Shark Tagging Lab 2025 Edition
Four years of running this lab at the Oceanography Camp for Girls and another three running it for the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, this shark tagging lab just keeps getting better!
Dunes: The Beach’s Security Guard
With summer in full swing, how often do you think about dunes? I can tell you right now you probably aren’t thanking them enough! These seemingly simple hills of sand play a crucial role in protecting summer’s most famous ecosystem: beaches! Here’s why you should stay off the dunes, and give them a bit of …
Sediments, Seining, and Seagrass, Oh My!
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 …
Bringing the Arts into the Science Classroom: Allowing students creative freedoms to build their understanding of big picture concepts in marine science
Marine science isn’t just about data charts and dissections—it’s also about expression, innovation, and using what makes you you to make a difference. That’s exactly what happens every year at the end of my marine science class, my students were challenged to bring their individual talents into the world of ocean advocacy. Through an extra …
Earth Day Every Day in a Marine Science Classroom
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 …
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DIY Field Trip: Building a Field Experience Students will Remember (without losing your mind)
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 …
Literature in Marine Science: Celebrating Literacy Week in the Marine Science Classroom
This year’s Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! encouraged educators to build literacy across subjects, and in our high school marine science classroom, we dove headfirst into one of the most iconic ocean-inspired novels of all time: Jaws by Peter Benchley. But instead of focusing on fear, we used this story as a launchpad for science, media literacy, and creative expression. …
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Trials and Tribulations of Fundraising
Raising funds for anything can be a challenge but raising funds for a group of less than 30 people or a class that has no school district funding can be daunting. Having funds is vital for supporting the hands-on experiences that get students involved and excited about the marine world. Being able to be creative …
The Impact of Guest Speakers in a Marine Science Club
In the quest to inspire young minds and foster a deeper understanding of marine science, inviting guest speakers to a marine science club can be a transformative experience. By bringing in experts from various fields, students gain unique insights, firsthand knowledge, and an appreciation for the vast world beneath the waves. I have used my …
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