Classes
The Museum offers classes in the fall and spring that dive deeper into the science, culture, conservation, and abundant creativity inherent in the world of shells and mollusks.
Learn how to identify Southwest Florida shells. Become a Marine Biologist for a day, exploring coastal ecosystems. Paint shells while sipping your favorite beverage. Practice the time-honored creative tradition of the Sailors’ Valentine. Get guidance on organizing and caring for your personal shell collection. These are just a few examples of classes recently offered.
With inquiries please contact Associate Director of Education Jorden Falker: jfalker@169.47.206.118.
Marine Biology and Beach Field Lab
Friday, December 19, 7-9am
Become a student of marine biology and learn about marine life (including mollusks) at Sanibel’s Gulfside City Park. This hands-on course covers finding and identifying micromollusks, phytoplankton collecting, invertebrate diversity, learning about the beach ecosystem, and more. The course takes place during a negative tide, giving participants a higher probability of observing live mollusks.
Participants should be able to walk in wet sand and mud, crouch down, and stand for periods of 30+ minutes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Gulfside City Park. This is a rain or shine class but will be rescheduled for dangerous weather.
The Museum provides materials including mini field lab notebook, pencil, shell guide, and all materials necessary to collect micromollusks, phytoplankton, and conduct water quality testing. Recommended advance reading is Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington.
Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members). Register here.
$5/hour parking fee at Gulfside City Park is not included.