The laboratory experiences will allow students to observe, examine and analyze diverse components in marine and coastal ecosystems. The labs are designed for students between 4th to 12th grades. All labs last 3 hours. Students will become familiarized with the proper handling and use of a compound microscope, identification cue management, and organism dissection, among other science-related topics.
![]() | Laboratory: Set Adrift!Students will discover the fascinating world of organisms that go adrift. Students will observe a live sample of plankton with microscopes, and they will identify the organisms using simple taxonomic keys. They will also observe their shapes and adaptations to their environment. |
![]() | Laboratory: Echinoderms: Spiny BodiesParticipants will know and study echinoderms common to Puerto Rico. The group will observe the shapes and adaptations presented by the organisms. Performing a simple experiment, they will observe the organisms’ reproductive strategies, and using a microscope, they will observe life-stage developments. |
![]() | Laboratory: Sand: A Treasure Beneath Our FeetParticipants will learn the origins of sand, as well as the reason for the variation in the characteristics (size, composition, texture, etc.) of the grains of sand in Puerto Rican beaches and their importance for the conservation and wise use of this natural resource. |
![]() | Laboratory: Bony FishStudents will dissect a fish and study its morphology and characteristics. They will also identify some fish species using a dicotomic key. |
![]() | Laboratory: Global WarmingParticipants will study and become familiar with the causes and consequences of global warming. Through simple laboratories, students will understand the greenhouse effect, and its dire consequences to the Planet. |
![]() | Laboratory: SquidsThrough the process of dissecting a squid specimen, students will examine the parts and adaptations used for survival by the species. They will design a squid in order to observe its movement. |
![]() | Laboratory: Water QualityStudents will examine the sources of pollution affecting our bodies of water, and they will measure water quality parameters (pH, turbidity, phosphates, nitrates, etc.). |
![]() | Laboratory: Celenterates and CnidariansThrough this laboratory experience, students will study corals, anemones and hydroids. They will identify the groups based on their characteristics, and they will observe live and/or preserved specimens. |
![]() | Laboratory: PoriferansStudents will study the morphology and characteristics of sea sponges. They will be presented with dried and/or live specimens in order to perform their observations. |
![]() | Laboratory: Marine BotanyStudents will engage and examine the marine vegetation most commonly found in our coastline, such as mangroves, algae and seagrass. They will also sort them our based on their characteristics and adaptations for survival in marine ecosystems. |