COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#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
COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#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
COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#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
A City of Ashes
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
COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#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
COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#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
COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#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
COVID 19 Things You Can Do to Connect Kids to the Ocean
#7 All Things Sea Grass When we envision the beach, the images we conjure don’t often include grass, but nonetheless, grass plays an important role in beach ecosystems. Years of beach development has harmed shore ecosystems by removing and damaging sand dune grasses that help maintain the structure of beaches and avoid erosion. The threat of […] Read More