Seal Stories
Seal Stories was a live program developed for upper elementary teachers and their students in Hawaiʽi.
The session recordings and educator guide are now available for all audiences.
During each virtual session, you and your students will meet experts from The Marine Mammal Center and hear stories about Hawaiian monk seals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. Together, you'll learn about the threats to this endangered species and the many ways you can help through everyday actions.
Each session will also include a call to action and follow-up classroom activity. Session information and follow-up activities are connected to Ocean Literacy Principles and upper elementary Next Generation Science Standards.
Your Classroom Can Participate in Seal Stories
Engage your 4th and 5th grade students in discussions about their role in conserving the only marine mammal species native to the Hawaiian Islands by watching one or more of the six sessions below. Each session focuses on a different topic and was broadcast live on Zoom, but is now available as a recording.
Seal Stories Session 1: Hawaiʽi Island Seals
Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center as they share stories of Hawaiian monk seals, threats to this endangered species and ways you can help through everyday actions. This session's topic will focus on barbed hooks and entanglement.
Seal Stories Session 2: Molokaʽi Seals
Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center as they share stories of Hawaiian monk seals, threats to this endangered species and ways you can help through everyday actions. This session's topic will focus on the ecological and cultural value of Hawaiian monk seals, and tell the story of the interconnectedness of Hawaiian monk seals and Hawaiian people.
Seal Stories Session 3: Oʽahu Seals
Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center as they share stories of Hawaiian monk seals, threats to this endangered species and ways you can help through everyday actions. This session's topic will focus on toxoplasmosis and diseases in Hawaiian monk seals.
Seal Stories Session 4: Kauaʽi Seals
Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center as they share stories of Hawaiian monk seals, threats to this endangered species and ways you can help through everyday actions. This session's topic will focus on Hawaiian monk seal pups, including the relationship between mother and pup, and the growing Hawaiian monk seal population.
Seal Stories Session 5: Papahānaumokuākea Seals
(Part 1)
Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center as they share stories of Hawaiian monk seals, threats to this endangered species and ways you can help through everyday actions. This session's topic will focus on marine debris removal efforts with our partner organization NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
Seal Stories Session 6: Papahānaumokuākea Seals
(Part 2)
Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center as they share stories of Hawaiian monk seals, threats to this endangered species and ways you can help through everyday actions. This session's topic will focus on tracking seal foraging behaviors and climate change impacts with our partner organization NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
Looking for an interactive classroom program?
Monk Seal Moʻolelo is an engaging and interactive classroom program that empowers fourth-grade students to become champions for the conservation of Hawaiian monk seals while expanding their knowledge and sense of environmental stewardship.
This one-hour program, presented by The Marine Mammal Center's education staff at Ke Kai Ola, provides young learners the opportunity to explore past seal patient stories to better understand the challenges monk seals face in the wild and their own roles in ocean conservation.
Hosting a Community Event?
Conservation starts with education and outreach. That's why our educators focus on inspiring students to become marine science enthusiasts.
Are you interested in having our staff participate in an upcoming community event you're hosting on Hawai‘i Island? Tell us more about your request.
Have Questions?
Please email us at learn@tmmc.org.