自然探索者國際俱樂部 3 - 海洋

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 2025 weekly schedule is below;

MARINE MAMMALS
February 3: Baleen Whales
February 10: Dolphins and Orcas
February 17: Polar Bears and Walruses
February 24: Sea Otters and Seals
March 3: Manatees and Dugongs

OCEAN BIRDS
March 10: Pelagic Birds and Shorebirds

MARINE REPTILES
March 17: Sea Turtles
PLEASE NOTE: Class will not be held on March 24th
March 31: Sea Snakes and Saltwater Crocodiles

FISH
April 7: Ocean Fish
April 14: Sharks and Rays
April 21: Deep Sea Fish

MARINE INVERTEBRATES
April 28: Coral and Jellyfish
May 5: Crabs and Starfish
May 12: Octopus and Squid
PLEASE NOTE: Class will not be held on May 19 and May 26
June 2: Seashells

MARINE GEOLOGY
June 9: Tectonic Plates and Deep Ocean Trenches
June 16: Submarine Volcanoes
June 30: Hydrothermal Vents

PLEASE NOTE: Class will not meet in July for summer break. Class will be held for the below two weeks in August and will resume a regular weekly schedule on September 8th.

August 11: Speleology- Underwater Caves and Cave Creatures
August 18: Unusual Ocean Animals of the World

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.