
youth program
Our youth program trains the next generation of young scientists ages 7-12 in ocean-themed, hands-on education.
See below for more details.





about the youth program
Our courses are offered as 6-week blocks, meeting once a week per age group, to explore a specific ocean theme. We'll spend two hours diving into hands-on, creative exploration to learn about coral reefs, food webs, island biogeography, ocean history and more! The classes will be held at Isla Mar's tropical classroom with some field trips to the ocean. Our scientists-in-training will engage with active scientists, learn from leaders in the field, and interact in a group setting.
The courses are offered on a first come, first basis. Before each course, we will offer a sign-up form to collect registration information. On the closing date, we will then contact each parent to further the process. If you're waitlisted, then you'll be among the first to know about the next 6-week course to give you a chance to join in.
current course
Topic: Coral Reefs
Corals reefs are one of the planet’s most complex and delicate ecosystems! They will be the fascinating topic of this Ocean Class! Supporting an amazing 30% of all marine life, coral reefs are very important to the health of the ocean, and Puerto Rico has over 1,300 square miles of reefs along its coastlines. The students will learn how to identify various coral species, explore the different plants and animals that take shelter in this habitat, and learn about the types of reefs found around the world. After exploring the zones of a reef and coral anatomy, the students will build their own coral reef ecosystem and take an adventurous snorkel alongside marine scientists at the beautiful Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
Dates & Times
Ages 7-9 | Tuesdays | Nov 7 to Dec 19, 2023
Ages 10-12 | Thursdays | Nov 9 to Dec 21, 2023
Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Meet Leslie, our Director of Youth Education
Leslie is an avid ocean lover with a passion for marine education and conservation.
She began teaching ocean classes to local students in Puerto Rico in 2016 and has more than 13 years of experience in marine education and outreach initiatives.
She has specialized in providing unique opportunities for young girls to learn about oceanography, the women pioneers in science who paved the way and ways to actively join the movement to save our seas.
Images by Leslie Wade
