So, your little explorer has decided they want to dive into the mysterious world beneath the waves and become a marine biologist!
A ‘marine biologist’ is very high on the ‘what I wanted to be when I grow up’ list… unfortunately, there is also a high drop-out rate during and after education as well! Don’t panic! The ocean is 70% of the earth’s surface so a love of the sea can be combined with so many skills, passions and lifestyles. The ocean is often thought of as a ‘niche’ field and marine biology is a more visible entry into that. However, I’m here to tell you it’s not niche – there are lots of options for ocean-loving kids.
As a parent, you have the incredible opportunity to support and nurture their passion for the ocean. Let's embark on this underwater adventure together and discover what you can do to help your child pursue their dreams.
Here are five ways you can help them explore their new interest;
1. **Plan Family Beach Trips:** A trip to the beach is not just a day of sun and sand; it's a classroom by the sea. Explore the shoreline, collect shells, and observe marine creatures in their natural habitat. Don't forget sunscreen and a picnic!
2. **Volunteer Together:** Many marine conservation organizations and rescue centres welcome volunteers, even young ones with parental supervision. Engaging in hands-on activities like beach clean-ups can be an unforgettable experience for your child.
3. **Take up a sport:** If you live near the coast, and you can afford it, taking part in an ocean sport such as snorkelling and wild swimming (cheaper options), surfing, sea kayaking, paddle boarding, diving or sailing (more expensive options!) is a great way to engage your children with the marine environment. If this isn’t a practical option, visiting the beach and trying one out for a day might be worth looking into!
4. **Visit Aquariums and Marine Centres:** I’m not a huge fan of zoos in general but well-chosen ones provide fantastic learning opportunities for children. Plan trips to local aquariums and marine research centres. These places are filled with marine biologists and educators eager to share their knowledge. Attend the feeding sessions, touch pools, and educational programs to ignite your child's fascination. If this isn’t practical, look for marine-themed sections in science centres or museums closer to you! Check out some live aquarium cams here.
5. **Watch Marine Documentaries:** Dive into the mesmerizing world of marine documentaries. Shows like "Blue Planet" and "Our Planet" are not only educational but visually stunning. Grab some popcorn and watch these shows with your aspiring marine biologist. If a full documentary isn't quite right, you could check out these Nat Geo kids playlists 'What Sam Sees' and 'Scuba Sam's World' about Sam's underwater adventures.
If your child goes on to study marine biology a well-rounded background will help them along the way and if it isn’t for them, their love of the ocean can be combined with any number of things from the arts to robotics! In the end, whether your child pursues a career in marine biology or not, the lessons they learn from their underwater adventures will shape them into curious, environmentally-conscious individuals who appreciate and protect the beauty of our oceans. So, don your snorkel mask, grab a net, and embark on this incredible journey with your aspiring marine biologist. Together, you'll explore the wonders of the deep blue sea, and who knows, you might just discover your own passion for marine life along the way!
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