Marine Zoology: Invertebrates Session 1
This is Part 2 of a 4 part marine zoology series. To take this course, you must successfully complete Marine Biology 101.
Marine Biology 101
Marine Zoology: Invertebrates Session 2
Marine Zoology: Vertebrates
CLASS DESCRIPTION
If you have a student aged 10-17 that has an interest in marine biology, this is the class you want! My degree is in Marine Biology (from Texas A&M University at Galveston), and marine biology was the very first homeschool class I ever taught. I have since branched out into many other sciences, but always love it when I can teach my passion—ocean life! This will not be a “fluff” class, or an “overview”—it is an intensive, science heavy class where students will learn marine biology from many different aspects—taxonomy, evolutionary relationships, anatomy, function, habitat, etc.
There will be dissections in this course. Students can watch me do the dissection online, and I will even give you instructions for obtaining specimens so they can follow along with their own dissection if they would like! Students who do not wish to participate in viewing the dissections may opt out.
CLASS FORMAT
No live classes—view lessons on YOUR schedule. In general, expect 1.5-2.5 hours to work through the lesson plan each week, and an additional 2-5 hours working on assignments (it really depends what assignment your child chooses to do and how they manage their time). For classes with two levels, the material is the same for both—the depth of the assignments differs. Younger students should usually be placed in Level 1. Older students, or younger students who want more of a challenge, should be placed in Level 2.
Each lesson consists of a fully narrated PowerPoint presentation with images and videos to enhance the topics. Students will have access to our learning management system, Canvas, for viewing their lesson, printing worksheets, taking quizzes, viewing/submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and viewing grades/feedback. Read more details about class format.
In this session, students will be focusing on 3 major groups of marine invertebrates:
1. Sponges:
These are the simplest animals on earth, but that doesn’t make them boring (unless they’re a boring sponge—it’s a thing! 🙂 ) We will learn all about the structure of these fascinating creatures, where they live, and several notable species.
2. Cnidarians:
The C is silent, but these group of animals can’t be ignored! These are the jellyfish, corals, and anemones—the first predators on earth! We will dive into this exciting marine phylum with an in depth, multi-week study on the evolutionary adaptations that allowed them to become predators, discuss symbiotic relationships (how can clownfish live in anemones without getting stung), and discuss how coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea- and how global warming threatens the very existence of these animals that have been on earth for millions of years. There will be several labs.
3. Worms:
The sheer number of marine worms is mind-boggling. But the adaptations these worms have that allow them to thrive in their individual niches is simply amazing! We will study several types of worms, and even do a dissection.
I will be creating educational videos to accompany the course- many of these will be on site at various areas around southern California, both at the ocean and in some of our local aquariums. I will also be conducting virtual labs for the students, including dissections. Each week, there will be a choice of hands on projects for students to complete to reinforce their knowledge of the material.
If a link is provided, it is to show you the type of animal you need to order. Below is a list of sources where you can purchase specimens:
Anemone
Jellyfish
I do not personally endorse any of these companies, nor do I receive any kind of compensation for listing them. I suggest you research the individual companies before purchasing. There are also other companies that sell preserved specimens. When given a choice of types, choose plain preserved (you don’t need injected ones).
https://www.homesciencetools.com
Next Level Homeschool is a firm believer that not all learning should happen from behind a screen! That's why we give students the freedom to submit their assignments in the way THEY want to! We don't want regurgitation learning here. By allowing students to use their own talents, skills, and passions to complete assignments, they become even more engaged and retain the information. Why? Because now it's literally in their hands! We receive thousands of projects every year from our students: written reports, videos, models, posters, Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, songs, poems, skits, drawings, sculptures, crafts—we've seen it ALL! And WE LOVE IT!!
Click here to view just a few projects we've received from students who have taken this class and see what YOUR kid could be learning with Next Level Homeschool!
Course Features
- Schedule Fall 2025
- Activities Science
- Lessons 8
- Suggested Ages 10-17 Two Levels
- Time This class is currently closed for enrollments.
