#16 Take A Deep Dive With current social distancing efforts, there is limited opportunity for outdoor exploration. But now thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), you can participate in a virtual field trip to the deep sea synchronized to the full moon on Thursday! Today’s activity is an extension of our “Exploring […]Read More
#15 Design Your Own Ocean Conservation Project! This “COVID-19 Things You Can Do to Connect Your Kids to the Ocean” series has included many activities for kids to learn about ocean ecosystems and problems facing the ocean. Today, however, kids have the opportunity to apply their learning by designing their own conservation project. Research shows that children […]Read More
#14 Ocean Tide Meditation There is much that we can learn from the ocean. Its rhythms and immensity are both peaceful and humbling. The beach, for many of us, is a place we seek our comfort, with the familiar and rhythmic sound of water lapping against the shore. Ocean tides provide an opportunity for us […]Read More
#13 Exploring the Sea Many of us have waded into ocean waters, maybe even snorkeled or SCUBA dived; but despite our experiences having been immersed into the fascinating world of the ocean, we continue to know so little about it. Ocean comprises 71% of the Earth’s surface, yet we have only explored 5% of it. It […]Read More
#12 An Underwater Field Trip During stressful times, sometimes the most important thing that we can do is focus, be present and allow our minds to be still. Today’s activity is about just that. Kids are encouraged to take some time to quietly watch the video attached below, which is a compilation of beautiful underwater […]Read More
#11 The Invasive Lionfish The saying every rose has its thorn, perfectly describes the invasive lionfish—beautiful, but dangerous. Lionfish are native to the Pacific Ocean, where they are kept in check by predators only found there. But unfortunately, either through aquarium trade, storms, shipping or other disturbance, the lionfish has found their way to the […]Read More
As we wheel into the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day under such concerning circumstances in the world, we want to share with you this inspiring piece, created by an Ocean Matters Team Ocean Youth Leader, Connor Webb, age 17. Connor sent us this poem as a reflection of his experience doing coral restoration in Key […]Read More
#10 The Mysterious Lives of Sea Horses Seahorses may look small in comparison to the many animals found on a coral reef, but don’t let their small graceful movements fool you: seahorses play an important role in coral reef ecosystems. They have many features that make them particularly unique. In this activity, kids will learn […]Read More
#9 Understanding the Coral Reef: Our Rainforests of the Sea In this activity, kids will learn basic examples of interdependent relationships in the marine environment through studying coral reef systems. Coral reefs are especially important to understand, because while they only occupy one percent of the ocean floor, they are home to more than 25% […]Read More
#8 All About Alligators Many people might be attracted to Florida for its beaches, coral reefs, and clear water, but the Florida Everglades also provide exciting and diverse wildlife, like alligators! In fact, the Everglades are the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles coexist. Over the years, however, development, man-made dams, […]Read More