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Course Offerings 

We can't save whales & dolphins alone, which is why we've made it our responsibility to teach students and individuals about marine mammals and what they can do to save them. The way we see it, we're able to learn a lot from the animals we care for - but that knowledge can only do so much good if we aren't sharing it. 

Our course offerings were developed by educators that are passionate about teaching and cover an array of topics relating to our mission of marine mammal conservation. 

Course Offerings

Basic (Grades 3-6) & Advanced (Grades 7 & Up) 

This course provides an overview of how marine mammals have adapted to their aquatic environment and explores specific anatomy features unique to dolphins. The basic version of this class is suggested for students in 3rd-6th grade and focuses more on what an adaptation is and simple anatomy whereas the advanced version places a heavier emphasis on why adaptations have evolved and more advanced physiology. The Anatomy & Physiology class is filled with fun facts that will have you even more mesmerized by dolphins than before. 

Basic (Grades 3-9) & Advanced (Grades 10 & Up) 

This course explores the methodologies used to train animals with a focus on operant conditioning and positive reinforcement methods. In this class, participants will explore why we train animals, the psychology behind animal training, and the tools we utilize to teach animals new behaviors. 

 

For Ages 8 & Up 

This course provides an overview of how we care for our resident dolphins, ensuring their every need is met and that we are continually improving their overall welfare. After discovering the difference in Animal Welfare & Animal Rights, participants will learn how a proper diet, veterinary care, enrichment, training, and habitat maintenance all support optimal welfare for animals in human care. If you have ever wondered how we care for dolphins at DPMMR, if dolphins in captivity have good welfare, or even what a day in the life of a dolphin trainer looks like, the Caring for Dolphins Course is a great option. 

For Ages 12 & Up

In our Cetacean Emergencies course, participants will gain an understanding of what goes into "Protecting" whales & dolphins. This course covers topics such as what happens when we respond to an animal, how whales & dolphins are rehabilitated, and the important research gleaned from responding to marine mammals. Participants will learn the "Do's" and "Don'ts" of responding to stranded animals and what to do if they ever encounter a marine mammal in distress. 

Basic (Ages 6 - 12) & Advanced (Ages 13 & Up)

Protecting whales & dolphins is at the core of DPMMR's mission, and our Marine Life Conservation course explores the most prevalent threats facing marine wildlife and teaches participants various ways to support conservation efforts. 

Ages 12 & Up

The Florida Keys is rich with biodiversity, even within the types of marine mammals that naturally occur in this unique ecosystem. This course introduces participants to the various species and their unique behaviors and life histories. 

Ages 5 - 9 

This course is an introduction to what makes a marine mammal a marine mammal. In this course, students will learn about all types of marine mammals including whales, dolphins, sea-lions, sea-otters, and polar bears.