Junior Marine Biology: Week 6

Did you know that of the seven species of sea turtles in the world, five can be found in the Maldives? And that they can hold their breath for up to seven hours? These amazing creatures may be cold blooded reptiles but we love them, and this week we’ll show you why. In the worksheet under Video 4, you’ll meet Ugg, Arya, Gandalf, Davina and Jo’s special friend Capone.  

Thank you to everyone around the world who has sent us emails. We love hearing from you and can’t wait to see your updates after today’s lessons. Be sure to email us your pictures and feedback to marine-laamu@sixsenses.com.

For this week’s class, all you need is your marine biology logbook and some coloring pencils. There is a worksheet after Video 1 that needs printing off. Once you’re ready to get started, go ahead and press play on the first video.

PLAY VIDEO

In the worksheets you will find 6 pages of coloring in. You don’t have to do them all; pick your favorite one, color it in and don’t forget to label it. We would love to see what you come up with. Email a picture of you with your drawing to marine-laamu@sixsenses.com.

Download the Turtle Coloring in Worksheets here.

PLAY VIDEO

You thought we only studied biology but we really need your help with some maths. Can you make sense of all these numbers we have from the 2019 nesting season? The numbers have been adjusted to make the maths a little easier. Ask a parent or guardian to help if you are struggling, and email your answers to marine-laamu@sixsenses.com

Question 1

 25 nests were laid on Six Senses Laamu in 2019. One turtle was recorded nesting on 5 separate occasions. If each of the turtles that nested in 2019 laid 5 nests, how many female turtles nested at Six Senses Laamu in total?

Hint: The total number of nests at Six Senses Laamu ÷ number of nests laid per female = number of female turtles that nested at Six Senses Laamu

Question 2

2,000 baby turtles hatched at Six Senses Laamu in 2019. If just 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood, how many hatchlings born at Six Senses Laamu in 2019 will likely return to mate and nest?

Hint: Total number of hatchlings born at Six Senses Laamu ÷ 1000 = number of hatchlings that will likely survive to adulthood

PLAY VIDEO

Sea turtles have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. They cope very well with natural threats, but their chances of thriving are reduced through human threats. Only one in 1,000 baby turtles survive to adulthood. With chances like that, they need your help. Lawrence asked you to come up with two investigations:

• How would you remove nets from the ocean?
• What would you use the nets for once they are on land?

What ideas do you have? Write them out, explain them in a video or draw them; and of course don’t forget to email them to us at marine-laamu@sixsenses.com. We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

PLAY VIDEO

Did you know that if you are the first person to photograph a turtle you get to name it? That’s one of the reasons why it is important to send Olive Ridley any photos of turtles you take, and they can add it to their database. In the worksheet you will find the turtles that need identifying. Use the Junior Marine Biologist's Guide to Laamu's Turtles to figure out which turtle is which.

Download the Turtle Identification Worksheet here.

PLAY VIDEO

Thank you so much for joining and we can’t wait to see you next week. We have a jam-packed lesson planned so get ready to look at climate change, blue carbon and mangroves. We’ll be joined by another expert from Australia who can’t wait to meet you all!

Remember to share what you’ve written, drawn and discovered today by emailing our team at marine-laamu@sixsenses.com or get your parents to tag us on social media @SixSensesLaamu and #GrowWithSixSenses.