A JHop alum recently introduced scholars in Ivo Decarlis’ 7th grade science class to the wonders of marine biology.
Biologist Makenzie Kerr’s visit to campus was part of the Great American Teach-In.
Marine biology is the study of marine organisms and environments.
Ms. Kerr, the Lab Manager and Outreach Coordinator for Dr. Mya Breitbart’ lab at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science, talked about fish eggs, their DNA, and how DNA from the egg can identify the type of fish, almost like a barcode in a grocery store.
Ms. Kerr said she was attending a camp as a child when she she realized marine biology was her passion.
Scholars got a chance to see some previously living creatures such as “gorgonian,” which is a coral; a horseshoe crab molt; cockle shells; and lightning whelk. That’s a large predatory sea snail.
They also got a look at preserved animals including tongue fish, seahorses, sea stars, and a fish skeleton.
The hands-on activities allowed scholars to have a memorable time learning about the wonders of marine biology.
