"Ocean Animals"
How do sea stars eat?  What is the largest animal in the ocean?  How does a fish breathe?  During this videoconference, students will learn about the biggest to the smallest ocean animals.  They will discuss the magnificent whale, identify the external anatomy of fish, examine intertidal animals, and observe plankton under microscopes.  Designed for grades K - 3.

"The Ocean Floor"
How do scientists map the ocean floor?  How do animals that live on the ocean floor hide?  Did you know that flatfish can change their color to closely match the color and pattern of the sand under them?  During this videoconference, students will explore the mysteries of the ocean floor.  They will learn how scientists use sound to map the ocean bottom and discover how different animals live in tidepools, kelp forests, and sandy plains.  Designed for grades 4 - 8.

"Safari Into the Intertidal Zone"
What causes the tides?  How is a shore crab adapted to survive in this harsh but beautiful ecosystem?  How do scientists monitor population in the intertidal ecosystem?  During this videoconference, students will become marine biologists as they study the Dana Point Marine Life Refuge.  They will discover the causes and effects of tides, identify animals in the wild, discuss animal adaptations for survival in the intertidal ecosystem, and learn how scientists monitor animal population in a biological community.  Designed for grades K - 12.

"The Mysterious Whale"
How are the magnificent mammals adapted to survive in the marine environment?  How do scientists identify whales in the wild?  Are whales underwater poets?  During this videoconference, students will explore methods scientists use to study whales in the wild.   They will learn to identify different species of whales, observe whale behavior and record their field observations, and identify whales by making sound maps.  Designed for grades K - 12.

"The Kelp Forest"
What is kelp?  How many animals make their home in the kelp forest?  Did you know that your toothpaste probably contains an extract from a kelp plant?  During this videoconference, students will explore the oceans’ magnificent kelp forests.  They will learn about the parts of the kelp plant, dissect a holdfast to observe the animals that make their home here, discover the fragile kelp forest food chain, and discuss human use of algae.  Designed for grades 4 - 8.

"Careers in Marine Science:  Marine Biology"
How do you become a marine biologist?  How does the work of a marine biologist affect our everyday life?  What techniques do marine biologists use in field research?  During this videoconference, students will observe tools and techniques used by  marine biologists when working in the field.  They will also have the opportunity to ask Ocean Institute biologists about their educational background, their experiences in the field, and their projections for the future.  Designed for grades 7 - 12.