NOAA Marine Mammal Experts Visit First Grade

On Thursday, March 6, first grade’s Ocean Study came to life with a visit from some very special guests. Jessica Powell, a Marine Mammal Biologist at NOAA, and Megan Gaston, NOAA Corps Commander, visited Shorecrest.

Ms. Jess, who works at the NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Regional Office, captivated the students with a deep dive into the world of Gulf cetaceans—whales, porpoises, and dolphins. It was a true hands-on adventure; the young explorers were able to hold a real dolphin jaw and feel a piece of whale baleen.

To help the students understand the true scale of these magnificent creatures, Ms. Jess brought along a life-sized, inflatable whale and dolphin for the class to explore. She also shared a vital message about ocean stewardship, inspiring the Chargers to protect the Gulf by never feeding wild dolphins and always keeping our beaches clean.

First graders will present what they learned in their end of year program, Commotion in the Ocean.