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 one fish to learn more about. 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. Choose one to learn more about by visiting an aquarium, reading a book, or viewing the internet. 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 two things that live in a coral reef. Observe their shape, color and where they live. You may also wish to create a drawing of a coral reef, visit an aquarium, or create an art project.

5. Jellyfish are 98% water, and they can sting and glow in the dark. Choose one marine life animal that sting or poison their enemy to protect themselves. How do they protect themselves? 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? Learn about one marine animal that have a shell, what it looks like, and its color OR create an art project with shells. 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 three species of marine life.

8. Cookie cutter sharks are small sharks. They have no bones and are considered fish. Find out how it got its name or learn about one other type of shark, their size, and color. Examples: Tiger shark, blue shark, hammerhead, lemon, angel shark, whale shark, and mega mouth.

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 one species. Find out where they live, what they eat and what color they are.

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. Learn about one animal that enjoy plankton OR look at plankton in a microscope, book or online. For extra create a food chain of marine life animals. (Crustaceans” and “Fish” are categories too broad to give an effective, concise summary.) life animals.

11. The study of oceans and marine life is called oceanographer. Learn one about a job or career that uses the ocean or marine animals. Such as aquarium, scuba diver, surf instructor, etc.

12. Sea Turtles are large turtles that spend most of their lives in the seas. They are fast swimmers and vary in color. Find out more about the sea turtle OR create an art project about sea turtles.

13. Have a themed event or fun with your family. Create marine life themed food, drinks or decorations. Refer to the ‘Recipe and Craft’ section in our kit.

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. Refer to the ‘Games’ section in our kit.

15. Be creative and make something that has a marine life or ocean theme. Examples include ocean in a bottle, seashell magnet, walrus puppet. Refer to the ‘Crafts’ section in our kit.

16. Research a map showing the oceans of the world. Choose an animal and find what ocean it livesin or by.

17. Some marine life animals are endangered. Choose one to learn more about and why it is endangered.

18. Watch a movie or read a book about marine life or ocean related items.

19. The brown pelican is a large bird that lives along the coast of oceans. What is a pouch and how do they use it to catch fish? Learn about one bird that lives near the ocean or sea. Examples: 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.