Ecology in the watery deep, with live aquatic creatures! Students are introduced to a variety of live invertebrates and vertebrates in order to experience the diversity of life found beneath the ocean waves.  Students learn about the ecology of the ocean and the characteristics and adaptations of marine animals such as crabs, sea snails, clams, sea urchins, starfish and fishes.  Naturalist and educator Andrew Wilson knows all the secrets of the deep, and how we can preserve it. Come to the Smithsonian to dedicate your year to the Earth and its waters.

A Closer Look – About the Artist

Andrew Wilson’s knowledge of the marine environment goes beyond books - it is often derived from firsthand experience!  He grew up along the Atlantic coast, from Rhode Island to Florida, and even spent several years on the Pacific coast of Peru.  Out of high school, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy.  While there, Andrew's love for the ocean led him to learn how to SCUBA dive and he later he became a SCUBA instructor.  He has over 300 dives to his name in such far off locations as Victoria, Canada; Bonaire, Netherland Antilles; and Capri, Italy; as well as many local areas.  Once out of the Navy, Andrew returned to school to earn a degree in Biology from Old Dominion University.  While continuing his education, he served on the VA Marine Science Museum (VMSM) stranding team in VA Beach, rescuing whales and other injured marine animals.  This led to a position with the education department of VMSM, where Andrew worked for several years.  Upon recognizing the need for marine education resources in the DC Metropolitan area, Andrew founded Under the Sea in 1995.

Under the Sea has taught in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington DC since 1995, traveling to schools, libraries, parties, festivals, camps, scouting events, and all sorts of interesting places.  They pride themselves on offering the best programs on aquatic life, bring live sea animals for some presentations, and offering presentations by professional marine biologists! 

All programs incorporate curriculum standards such as the VA SOLs, MD MSPAP, and the National Science Standards.  They also always include a lesson on conservation.  Several of the animals they teach about are facing difficult times due to habitat loss or over-fishing.  They will stress the importance of conservation and suggest actions that students can take to reverse the impact of humans on the marine environment. 

For more information about Under the Sea or to see the SOL’s for your state, please visit www.touchthesea.org.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR LEARNING GUIDES