Marine Biology Program

MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM

Spring 2026   

Ages 11+

So, your kid wants to be a Marine Biologist? Our new Marine Biology Program provides full-day learning experiences where students engage in hands-on scientific practices, specimen observation and survey techniques to learn more about marine organisms and the ecosystems they inhabit. Students receive a certificate of completion at the end of each session. All lab costs are included in the registration fee.

Instructors: Peyton White, MSc and Tonya Shearer, PhD

Location: STEM LAB (suite 21) 

Course fee: $99/session or $499 for program (10 sessions) plus $0.99 AH fee

Register for full program or individual sessions.

REGISTER

LAB SCHEDULE:

SHARK ANATOMY - Monday, January 19 - 8:30am-4:30pm

We study the diversity of shark species and investigate the external and internal anatomy of a spiny dogfish shark.

REEF FISH IDENTIFICATION - Monday, February 16 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Students learn how to recognize common reef fish families, species and life stages using key anatomical features, coloration patterns, behavior, and habitat preferences.

SEA TURTLE SCIENCE - Tuesday, February 17 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Students learn the identifying features and ecological differences of sea turtle species, as well as their nesting behaviors and the environmental threats they face.   

MARINE MAMMALS - Monday, March 16 - 8:30am-4:30pm

We characterize the diversity of marine mammals, including their physical and behavioral adaptations, habitat ranges and identifying features, as well as learn about rescue efforts to protect marine mammal species.

CORAL RESTORATION - Monday, April 6 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Students learn the ecological importance of coral reefs, investigate the biology and identification of coral species and practice restoration techniques used by scientists and coral restoration programs.

THE ARTHROPODS – Tuesday, April 7 - 8:30am-4:30pm

We investigate the diversity of arthropods as students use microscopes to observe plankton, study the life cycle and behavior of brine shrimp and observe the external and internal anatomy of a decapod.

SQUID & CLAM DISSECTIONS – Wednesday, April 8 - 8:30am-4:30pm

We examine the internal and external anatomy of two diverse members of the phylum Mollusca to determine how these features enable their survival in their environments.

SEA STARS & URCHINS – Thursday, April 9 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Students study the diversity of the phylum Echinodermata, perform a dissection to investigate their anatomy and learn their importance in keeping reef and intertidal ecosystems healthy.

REEF SURVEYS – Friday, April 10 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Students learn and practice ecological survey techniques used by marine biologists to collect data from coral reef ecosystems, including fish abundance surveys, invertebrate identification surveys and habitat surveys.

LIVING UNDERWATER – Friday, May 22 - 8:30am-4:30pm

We investigate how marine organisms interpret their underwater world as we study the effects of pressure, learn how sound moves through water, understand buoyancy principles and observe how light is affected by water.