As much of the country, and the world, deals with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are being closed as the population goes into social isolation amid stay-at-home orders by state and local governments.
In order to provide educational opportunities for children stuck in their houses, several organizations and scientists are offering shark-themed programs. Please check back as this page will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Have an event for kids that you would like to have listed? Send email or press release to news@sharkophile.com.
Educational Programs with Guy Harvey
World-renowned marine artist, shark expert, and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey is helping families stay engaged, entertained and educated while they spend time at home during COVID-19 with 2 initiatives, at no cost, announced today:
- 25 fun and fascinating educational videos at GuyHarvey.com that give an up close and personal look at the white shark, white marlin, shortfin mako shark, barracuda, oceanic whitetop shark, grouper, stingray and great hammerhead shark, among others
- Live marine-inspired art instruction sessions for all ages on Facebook Live from Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. (EST)
Shark Talk Seminars
Sharks4Kids will offer seminars led by some of the biggest shark experts to teach kids everything from shark anatomy to shark photography. Go to https://www.sharks4kids.com/webinars for more information on speakers and the links to join.
Storytime with the AWSC
Starting March 16, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will be hosting a daily shark story time for kids with a Q and A session with AWSC experts at 10 a.m. ET live on Facebook.
The following week, AWSC will offer a series of lectures from shark experts starting Monday with the AWSC staff talking shark biology. Tuesday will feature a live question and answer session with aquanaut, ocean conservationist, and documentary filmmaker Fabien Cousteau. Wednesday will feature a kids sing-a-long and Thursday will have another lecture by AWSC experts on shark anatomy. Put all of that newfound knowledge to the test with live trivia on Friday.
Mote Goes Remote
Mote Marine Laboratories in Sarasota will be offering several shark-themed online activities for kids as part of their Mote Goes Remote program. Kids can learn how to draw a shark through the artSEA program on Mote’s Facebook page, here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2678005028991839. Click the link for a demo video on Facebook, and there, post your shark drawings in the comments.
Kids can also explore marine science at home with #ReMoteExperiments featuring Mote’s own Dr. Tracy Fanara. These activities can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1059079954484958.
Virtual Aquariums
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is live streaming the aquarium’s webcams, including the shark tank.