Life & Ocean Science
In most parts of the Northern Hemisphere, summer is swiftly approaching. In South Texas, it’s already here (hello 90°F weather… I feel your presence ☹ ). For me, summer can only mean one thing – Summer Camp! I haven’t written too extensively on the topic, but I think most people know by now that I... Continue Reading →
There is a myth in the education and STEM world that young children cannot learn higher order skills like data collection or animal classification. Many people say it is too much for them to grasp. In my experience, they absolutely can! Children in the 3 to 6 year old range are naturally extremely curious and... Continue Reading →
This summer has been INCREDIBLY busy. Starting in June, work has been ground zero of one of the largest summer camps in the entire area. Each week for 11 weeks, about 80 kids ranging in age from 4 years old to 18 years old descends upon the aquarium en masse. It’s 11 weeks of pure... Continue Reading →
Simulated Sea Surface Rising As I discussed in my previous post, Teaching Tricky Topics, climate change can be a very tricky subject to teach. But rather than shy away from it, I recommend being strategic about it. By focusing only on the strictly scientific principles involved, using hands-on activities students can experience with their own... Continue Reading →
Climate Change is a tricky topic to teach - I'm sure this doesn't come as a great shock to any of you. Everyone seems to be very divided, with opinions running the full gauntlet. Things are so divided that I've met teachers that have said they do not even teach about it, fearing push back.... Continue Reading →
Looking for a quick time filler that reinforces food webs? Instead of the usual suspects of a land based web or the Antarctic, here is a South Gulf Coast based marine food web. I have it broken down by each animal and energy level. Just copy and paste into M.S. Word to make some quick... Continue Reading →
This multi-part activity really dives deep into the ‘super powers’ of sharks! To survive and dominate in their marine habitat as top predators, over the millennia sharks have developed several unique superpowers, or as they are most commonly known as, adaptations 😉 This activity is a dynamic, hands-on way for students to explore several of... Continue Reading →
This quick and simple activity can be utilized in a variety of lesson plans. I have personally used it to demonstrate both acid rain and ocean acidification. It can be used at the beginning of a lesson to surprise and hook their interests (my recommendation), or after the lesson as a hands-on wrap up. When... Continue Reading →
Salt Water in My Veins 