Ocean Lab - Grades 4 and up

Phylum Arthropoda
Arthropods possess an exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate, jointed appendages, and antennae.   This is the largest single phylum, comprising eighty percent of all animal life, with over one million described species.  Crabs, insects, shrimp, and spiders are examples of arthropods.

Phylum Mollusca
There are a variety of classes of mollusks represented in the intertidal zones.  Mollusks are the second largest group of invertebrates.  They have a soft body divided into a head, a foot, and a visceral hump, which contains the internal organs.  The body is usually protected by a hard shell, which is secreted by the mantle.

Phylum Cnidaria
This phylum includes sea anemones, jellyfish, corals, sea pens and hydroids. 
Cnidarians have a circular body plan, which is referred to as radial symmetry.  They possess a crown of tentacles equipped with stinging cells that are arranged around the circular body.  The main group found in the intertidal zone is the class Anthozoa (sea anemones). 

Phylum Echinodermata
These animals have characteristic spines which are hard calcareous projections of their skeleton.  The echinoderms posses an internal skeleton that is made of interlocking calcite plates.  This is similar to our own skeletal structure.  They usually have five-rayed symmetry, and move with their tube feet.  Tube feet are long flexible appendages tipped with a suction cup.  These are hooked up to a water system and hence, function in the presence of water.   Most intertidal zone echinoderms belong to the Class Asteroidea or the Class Echinoidea.  Examples include the sea stars and sea urchins. 

Phylum Chordata
These animals all have a hollow nerve chord running though their bodies.  The Class Chordata is divided into seven Classes, including the Mammal, Birds, Bony Fish, and Sharks and Rays.  In this station we will look at the Class Osteichthyes, also known as bony fish.

Ocean Lab programs can be adapted to different grade levels to cover basic concepts or more advanced content. Although designed to stand alone, the program is also an excellent supplement to a field study program such as the Discovery Voyage or Tidepool Expedition. This program can accommodate groups of up to 50 students.

MSI's Ocean Lab program is also offered as an Inland Voyage, where we will bring everything to your classroom! Call for details!