- The Sea Squirts program at Marineland offers an engaging, educational experience focusing on ocean tides and currents.
- The story of "Ducks Overboard" introduces children to the real-world impacts of ocean currents through a fun and interactive narrative.
- Participants engage in creative activities, such as crafting and racing rubber ducks, to solidify understanding of the course material.
- The exclusive program schedule provides a perfect environment for young learners, with activities designed for high energy and excitement levels.
- Marine conservation and zoology are seamlessly woven into the program to foster a stronger connection and understanding of environmental stewardship among young learners.
The Sea Squirts program at Marineland serves as an engaging and educational opportunity for young learners to explore the mechanics of ocean tides and currents. Scheduled for February 12, 2025, this program invites participants into a dynamic learning experience, free from the usual distractions of a busy park setting. Designed with energy-filled children in mind, the program is offered twice a day, in sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., focusing on harnessing their natural curiosity and zest for discovery.
Ocean tides and currents represent powerful forces on Earth, shaping the environment and influencing global ecosystems. By understanding these phenomena, children can appreciate how the ocean operates and supports marine life. Tides are governed by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun, while currents are driven by a mixture of wind patterns, water density variations, and the Earth’s rotation. These elements combine to create a complex system that circulates water around the globe, affecting climate, weather patterns, and marine biodiversity.
The Sea Squirts program kicks off with the fascinating tale of "Ducks Overboard," which recounts a real-life incident where thousands of rubber ducks were accidentally released into the ocean. This event became an unexpected experiment in oceanography, demonstrating how ocean currents can carry objects across vast distances. The story captures the children’s attention, providing a clear and tangible example of how tides and currents operate and interact. Scientists tracked these rubber ducks over the years, learning surprising new information about oceanic pathways, which are still used in research today.
After engaging in the narrative, young participants channel their creativity into crafting their very own rubber duck companions. This hands-on activity not only reinforces the learning from the story but also provides a tactile way for children to connect with the concepts. By producing their own ducks, they delve deeper into understanding oceanic movements and how they influence the travel patterns of floating objects.
A highlight of the day is the rubber ducky race, where children race their crafted ducks, simulating how objects move through water. This activity illustrates the impact of tides and currents on movement, providing a fun yet educational exploration of these natural forces. Participants develop practical skills like observation and deduction, crucial for any budding scientist, as they assess how different variables influence the race outcomes.
The Sea Squirts program emphasizes the broader implications of understanding ocean dynamics, bridging the gap between zoology and environmental conservation. By fostering an early interest in marine science, this initiative aims to nurture a generation attuned to the complexities of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of preserving them. Children learn that even small, seemingly inconsequential events—like a shipment of rubber ducks spilling into the sea—can lead to significant insights about our planet.
While the program is primarily focused on engaging children, it offers substantial content for adults interested in marine sciences. The program not only fosters enthusiasm for oceanography but also underscores the necessity for ongoing research in understanding ocean currents. As global climate changes continue to affect our oceans, initiatives like the Sea Squirts program are vital in illustrating the critical role oceans play in maintaining the balance of life on Earth. For instance, as ocean temperatures rise, currents could change, altering weather patterns and marine life distributions, which underscores the need for conservation efforts and innovative solutions to protect our planet’s future.
In addition to being entertaining, the program cultivates an appreciation for ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine environments. This is woven throughout the day’s activities and stories. Guests are subtly encouraged to reflect on how everything is connected within our global ecosystem, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
While Marineland remains closed to the general public during the event, this exclusivity provides an ideal setting for focused and meaningful teaching. Participants are encouraged to arrive and depart at the scheduled times, ensuring a seamless experience. To join this enriching journey, bookings can be made via the Marineland website, under the "Sea Squirts" tab within the "Learn" section, emphasizing the program’s commitment to accessible and proactive marine education.
By integrating storytelling with active exploration, the Sea Squirts program stands as an exemplar of how education can be both informative and enjoyable. Through this approach, young learners gain essential insights into oceanography’s role in our world, laying the foundation for lifelong interest and advocacy in preserving our seas. As participants leave the program with their crafted rubber ducks and newfound knowledge, they carry with them an enhanced curiosity and respect for the natural world, planting seeds for future inquiry and environmental stewardship.
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Our next Sea Squirts program takes place one week from today on Wednesday February 12, 2025 and our theme is Tides & Currents. 🌊
We’ll begin with the story of “Ducks Overboard” to learn about how thousands of rubber ducks made their way across the globe through the ocean’s tides and currents and then we’ll create our own crafty duck friends and map their journey. We’ll even have a rubber ducky race!
This program is offered twice a day, once at 10am and once at 1pm and is specially designed for high energy levels, little hands, and wide eyes.
Please note that Marineland is closed to the public on this day so participants must arrive and leave at the scheduled time, and will not have access to areas of the park not included in this program.
Book now by clicking on “Sea Squirts” under the “Learn” tab of our website.
