DISCOVERING MARINE LIFE PATCH PROGRAM

Purchase this patch if you have explored marine life at aquariums, seashores, school, books or any other function involving marine life.

Discovering- To learn more about a subject or group that interests you. To find out information that was not previously known.

All levels need to only complete 3 requirements

1. Dolphins are mammals, so they need air to breathe, and their young are born alive. Research other marine life creatures that are mammals. Find out if they have any unique qualities, the color of their skin, and where they live. Examples are manatees, otters, porpoises, walruses, sea lions, polar bears and whales.

2. There is a large variety of fish. They can be viewed in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Choose at least 3 different types of fish to identify or study. What do they eat, where do they live and what do they look like? Examples: Seahorse, clown fish, salmon, and sting rays.

3. Did you know that if a starfish lost an arm it would grow a new one? This species of marine life is called an echinoderm, a spiny skinned invertebrate. Learn more about this species by watching or researching at least two types. Examples include sea urchins, brittle stars, sea stars, sand dollars and sea cucumbers. For extra, you may which to create an echinoderm art project.

4. Coral Reefs are ecosystems created with coral, algae, and tiny animals. They are usually located in shallow warm water near land. Find out 4 things that live in a coral reef. Observe their shape, color and where they live. For extra you may wish to create a drawing of a coral reef, visit an aquarium, or discover the three different types of reefs.

5. Jellyfish are 98% water, and they can sting and glow in the dark. Discover other marine life animals that sting or poison their enemy to protect themselves. Observe their shape, color and the parts of their body. Examples are octopi, stingrays, puffer fish, anemone, and eels.

6. Many people collect sea shells. They are pretty, shiny and great for art projects. Did you know that animals live in shells? List at least 3 marine animals that have a shell, what it looks like, and its size. You may also create an art project or find out what the interior of a shell looks like. Examples include oysters, clams, scallops, conch, and mussels.

7. Public aquariums offer exhibits, hands on activities, educational sessions, and signs describing the marine life. Visit an aquarium, seashore, or marine life exhibit. You may also discover information by surfing the internet or books. Learn about at least 3 species of marine life. You may also make a collage with pictures about marine life.

8. Cookie cutter sharks are small sharks. It has no bones and is considered a fish. Find out how it got its name. Discover 2 other types of shark, their size, color, and the meaning of their name. Examples: Tiger shark, blue shark, hammerhead, lemon, angel shark, whale shark, and mega mouth. For extra find out how large they get and what they eat.

9. Did you know that crabs walk sideways? They are called crustaceans because they have a hard shell and no back bone, or invertebrate. Some examples include hermit crab, lobster, krill and shrimp. Discover 2 species. Find out where they live, what they eat and what color they are. For extra enjoy eating a dish of seafood.

10. Plankton is microscopic plantlike organism that drifts within the waters they live in. Animals that eat plankton are baleen whales, crustaceans, squid and fish. Explore 2 animals that enjoy plankton. For extra create a food chain of marine life animals.

11. The study of oceans and marine life is called oceanographer. Define some of the jobs an oceanographer may have. Would this be a job you would like to do? Try to think of other jobs that involve the study of marine life or oceans.

12. Sea Turtles are large turtles that spend most of their lives in the seas. They are fast swimmers and vary in color. There are many different types. Find out how the sea turtle’s coloring helps to protect itself from predators. Also learn about where they are born and where they live until adulthood. For extra create a sea turtle art project.

13. The littoral zone is where the land and sea meet, between the high and low tide zones. This area is the home of many organisms. Research or learn more about the life in this zone. Find out their shape, color, and habitat. For extra create an art project using sand or seashore items.

14. Let’s have fun with marine life. Play a game, practice tongue twisters, create a craft or enjoy a party with a marine life theme. Some suggestions are crab walk, "Who am I?," charades, sand art, and sea shell art.

15. The brown pelican is a large bird that lives along the coast of oceans. What is a pouch and how does he use it to catch fish? Discover 2 types of birds that live near the ocean or sea. Examples: Ring billed gull or “seagull”, puffin, penguin, or egret.

This program can be completed by visiting an aquarium, seashore, exploring marine life through books and the internet.

As you explore the different categories of marine life you can make it more fun by implementing games, crafts and charades while the participants are still learning about marine life.