Adult Education Classes

2-4pm, Thursday, October 28

Instructor: Rebecca Mensch, MS, Senior Marine Biologist
 
Is that a varix or a suture? Are these nodes or spines? Written descriptions of shells have you stymied? This class is for you! This course will go over some of the more commonly used terminology in shell descriptions. Students will have a chance to reinforce their new vocabulary with interactive activities, and will gain the knowledge necessary to accurately describe their shells and easily understand written descriptions in guidebooks and scientific papers.
 
Materials: Students are encouraged to bring a few (~5) of their own shells to work with. Shells will be available for students that do not provide their own.
 
Prerequisites: None
 
Cost: $50 ($40 for Museum Members) 

5-7pm, Thursday, November 11

​

Instructor: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator 

This course includes one hour of lecture, and one hour of hands-on learning. Students will learn how to photograph shells, both in nature and in a controlled environment. Additional attention will be devoted to photography of small shells and basic rudiments of Adobe Photoshop as it applies to shell photography. Students will learn methods of shell photography applicable to documentation, collection curating, social media, and art. 

Materials: Students must provide their own camera and, ideally, a tripod or copy stand. Students may bring their own shells to photograph, or use ones provided by Museum.

Prerequisites: A working knowledge of personal camera equipment and basic principles of photography. 

Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members)

2-3:30pm, Tuesday, November 16, and Thursday, November 18 (two-session class)

Instructor: Rebecca Mensch, MS, Senior Marine Biologist

Love shelling, but not sure what you are finding? Interested in becoming a Shell Ambassador, but a little shaky on your ID skills? This class is for you! The first session of this two-part course will focus on the practice of identifying local (Southwest Florida) shells and introduce resources for identification. The second session will include hands-on time for students to use their new knowledge and resources to identify their own shells, with expert staff helping to guide and answer questions. 

Materials: Students are encouraged to bring several (~10) of their own shells, even if they have already been identified. Laptop or tablet will be helpful but is not required. The Museum will provide several shells for each student to identify if they are unable to provide their own. Every student will receive a laminated Museum Shell Guide to keep.

​

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members) 

2-3:30pm Tuesday, December 7, and Thursday, December 9 (two-session class)

​

Instructors: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator, and Rebecca Mensch, MS, Senior Marine Biologist

The first session of this two-part course will introduce shell collections, their merit, and address ideal collection organization and maintenance. This will be followed by practical considerations on curating and maintaining your personal shell collection, and how to maximize their value, both from the monetary and scientific points of view. The second session will entail hands-on curating of your own collection with professional materials and expert staff available to guide you and answer questions. Students will gain the tools necessary to properly care for and document their personal collection. Helpful for estate planning.

​

Materials: Students are encouraged to bring several (~10–20) of their own shells, local and non-local, with corresponding collecting data. The Museum will have shells available for students that do not provide their own. Other materials (archival pens, acid free paper, collection bags) will be provided by the Museum and are included in the cost of the course.

​

Prerequisites: None. Working knowledge of shell identification is useful, but not required.

Cost: $125 ($100 for Museum Members)