I've always loved the ocean - the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, the mesmerising flow and ebb of the water; and of course, the little creatures that scurry around on the beach, ducking and diving, to avoid being trampled … or eaten by a wayward seagull. And, I guess, this is why we all choose to live on the Sunshine Coast. But, in order to continue enjoying our fabulous beach lifestyle, we need to protect our oceans to keep them healthy, so that future generations will also reap the benefits of unpolluted beach-side living.
Are your children between seven and twelve years of age and love the ocean as much as I do? Does Marine Science or perhaps Marine Biology come into the conversation at home? Or maybe your offspring are at a loss as to what to study when finishing school? Then the
Marine Biologist for a Day workshop might be the way to go and the bonus, is that it's being held during the school holidays.
Our oceans need protecting to keep them so beautiful
The Marine Biologist for a Day workshop is a full day programme that delves into the world of marine science, introducing students to the marine environment whilst engaging students in the science that surrounds our 'fishy' world. This workshop is also ideal to spark the interest of junior students with little or no previous exposure to marine sciences.
The Marine Biologist for a Day workshop will provide students with an in-depth knowledge about sea creatures and clear up some common misconceptions about the ocean's much maligned apex predator. An essential part of the learning process is making sure the information is delivered in a fun and tactile way.
A fully qualified marine biologist will use live touch tanks and preserved marine animals to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the ocean and the creatures that live in it.
Participants will learn about animal ethics
As part of the hands on nature of this workshop, children will get to touch different shark jaws - sharks are always a fascinating topic - and learn about the shape of their teeth and why they vary so much between species.
Children will get to meet Feisty Franky, the freshwater turtle and discover why simple pollutants like plastic bags prove fatal to sea turtles. They will learn how the reptile's digestive system prevents rubbish, mistaken as food, from being regurgitated.
While touching sea stars, handling sawfish rostrums and observing a baby shark from close quarters, the children will absorb a huge amount of interesting facts, which they will later share with their parents in a presentation at the end of the day.
As spaces are limited, bookings are absolutely essential. You can
book your spot to the Marine Biologist for a Day workshop, online here, via eventbrite.com.au
Ocean Life Education brings the sea to you
Richard Coward is the presenter at the Marine Biologist for a Day workshop. Richard is a marine biologist/ecologist and is the founder of
Ocean Life Education. Before this, Richard was the Curator of Fish at Underwater World, which used to be known as Sea Life Aquarium on the Sunshine Coast. Richard is a father of three and loves to share his passion for the ocean, with enquiring young minds. Richard has very extensive experience, managing exhibits in local and overseas aquariums; working with sharks; seals; penguins; turtles; sea jellies; fish; octopus and invertebrates. Richard has also been involved in research projects such as buoyancy syndrome turtle research, shark research and breeding programmes, as well as whale rescue. Richard has even been featured in Totally Wild television series as well as various news broadcasts. So you can rest assured, that all students to the Marine Biologist for a Day workshop are in very capable hands.
Ocean Life Education's mission
'We will imprint in every Australian a sense of ownership and protectiveness of our oceans, and together we will lead the world in the changes necessary for a healthy planet.'
Our marine creatures need to be protected
Yes, the Marine Biologist for a Day workshop is suitable for 7 to 12 year olds.
*What time does the day commence and end?
The workshop commences at 9.00am and will conclude at 2.30pm. Students to please arrive at 8.45am for a 9.00am start. Parents are welcome to join in from 2.00pm at a presentation by their children and to view the live marine animals.
*What to bring?
Children are asked to dress comfortably with enclosed shoes and to bring a hat to wear during morning tea and lunch times. As no food is provided, children are to bring their own lunch, morning tea and drinks, plus plenty of enthusiasm and excitement.
*How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
The Ocean Life Education office can be contacted on office phone (07) 5443-8545 or by email at info@oceanlifeeducation.com.au
Who knows, a 'day' could become a life-long passion!
The Marine Biologist for a Day's timing is spot-on, especially with the issues being brought to our attention in the world today, with the severe ocean pollution and the devastation being caused to our marine creatures. And what better place to start educating, than with workshops, and with our children. An added bonus … our children might love it so much that marine biology could become their future career choice.
Marine Biologist for a Day is hosted by Ocean Life Education.
All images are courtesy of Ocean Life Education FB, unless otherwise indicated
