Manatee Lagoon Marine Science Series

Manatee Lagoon has teamed up with The Reef Institute to offer this free educational series for upper elementary/middle school students! The Marine Science Series features ten weekly engaging lessons aligned with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, providing the opportunity for students to take a deep dive into marine science and understand how living organisms, such as manatees and coral reefs, are connected. The lessons are offered in a live, virtual format and led by educators from Manatee Lagoon or The Reef Institute. The goal of the program is to educate students about the importance of marine conservation and inspire the next generation to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.

Dates: This 10-week series starts the week of Sept. 13 and runs through Nov. 19. Lessons will be offered once a week during the timeslot selected during registration. Each lesson will be approximately 20 minutes long with an additional 10 minutes for questions.

Audience: This program is designed for fifth grade. This timeslot is designated for homeschool families. You do not need to be part of Surf Skate Science to attend.

Cost: The program is free with an option to make a donation to support The Reef Institute’s mission.

Topics: Below are the standards-based lessons that will be covered each week.

Thursday, 9am

Week 1 (Sept. 16): What is Marine Science?

Week 2 (Sept. 23): What is a Hypothesis?

Week 3 (Sept. 30): Crustaceans

Week 4 (Oct.7): Erosion

Week 5 (Oct. 14): Tidal Pools and What Lives in Them

Week 6 (Oct. 21): What is a Marine Ecosystem?

Week 7 (Oct. 28): What is Coral?

Week 8 (Nov. 4): How is it All Connected?

Week 9 (Nov. 11): Virtual Field Trip to The Reef Institute or Manatee Lagoon

Week 10 (Nov. 18): Virtual Field Trip to The Reef Institute or Manatee Lagoon

*Please note, the start date for late registrations may change depending on staffing availability. After registering online, late registrants will be contacted by the Manatee Lagoon team directly to confirm the date of their first live lesson.