MMC Participates in “Ocean Kids” at the University of Miami

The Marine Mammal Conservancy joined the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the F.I.N.SEA Foundation for the second annual “Ocean Kids” Day on Saturday, November 14^th.  Third graders from four low performing, high-needs elementary schools around Miami came for a day of marine science adventures.  After arriving, each class created a banner with their handprints to commemorate their experiences and share with their school.  Students then broke into groups to rotate through stations where they learned about conservation and the ocean by dissecting squid, fishing for fun facts, and using microscopes.  When arriving at MMC, students were given a brief overview on what to do and what not to do if they find a stranded marine mammal.  Students learned who to call for help and why it’s not good to push a stranded animal back into the water.  They then put into practice what they learned and helped respond to two stranded dolphins.  Students practiced how to properly approach and hold a dolphin as well as how to use materials like towels, sheets, and buckets to help keep the animals cool and shaded.  They then transported the animals to our rehabilitation site and learned how to tube feed an animal to help rehydrate it.  Through these interactive lessons, the students learned how to protect the oceans and gained a greater understanding of how to be better stewards of our oceans and the creatures that live in it.  The day finished up with motivational activities empowering the children to create positive change in the health of our oceans!