Each summer the popular Ocean Classes for Kids programs are offered at the MERI Center for Marine Studies, located at the mouth of Blue Hill Harbor. On Thursday afternoons in July and August children age 6-12 engage in exciting explorations of coastal habitats with MERI’s marine naturalists. This program is designed to engage the curiosity of young explorers as they experience coastal life first-hand.
Students explore the marine environment through field walks, outdoor adventures, hands-on science experiments, games and crafts. Participants make new friends while netting creatures along the shore; discover hidden trails, and share close up encounters with tide pool animals.
All activities occur within walking distance of the MERI Center, taking advantage of beach, salt marsh, tide pool and stream habitats. Topics rotate frequently so children can sign up for one day or all nine different Thursday classes.
Classes run from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, and cost $25 per student. Space is limited so participants are urged to sign up early!
July 8 - Gardens of the Sea 
Learn about sea weed, the least known organism on the sea shore. Find out why it's not really a "plant", learn how to tell how old it is, and discover how tasty it can be!
July 15 - Watershed Adventure
Explore the path of the Mill Stream as it flows through town, using nets to catch and examine its creatures and scientific probes to determine its health.
July 22 - Animals of the Tide
When the tide goes out what is left behind? Look for green crabs, soft shell clams, blue mussels, barnacles, salt marsh fish, starfish and many other organisms. How they live will amaze you!
July 29 - Going Lobstering!
The lobster is an amazing crustacean that most of us know only as a tasty thing to eat. Learn about how lobsters live, what they eat, and what tricks lobster fishers use to catch them.
August 5 - On the Wing
The ocean is home to hundreds of types of sea birds. Why do birds have different shaped wings and feet? Why are marine birds so affected by pollution? Come find out as we go out "On the Wing".
August 12 - Seashore EcoArt
The tide leaves behind the components of works of art every day. Young artists will use beach finding to create works of art inspired by the ocean.
August 19 - Magnificent Marine Mammals
Seals, whales and harbor porpoise are some of our favorite ocean creatures. Explore some of the challenges that these animals face in the 21st century, and what you can do to help.
For a PDF of the Thursday Classes flyer, click here.
To download the Parental Consent form, click here.