Marine Conservation
These homeschool classes are geared for students ages 9-14. Classes will focus on Marine Biology through a diverse array of activities. Each session includes 4 Wednesday classes in the same month, and each class is from 10 AM – 1 PM. Schedule of activities are listed below.
Ages: 9-14
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM. Drop off & pickup are located at the Visitor Center.
Cost: $100 per child, for 4 Wednesday sessions in the same month. $80 per child, for 3 Wednesday sessions December. in Spaces are limited!
*Registration online only*
SESSION 1: October 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2024 – SOLD OUT
Wednesday, October 2
Activity: Intro to Deering and Marine Guidebook
Description: Students will tour the various marine ecosystems of the estate to see the biodiversity and ecology first hand. During this tour, we will be creating a guidebook of the different ecosystems and the species within!
Wednesday, October 9
Activity: Catching Critters & Sea Star Dissection
Description: Students will observe firsthand the biodiversity of the bay during catching critters. Afterwards, students will dissect a Sea Star to learn the unique biology of these echinoderms!
Wednesday, October 16
Activity: Squid Dissection & Bioluminescence
Description: We will dissect a squid and learn about the different adaptations cephalopods have. Afterwards, we will study how animals’ glow adaptation help them survive deep underwater.
Wednesday, October 23
Activity: Marine Engineering & Buoyancy
Description: The students will learn about buoyancy both naturally and manmade. Students will build submarines and then a model plankton in which they will discover how to master buoyancy.
SESSION 2: December 4, 11, & 18, 2024
Wednesday, December 4
Activity: Renewable and Alternative Energy
Description: Students will learn and explore renewable energy and how it can be used within the marine landscape. We will also explore how to build devices to harness renewable energy.
Wednesday, December 11
Activity: MPAs & Coastal Bird Watching
Description: Students will hold a mock town hall meeting in which they will act as stakeholders and learn more about Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Students will then learn about another crucial species within the marine landscape: birds.
Wednesday, December 18
Activity: Restoring the Everglades- Cutler Slough Hike
Description: We will hike through the upper half of Cutler Creek to see how freshwater enters Biscayne Bay. Deering Estate is a part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, in which we are helping to restore historic freshwater flow. We will observe, firsthand, the efforts of this project!
SESSION 3: February 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025
Wednesday, February 5
Activity: Mangrove Hike and Cleanup
Description: Students will hike the Mangrove ecosystems at the Deering estate and participate in a coastal cleanup! Students will then examine and categorize the garbage found to examine the biggest threats to our bay.
Wednesday, February 12
Activity: Environmental Law & Manatee Activity
Description: Students will take part in a forensics activity related to cause of death of a manatee and learn more about environmental law and protection. Students will then use what they’ve learned to craft a bill in a mock court session.
Wednesday, February 19
Activity: Ocean acidification and Shark Dissections
Description: Students will learn about the effects of man-made hazards and how they are affecting the ocean through acidification. Students will then dissect a shark to learn more about its biology and its importance to the marine ecology.
Wednesday, February 26
Activity: Oil Spill and Stingray Dissection
Description: In this class, students will develop a tool to clean up a mock oil spill and debate the creation of a new Marine Protected Area. They also will also conduct a stingray dissection to discover how these animals could potentially be affected by these hazards.
SESSION 4: April 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2025
Wednesday, April 2
Activity: Hurricanes and the Power of Water
Description: We will explore hurricanes and their effects on our coastal ecosystems. Students will learn how hurricanes form and create a simulation to further understand how they are created. Students will then construct a mock city and plan how to defend it from a hurricane.
Wednesday, April 9
Activity: Fishing and Fisheries Management
Description: Students will go fishing in the bay and then participate in a fisheries management activity to learn all about sustainable fisheries! (Please bring your own fishing rod).
Wednesday, April 16
Activity: Water Quality Analysis & Catching Critters
Description: Students will learn about the pH and Salinity of the water and how it can affect the surrounding ecosystems. Different water samples from multiple locations will be examined including water from the bay collected during our catching critters activity!
Wednesday, April 23
Activity: Coastal Expedition
Description: Kayaking south Florida’s coastal areas is the best way to experience the wildlife that call these habitats home. The class will explore that waterways that go through the mangrove forests.
To receive emails for class updates and supplemental material: Please email Ivonne at [email protected]
Please note, scheduled activities are subject to change.
Check out our other Homeschool Programs here.
Registration is via Miami Dade County Park Link. Create your account today by clicking here.
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