The Sailors for the Sea Rainy Day Kits are environmental lesson plansfocused on marine ecology that can be taught to young sailors in yachtclubs, sailing programs, and other low resource environments aroundthe country. The kits provide a clear connection to and understandingof the marine ecosystems that thrive beneath their hulls. Sailors withan understanding of marine ecology are more likely to develop a strongpassion for protecting and preserving their oceans and local waters.The lessons and labs have been created for and contributed to theRainy Day Kit Program by leaders in the fields of marine and environmental science and education. In collaboration with these institutions, Sailors for the Sea worked to build lessons simple enough that they can be taught by sailing instructors who may not be well-versed in ecology or biology. We developed flexible lessons that can be used in a variety of regions, and which are substantial without being too material-intensive.Sailors for the Sea is continually adding to and updating our lessons.If you use any of these lessons, please take a moment to fill out ourfeedback form and help us continue to improve the program.To download, click on any of the lesson plans. After filling out somebrief information you will be directed to a download link.
Ocean ResourcesContributed by University of Miami's R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation ProgramStudents participate in a mock debate that highlights many of the different user groups who draw on the ocean's resources and introduces them to the principles of the Law of the Sea. All that GlittersContributed by University of Miami's R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation ProgramStudents take a journey to the deep sea and learn about what happens to light and colors deep in the ocean. This activity also illustrates the effects of light and bio-luminescence on predation through an engaging game.
A Story of SandContributed by Birch Aquarium/The Scripps Institute of OceanographyStudents learn about beaches and the different geologic and physicalprocesses that form sand.Beach Bucket Scavenger HuntContributed by Birch Aquarium/The Scripps Institute of OceanographyA fun, hands-on activity that introduces students to beach ecology andthe role manmade objects can play in the ecosystem.
Bio-Magnification GameContributed by The Rozalia Project for a Clean OceanThis is a tag-inspired game that demonstrates the concept of bio-magnification as it relates to plastics and how chemicals and plastics can make it onto our dinner plates.
Clam JigsawContributed by Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico StudiesStudents create a cutout model of a clam to investigate the anatomy and physiology of these animals.
Density CurrentsContributed by the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceThis activity demonstrates the Thermohaline Circulation throughout the world's oceans and the relative density between cold and warm ocean water.
Dirty Water ChallengeContributed by the New England AquariumThis is a fun activity that teaches students about their environment in an engaging and practical way. Inquiry and discussion is embedded within the practical-students have to design, plan and then build their own design of water filter. Students are exposed to important concepts from a variety of scientific disciplines, including how the water cycle works, and the principles behind water filtering.
Oyster TagContributed by Sailors for the SeaOyster Tag is a tag-inspired game that demonstrates the effects of pollution on oyster reefs, as well as the effect of oyster reefs on pollution.
Who Dirtied the Water?Contributed by the New England AquariumThis interactive story asks students to take on the roles of different historical and modern characters who have had a role in the pollution of a body of water. As the story is read, each character in turn adds a film container full of pollutants to a jar of clean water representing the body of water.
For more information, please email Annie Brett. Please fill out our feedback form so we can continue to grow this program.