Homeschool at Sea

Every summer, Southwest Florida's beaches become nesting sites for one of the ocean's most beloved animals: sea turtles! Our most common nesters on Sanibel are loggerhead and green sea turtles. Join us to learn about the incredible nesting process of sea turtles: from a mother turtle's nighttime visit to the beach to the exciting emergence of hatchlings racing toward the Gulf. With September toward the end of the season, we’ll also have some exciting updates to share on how many nests were laid by species. And of course, we’ll focus on how people can help protect these incredible marine reptiles.

So, you want to be a biologist, huh? You know, it’s not all it’s dreamt to be - getting dirty, doing hot and sweaty fieldwork, and finding ways to catch creatures…wait, that IS kind of fun! Join Sanibel Sea School this week just to find out what it takes to be a biologist, a person who studies life. We’ll learn how their role in monitoring wildlife on Earth is critical to conservation. We’ll learn field research techniques, analyze data, and use the same tools professionals use. There will be science, fun and games, and plenty of time for a swim in the Gulf.

Dive beneath the waves and discover the colorful world of coral reefs! In this hands-on homeschool class, students will explore how coral reefs form, meet the fascinating animals that call them home, and learn why these ecosystems are so important to ocean health. Through games, activities, and up-close investigations, we'll uncover the relationships between corals, seagrasses, and mangrove habitats while learning about the challenges reefs face and how we can help protect them. Join us as we explore one of the most diverse and vibrant habitats on Earth!

Mimicry in marine animals is a survival strategy where a species evolves to superficially resemble another organism, object, or environmental feature. This deception helps them avoid predators, ambush prey, or secure safe foraging. Unlike standard camouflage, which just helps an animal blend into the background, mimicry involves imitating something to trick others. This week we’ll learn about a few sea creatures that have perfected this technique and even test out this strategy ourselves. There are plenty of examples to uncover as we net, snorkel, and explore all over the island!

Not all animals have the same impact on their ecosystems! This week is all about keystone species and why some creatures are essential to the health of entire habitats. We'll focus on two Florida icons—the gopher tortoise and the American alligator—and explore how their homes and behaviors support countless other plants and animals. Join us on a journey to the uplands, a place often overlooked when it comes to wild Florida.

There are so many incredible examples of bioluminescence (an organism’s ability to create light) in the sea. Most well-known, of course, are the deep-sea creatures that live in complete darkness, like the angler fish. But there are also examples near shore that wash up on our beach all the time, like the parchment tube worm that emits blue flashes of light. Regardless of when and how, it’s an incredible adaptation that helps animals survive. We’ll explore some fascinating examples, experiment with glow-in-the-dark art, and play lots of fun games.

This week we’re exploring invasive species in Florida. Creatures that don’t belong and cause harm to native wildlife. Many examples are reptiles like iguanas, brown anoles, and, recently discovered on Sanibel, the giant ameiva. Sadly, the problem isn’t exclusive to the terrestrial environment. Lionfish are the most infamous marine invasive and more recently, tropical seagrass species native to the Red Sea have popped up in Biscayne Bay. Join us to learn how these animals move around the globe, their impact on the environment, and what we can do to help.

Take to the skies as we discover the amazing world of birds of prey! From ospreys and bald eagles to owls and hawks, students will learn what makes these incredible hunters so well adapted to their habitats. We’ll learn to use binoculars, observe feathers under a microscope, and play lots of fun games to understand how raptors use their keen eyesight, sharp talons, and powerful beaks to survive. Join us as we meet some of Southwest Florida's most fascinating feathered predators!

Marine science is always evolving, with new discoveries being made every day! In this class, our educators will dive into a recently published news article or peer-reviewed scientific study and bring the research to life through hands-on activities, experiments, and discussion. Students will explore cutting-edge topics, learn how scientists make new discoveries, and see how marine science is shaping our understanding of the ocean. No two classes are the same, making each session a unique opportunity to experience the latest in marine science!

This week, students will learn about the powerful predators that help keep ecosystems healthy and in balance. From sharks to crocs to bobcats, we'll explore the incredible adaptations that make these animals successful predators on both land and sea and learn why they play such an important role in nature. Southwest Florida has so many incredible examples to focus on – it’ll be hard to choose just one! Often misunderstood, we’re sure you’ll leave this class with a newfound appreciation for the rulers of the food web.

Sanibel's beaches come alive each winter with thousands of resident and migratory shorebirds! Join us as we learn to identify some of the island's most common beach visitors by comparing groups like plovers, sandpipers, terns, and gulls. Students will discover the clues that birders use, such as beak shape, leg length, feeding behavior, and habitat, to tell these look-alike species apart. We'll head to the beach with binoculars, a scope, and field guides to observe birds in their natural habitat and see firsthand why Sanibel is such an important stop along the way.