Club de Científicos Marinos Jóvenes

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. 

Weekly themes are below for 2024.


OCEAN BIRDS
December 23: Pelagic Birds (albatross and puffin) 
December 30: Shorebirds (pelicans and sandpipers)

ANCIENT OCEANS
January 6: The Megalodon and Ancient Sharks
January 13: Giant Ocean Reptiles (plesiosaurus and mosasaurus)
January 20: Prehistoric Marine Invertebrates (ammonites and trilobites)
January 27: Monster Fish (dunkleosteus, leedsichthys, helicoprion)
February 3: Extinct Whales

ECOSYSTEMS
February 10: Arctic Ocean
February 17: Kelp Forests
February 24: Tidepools
March 3: Mangrove Forests 
March 10: Beaches and Islands
March 17: Coral Reef Fish- The Red Sea
PLEASE NOTE: Class will not be held on March 26
March 31: Hawaii & Volcanic Island Reefs
April 7: Coral Types- The Great Barrier Reef
April 14: Open Ocean
April 21: Antarctica

MARINE GEOLOGY
April 28: Tectonic Plates and Deep Ocean Trenches
May 5: Hydrothermal Features
May 12: Submarine Volcanoes



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.