Category Archives: Programs

Hands On Holiday Learning

20161113_095649_resized_646x363Ever wondered how many teeth a shark has?  How long sea cucumbers live for?  Which animal throws its stomach out through its mouth to eat?  Ocean Life Education’s Marine Biologist for a Day Program is designed for children with a curiosity about the marine environment and all the animals who live in it.

This program delves well below the surface to provide kids with an in-depth knowledge about sea creatures and clears up some common misconceptions about the ocean’s much maligned apex predator.

Director of Education, Richard Coward, says sharks are always a popular topic on the day.

“So much of what we think we know about sharks comes from movies like Jaws and most of it is incorrect.  Sharks are not attracted by human blood and we’re not on their preferred menu.”

As part of the hands on nature of the program, children get to touch different shark jaws, learning about the shape of their teeth and why they vary so much between species.

An essential part of the learning process is making sure the information is delivered in a fun and tactile way.

While meeting Rainbow, the freshwater turtle, children discover how simple pollutants such as plastic bags are proving fatal to sea turtles. They learn how the reptile’s digestive system prevents rubbish, mistaken as food, from being regurgitated.

For Richard this environmental message is a key point he wants to get across in the program. “We treat the ocean likes it’s invincible but it’s not.  Every little thing that ends up in the sea has the potential to make animals sick – and if they start to die off, the impact on humans is huge as well. Making that connection between sea and land is vital for the planet’s future.”

While stroking sea stars, handling sawfish rostrums and observing a baby shark from close quarters, the children absorb a huge amount of interesting facts, which they share with their parents in a presentation at the end of the day.

Marine Biologist for the Day is a unique program run by Ocean Life Education during school holidays on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.  It’s suitable for 7-12 years olds and is ideal for anyone with a passion for the ocean and a desire to make a difference to the lives of sea creatures.

Find out more

Party Animals

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What’s not to love about a party – the food, the fun… and throw in a friendly turtle, a baby shark, some striking sea stars, and you’ve got the makings of a pretty memorable day for any young nature lovers!

Ocean Life Education loves a good celebration – especially when we get to share our passion for all things sea related with a roomful of eager attendees.  So when the call came to be part of a young shark lover’s birthday, we didn’t need to be asked twice!

Now its fair to say that sharks are not a regular sight at Kawana Aquatic Centre on the Sunshine Coast – and we hasten to add ours was not let loose in the pool but Bob was there none-the-less along with some colourful companions.

The constant rain was forgotten as birthday boy Nixon and his friends became fascinated by our menagerie of marine animals – gentle touching them to help create connection and understanding which will hopefully lead to a lifelong desire to protect them and help conserve their environment.

Our Ocean Life animal ambassadors are guests of honour at all sorts of parties – from Kindy break-ups, to Xmas celebrations and any community events celebrating nature.

And while we like to think we’re educating through fun interactions, sometimes it’s the party recipient themselves who teaches us all a lesson in caring.  Young Mia was so determined to make a difference to ocean animals, she encouraged all her friends to make a donation to the Australian Marine Conservation Society – instead of bringing gifts.  She raised $200 to help fund efforts to preserve our oceans for generations to come.

It’s children like Mia and Nixon that makes it all worthwhile for us and even more reason we love to hang with our party animals.

 

Ocean Life to Outback

ocean to outback jawsOcean Life Education had the rare opportunity to take the Ocean to the Outback this week, as part of a funding program supported by the State Government initiative, Advancing Queensland.

Children in Jandowae, Chinchilla and Dalby were excited to meet our amazing sea creatures which many had never seen before.

As usual, the sea stars proved a big hit, as too did the colourful tropical sea cucumbers with their vibrant coats and super soft bellies.

Bob the banded bamboo shark made an appearance at every show, but he’s not really the touchy feely sort so he prefers the sanctuary of his clear tub.

The logistics were huge to move the animals far from their natural environment.  A truck was hired, 1000 litres of sea water was stored and carried along with pumps and filtration systems.

But all the hard work and effort involved was well and truly worth it according to Ocean Life’s Director of Education, Richard Coward.

“It’s always rewarding to see the children’s faces light up when they get close to our animals – but particularly on this trip where most of the kids had never encountered these animals before.  They were keen to learn all about them and ways they can help preserve the sea creatures’ environment – even when they live a long way from the coast.”

“We explained to the children that every bit of rubbish that ended up in inland waterways will eventually find its way to the ocean where it can be mistaken for food and make the animals very sick.”

And how did the animals react to such a long road journey?

“Our animals are great travellers and are transported in greater comfort than most humans,” said Richard.  “Our other educator Meaghan and myself may take a bit longer to recover from all the excitement!”

But the inland adventures are not over yet – Richard will be heading to Gayndah next month to help a whole new audience fall in love with his colourful array of creatures and become champions of the sea – even if it is from afar!

Marine Biologist for a Day – 10 April

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Become a Marine Biologist for a Day and be immersed in a full day of marine science!

Our new full day program for school aged kids is perfect for those passionate about marine animals and ocean conservation.

In Marine Biologist for a Day, our aim is to educate kids with the right information based on science to create informed, future custodians of the ocean and all its wonderful creatures within it.

What you can expect:

  • Get up close and touch live marine creatures
  • Find out why animals look and feel the way they do, how they function and what their role is in the marine environment
  • Learn what problems humans create for them and why we need to look after them.
  • Learn about Sharks and the important role they play in the marine ecosystem
  • Understand why sharks sometimes attack humans
  • Touch real shark jaws

Marine Biologist for a Day will be an experience they will never forget!

Who this program is for

Marine Biologist for a Day is suitable for students in Grades 2-5. The program is limited to 25 students so they can get the best learning experience.

Parents are invited to arrive half an hour before the conclusion so they may be educated by their children, giving the kids a chance to show off the wealth of new information they have acquired. Parents will be amazed just how much their kids remember.

BOOKINGS OPEN

Monday 10th April, school holidays – 9am – 2.30pm

BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW

Join the Event on our Facebook page or contact us by email or phone 07 5443 8545

Location: Alexandra Headlands, Sunshine Coast Cost: $85 per child

Spaces are limited, bookings essential!