As an educator who’s passionate about bringing real-world science into the classroom, I was thrilled to attend the recent teacher preview event at the brand-new Mote Science Education Aquarium (aka Mote SEA). This impressive facility, built by the renowned marine research outfit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, opens a fresh chapter in marine science education for Florida—and I’m …
When you think of essential ecosystems, especially in Florida, what do you think of? Usual responses are beaches and coral reefs, the typical tourist pamphlet places. But there’s some ecosystems arguably more crucial to our economy, lifestyle, and overall environment. If you’ve heard from me before you can probably already guess where this is going… …
It’s the first outing of the new school year and we had one of the best gatherings ever! We went into the outing full of questions about weather, water quality, and how many planned on coming but came out with nearly twenty kids, a great collection of juvenile critters, and so so much fun! The …
It’s back to school week here in South Florida and I have spent the last month redecorating, relearning, and revamping my classroom vibes and engagement skills to prepare for my new kiddos to come back this past week! So if you’re trying to plan out what you think your students need, what you need, and …
Are you aware of sharks? From tiny little sharks that only grow up to 4 feet like the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo).. To the calm, lazy, nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) that lay under rock overhangs, who sit and relax, even when we dive up close… To the sharkiest looking sharks the sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) …
As I sit here in the Houston airport, waiting for my long delayed flight home to Florida from a week in Lafayette, Louisiana.. I can’t help but think of how amazing it has been to keep coming back to this conference. The friends, the experiences, the resources. It’s rare a conference both makes you feel …
Getting girls interested in fish, sediment, plants, and all things slimy and dirty! One thing I adore about USF’s Oceanography camp for girls is that I get the opportunity to show a group of amazing young women some of the tasks scientists use in the field as research tactics. This year I co-lead my favorite …
At Sharky Shenanigans, we believe Earth Day isn’t just a one-day party — it’s a year-long adventure! In a high school marine science classroom, every day can be Earth Day when we mix mindfulness, action, and a little salty sea spirit. Here’s how we’re making waves for the planet — with a special shoutout to …
Read more “Earth Day Every Day in a Marine Science Classroom”
Let’s be honest: even adult scientists groan a little when they see a long, data-heavy research paper. So how do we get high school students not just to read scientific literature, but actually enjoy it—and better yet, write it?
There’s something magical about watching your students explore the outdoors, get their hands dirty in the muck, and finally understand how an estuary works because they’re standing in one. But if you’ve ever tried to book a field trip and found your dream experience booked up—or just not quite right for your curriculum—you’ve probably thought: “What if I just …