Marine Biology Camp for Homeschoolers

Nocturnal Adaptations of Marine Organisms: Through a variety of activities students will discover that the nocturnal marine world is abundant with life and activity. Topics include: comparing and contrasting marine lifestyles, adaptations of marine organisms, predator/prey relationships, vertical migration of plankton, ecological importance of plankton.

Snorkel Workshop (there is an extra charge of $15 to rent snorkel, mask and fins. You may bring your own of course.)

Squid Anatomy: This dissection lab is one of the most popular marine investigations. Students will compare squid anatomy with other cephalopods and discuss broader issues such as phyla classification with emphasis on mollusks.

Near-Shore Coral Reef Exploration & Ecology: High school students may take a snorkeling trip to Looe Key, a coral reef off shore. Younger students will observe non-reef- building corals by snorkeling and/or wading.

Plankton Ecology Lab: Students will collect their own samples using a plankton net, and then we study the ecology and identification of plankton using live specimens and microscopes. Topics include: marine lifestyles, primary producers, trophic levels and food webs, and energy transfer through an ecosystem.

Echinoderm Lab: An animal behavior lab in which students collect invertebrates and design experiments to monitor their various behaviors including defense, feeding, reproduction and competition. This lab uses a variety of stations using microscopes and fact/question cards. Living and preserved specimens of sea stars, brittle stars, sea biscuits, sea urchins and sea cucumbers will be utilized. Echinoderm behavior, symbiotic relationships and ecology will be discussed.

Seagrass Ecology: Students snorkel over seagrass beds to observe the animals that live on and among the seagrass blades. Topics include: physical factors that affect shallow bodies of water, ID of seagrasses and associated organisms, structure of seagrass communities, interactions between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystem, and connectivity to mangrove and coral ecosystems.

Seagrass Transect: High school only. We utilize research equipment and the scientific method after studying seagrasses – students make a hypothesis about the circular nature of seagrass beds. They then conduct a transect across a seagrass bed with their marine science instructor, recording data on water and sediment depth. Back in the lab, students analyze their results, graph their topographical profile and make a cross-section of the seagrass bed.

Shark Biology: This program serves to teach students the true ecology of sharks instead of the myths and sensationalizing in the media. Topics include: external anatomy of sharks, fact vs myth discussion, hands-on activities to learn about shark diversity, and a snorkel excursion to observe sharks in the holding pond. A memorable experience!

Fish Anatomy: External and internal anatomy of bony fishes – may include fish printing, fish dissections, comparison between bony and cartilaginous fishes.

Devotions each day, campfire one evening with singing, marshmallows, and stories.