You see them in zoos and aquariums, now learn more about the animals who live on the edge of the oceans. Unlike terrestrial mammals, and unlike cetaceans who spend their whole lives in the seas, these three groups are adapted to life on the edge of the water, an amphibious existence both fruitful and dangerous. Join for a fun, deep dive into science!
Total classes: 12
Duration per class: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade
Suggested credit: One full semester Life Science
Instructor: MacBeth Derham
Instructor email: macbethderham@gmail.com
Course description: A look at the anatomy and physiology, behavior and habitat, and more of marine mammals living on the edge of the sea. This is a companion course to Cetaceans (available as a recorded course through Unlimited Access).
Course outline:
Week 1: Introduction to the seashore environment
Week 2: Otters, from river to ocean
Week 3: Circumpolar Polar Bears
Week 4: Introduction to pinnipeds and respiration
Week 5: Skeletons: Motion in the Ocean (and on shore)
Week 6: 5 Senses, 2 environments
Week 7: Walruses (Circumpolar, too!)
Week 8: True Seals
Week 9: Sea lions
Week 10: Selected species
Week 11: Selected species
Week 12: Behavior in captivity
Course materials: Audubon’s Guide to Marine Mammals of the World (same as Cetaceans) ISBN: 0-375-41141-0 (https://amzn.to/38nbiZb or bookfinder.com)
Homework: Light reading plus weekly quizzes, auto-graded for immediate feedback.
- Teacher: MacBeth Derham