, walruses, sea lions, penguins, and sea birds.   Learn about the life cycles and different habitats of underwater organisms and what makes them so amazing and extraordinary.  Also, get an introduction to why some species are at risk for extinction and what can be done to protect them.  

In this 20 week course, students will have the opportunity to explore the marine environment in areas throughout the world. Students will learn about how the different environments are home to amazing animals, organisms, and plant species and how the effects of pollution, unsustainable development, and our growing human population is affecting them. 

Students will work with an interactive software program, nearpod, that allows them to take short quizzes, answer short questions, collaborate with other students and watch short interactive videos pertaining to course material. 

Week 1: The Deep Sea
Week 2: Coral Reefs
Week 3: Estuaries
Week 4: The Arctic
Week 5: The Everglades
Week 6: Lagoons
Week 7: The Pacific Ocean
Week 8: The Atlantic Ocean
Week 9: Rivers
Week 10: Lakes & Ponds
Week 11: The Galapagos Islands
Week 12: The Hawaiian Islands
Week 13: The Indian Ocean
Week 14: The Black Sea
Week 15: Caribbean Sea
Week 16: New Zealand  
Week 17: Kelp Forests
Week 18: Deep Sea Coral Reefs
Week 19: The Java Sea
Week 20: The Tigris & Euphrates River System

Students will also receive an optional project where they will research a marine animal, a place in the ocean, an endangered area or animal, or an issue facing the ocean. Then, they will have the opportunity to create a poster, brochure, write a children’s book, an art project, paper, or scrapbook based on the information found. They will also have the opportunity to present their findings to the class on our last meeting time. As always, if students need any help researching their topic I am more than happy to provide them with the necessary readings and information.