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Explore Tampa Bay's Marine Life with Engaging Homeschool Classes at Tampa Bay Watch - St. Petersburg

Explore Tampa Bay's Marine Life with Engaging Homeschool Classes at Tampa Bay Watch

St. Petersburgeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for young children and adults with generally good health; light walking and sitting involved.

Overview

Discover Tampa Bay Watch’s homeschool classes designed for kids 6 and up, combining hands-on marine biology with thrilling outdoor learning in St. Petersburg, Florida. Dive into squid dissections, invertebrate studies, and more to spark young scientific minds.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Homeschool Classes

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About This Adventure

Join Tampa Bay Watch for an engaging marine biology adventure tailored for homeschoolers! Each month, students aged 6 and up can explore marine ecosystems through hands-on activities like invertebrate investigations, squid dissections, and iguana studies. This unique experience fosters curiosity and scientific skills in a fun, interactive environment.

Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch!

Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience!

These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore marine ecosystems and engage with real-world science. Whether you drop in for a single class or register for the full series, each session promises discovery, adventure, and fun.

Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!

$20 per participant

October 3rd 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Invertebrate Investigation

  • Get up-close and personal with some fascinating residents of our estuary as we dive into the world of invertebrates. What makes an invertebrate an invertebrate? Students will explore this question through interactive encounters with animals like sea stars and horseshoe crabs. We'll sharpen our observation skills and practice scientific classification in a fun, engaging environment.
November 7th 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Squid Dissection 

  • What do snails, clams, and octopuses have in common? In this hands-on program, students will discover what makes a mollusc a mollusc! A guided squid dissection will help us uncover the special traits that unite this diverse group of animals and learn about the many molluscs that call our region home. From shells to squishy bodies, the lesson will be full of surprises and science.
December 5th 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Iguana Intel 

  • How did iguanas even end up in Florida, and why are they thriving? Students will scope out the story behind these scaly invaders, explore what makes them so successful in our environment, and learn how their presence impacts native wildlife and habitats. A combination of wildlife observation and conservation science, this program empowers students to take action and become stewards of Florida’s natural ecosystems.
December 5th 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Iguana Dissection

  • Ages 12+
  • In this hands-on dissection experience, students will explore the anatomy and adaptations of these reptiles in more detail to better understand their impact on local ecosystems. We’ll also discuss practical ways to protect Florida’s native species and habitats from this persistent invasive species.

Adventure Tips

Bring Water Bottles

Stay hydrated during hands-on outdoor sessions to keep energy high and focus sharp.

Use Sun Protection

Florida sun can be intense—wear hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses during outdoor activities.

Dress for Messy Activities

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or stained during dissections and invertebrate investigations.

Arrive Early for Best Parking

Arriving 10–15 minutes early helps secure convenient parking and get settled before classes begin.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Osprey
  • Eastern Green Iguana

History

Tampa Bay Watch was founded with the mission to restore Tampa Bay’s water quality and habitats, leading local efforts since the late 20th century.

Conservation

The program emphasizes environmental stewardship by involving students in hands-on learning that supports Tampa Bay’s ongoing habitat restoration and species protection.

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Adventure Hotspots in St. Petersburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Bug Repellent

Essential

Protects against mosquitoes common in Florida’s coastal habitats during summer months.

summer specific

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Essential for staying hydrated during active, outdoor educational sessions.

Sun Hat

Essential

Provides shade and helps prevent sunburn during sunny outdoor activities.

summer specific

Closed-toe Shoes

Essential

Protect feet during nature walks and hands-on explorations around the site.