Ocean Adventure - Scheduling Guide

In-School Marine Programs For All Ages

Examples of Program Topics Available

Introduction to Oceans - Gr. K-1 - 45 to 60 minutes
A basic ocean awareness program covering:

earth is mostly covered by oceans
the habitats found there
the animals found there (both dried and live displays)

This program is for students that may find the touch tank program over their heads or will get the touch tank in grade one next year.

get program outline here

"You captured their curiosity!"
Grade 2, St. Frances Elementary School (4/28/97)

Live Animal Touch Tank- Gr. 1-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
Live ocean animals from local waters to observe and hold. We emphasize:

respect for other life forms
life history of animals shown
habitats and niches occupied
commercial importance of some species. The subtext of the show is animal classification - why we put animals into groupings, how it's done, why scientists use those weird long names for animals. This program is the perennial favorite.

get program outline here

"You made them think."
Grade 3, Teague Park School (3/10/97)

How Fishermen Catch Fish- Gr. 2-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
How fish are harvested commercially in Maine. This very hands-on and interactive program:

uses actual pieces of fishing gear for students to crawl through, etc.
notes the economic importance of commercial fishing to Maine
addresses fisheries management and environmental issues currently being raised about fishing

This program is a lot of fun and fits well into a Maine Studies unit.

get program outline here

The Gulf of Maine - A Sea Within a Sea- Gr. 4-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
This amusing, high energy program discusses why this area off New England is so unique and productive. It includes:

underwater geology (what and where is Georges Bank?)

chemical oceanography (why is the ocean salty?)

physical oceanography (how do tides work?)

biological oceanography (food chains and energy pathways)

fisheries management (we can catch some but not all)

This program also fits a Maine Studies curriculum.

get program outline here

"Very educational - made it fun"
Grade 6, Opal Myrick School (1/17/97)

The Maine Coast- Gr. 3-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
The relationship between Maine's varied coastal geology and the animals that live in those many habitats is explored. Designed specifically for a Maine Studies unit, this program covers:

cliffs and deep water animals
mudflats, marshes and their residents
rocky shore and intertidal zonation
beaches and their unique inhabitants

get program outline here

"Enjoyed how Mr. Averill interspersed his info with witty comments."
Grade 4, Fort Kent Elementary School (4/2/98)

"Program moved slowly enough for explanation, quickly enough to maintain interest."
Grade Kindergarten, Sebago Elementary School (3/5/96)

Maine's Marine Mammals- Gr. 3-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
An overview of the whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals of Maine. A life-size orca display and real whale bones and teeth are used to cover:

what makes a mammal a mammal
differences between ocean and land mammals
characteristics of toothed and baleen whales

Two versions of the program are available: one that uses whales as an example of evolutionary processes and one that does not enter the evolution debate. Neither program reveals my personal feelings on the issue.

get program outline here

"Excellent info with super props."
Grade 5, MSAD #70 School (5/20/97)

Sharks! Gr. 2-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
After debunking the many myths about sharks (no, the don't often eat people) we explore the special features of this fascinating group of animals.

differences between sharks and fish
where they came from and how they are built
their amazing senses (all 6 of them)

get program outline here

"Material just challenging enough. I like the use of humor that appeals to my group."
Grade 2, Woodland Elementary School (2/10/95)

How The Ocean Is Built Gr. 4-12 - 60 to 75 minutes
This basic physical oceanography program covers:

continental drift
ocean currents and the Gulf Stream
tides

get program outline here

Any other ocean topic

We have the resources to custom design almost any other marine topic to fit your curriculum. If you have an idea of an area you would like covered, give us a call and we can discuss it.