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Adult Education Classes
SHELL AMBASSADOR CERTIFICATION
Tuesday, January 7, 8:30am-5pm
Instructors: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator; Jorden Falker, Associate Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Marine Biologist
This course prepares students to become a Museum Shell Ambassador volunteer and educate beachgoers about shells and mollusks. Topics include local shell identification, mollusk biology, dune plant and animal identification, Sanibel beach laws, tides, and identification of beach finds. To successfully become a Shell Ambassador, students pass tests on shell and beach identification and regulations.
Materials Needed: Pen/pencil and notebook
Materials Recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington, available for sale in the Museum Store
Materials Provided: Pre-course study materials, laminated shell guide, Shell Ambassador certificate and official shirt (upon completion). Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided.
Cost: $150 ($120 Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.
MARINE BIOLOGY AND BEACH FIELD LAB
Monday, February 17, 8am-10:30am
Instructors: Jorden Falker, Associate Director of Education; Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist and Collection Assistant
Become a student of marine biology and learn about marine life (including mollusks) at Sanibel’s Gulfside City Park. This hands-on course will cover finding and identifying micromollusks, phytoplankton collecting, their role in local ecosystem food webs, invertebrate diversity, and more.
Prerequisites: Ability to walk in wet sand and mud, crouch down, and stand for periods of 30+ minutes. This is a rain or shine class but will be rescheduled for dangerous weather.
Materials Needed: Transportation to and from Gulfside City Park ($5/hour parking fee not included). Students must provide their own field-appropriate clothes (shoes, hat, jacket, poncho, etc.).
Materials Recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington, available for sale in the Museum Store
Materials Provided: Mini field lab notebook, pencil, shell guide, and all materials necessary to collect micromollusks, phytoplankton, and conduct water quality testing.
Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members)
Maximum 8 students.
SLEUTHING WITH SHELLS
Wednesday, February 26, 10am-12pm
Instructor: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator
The smooth shells of parasitic gastropods, the ridges on a cockle, and the flat shape of oysters are all connected to how these mollusks interact with their environment. Drawing from examples of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial mollusks, Dr. Leal will discuss how shell features such as shape, sculpture patterns, color, and others can disclose facts about the lifestyles and habitats of mollusks. Attendees will learn about these connections through a wide range of shells and participate in a session to make their own identifications of shells and their related ecology.
Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.
PAINT AND SIP IN THE GALLERIES
Saturday, March 29, 5pm-7pm
Instructor: Laura Ball
Enjoy a relaxing and fun evening at the Museum while learning techniques of painting and combining them with your interest in shells. Artist Laura Ball will guide participants step by step in creating their own shell painting to bring home while enjoying a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage of choice in the unique after-hours setting of the Museum. No artistic experience is necessary.
Materials Provided: Canvas, paints, and brushes. Wine and light snacks included.
Cost: $65 ($50 for Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.
SHELL AMBASSADOR CERTIFICATION
Friday, April 18, 8:30am-5pm
Instructors: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator; Jorden Falker, Associate Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Marine Biologist
This course prepares students to become a Museum Shell Ambassador volunteer and educate beachgoers about shells and mollusks. Topics include local shell identification, mollusk biology, dune plant and animal identification, Sanibel beach laws, tides, and identification of beach finds. To successfully become a Shell Ambassador, students pass tests on shell and beach identification and regulations.
Materials Needed: Pen/pencil and notebook
Materials Recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington, available for sale in the Museum Store
Materials Provided: Pre-course study materials, laminated shell guide, Shell Ambassador certificate and official shirt (upon completion). Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided.
Cost: $150 ($120 Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.
Please contact Jorden Falker with inquiries at jfalker@shellmuseum.org.
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