Each summer the popular Ocean Classes for Kids programs are offered at the MERI Center for Marine Studies, located at the mouth of Blue Hill Harbor. On Thursday afternoons in July and August children age 6-12 engage in exciting explorations of coastal habitats with MERI’s marine naturalists. This program is designed to engage the curiosity of young explorers as they experience coastal life first-hand.

Students explore the marine environment through field walks, outdoor adventures, hands-on science experiments, games and crafts. Participants make new friends while netting creatures along the shore; discover hidden trails, and share close up encounters with tide pool animals.

All activities occur within walking distance of the MERI Center, taking advantage of beach, salt marsh, tide pool and stream habitats. Topics rotate frequently so children can sign up for one day or all nine different Thursday classes.

Classes run from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, and cost $25 per student. Space is limited so participants are urged to sign up early!

July 7 - Crabs, Shrimp, Lobsters, OH MY!  
Ocean animals with hard shells like to hide. Learn the tricks used to catch these crustaceans and appreciate their uniquely designed bodies and behaviors.

July 14 - Whale Flukes and Fish Tails
Whales, seals and fish swim in the same ocean and all have amazing adaptations. Let’s explore the world of marine mammals and the amazing varieties of fish in the Gulf of Maine.

July 21 - Ocean Locomotion
Crabs that crawl, porpoises that dive and tuna that cruise. Ocean animals are on the move—learn how they manage to survive with quick speed or special getaway techniques.

July 28 - Marine Habitat Trek
Trek into the field at low tide with a MERI naturalist to learn about intertidal zones, tide pools and salt marsh habitats. Use nets, binoculars and magnifiers to explore the flora and fauna on our shores.
 
August 4 - Sea Creations
Young artists will collect sand, sea glass, stones and sea weed from the shoreline and then create artistic masterpieces inspired by the sea.
 
August 11 - NETS!
Seine nets, dip nets, plankton nets. Find out what is living under the water before it can make its quick getaway. We will also make a net for a future expedition to the shore.

August 18 - Watershed Adventure
Map the Mill stream, go netting for macro invertebrates , determine the water flow and get wet all while learning about watershed dynamics.

 

 

 

 

For a PDF of the Thursday Classes flyer, click here.

To download the Parental Consent form, click here.