Marine biologists offer livestreams while public schools close over coronavirus spread

As schools in metro Atlanta and around the nation have shuttered over concerns tied to the coronavirus, a team of scientists have offered a solution to enhance online learning.

Oceans Initiative is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting marine life in the Pacific Northwest and other areas. The group posted a notice on Facebook Thursday offering to host livestreams with marine biologists on topics to entertain children while they obtain their education at home.

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“With so many public schools closed, we'd like to help families in any way we can. Would your kid enjoy chatting with marine biologists about killer whales/orcas, dolphins, salmon, or any other topic to keep them entertained and learning from home?” organizers asked on Facebook March 12.

“We have a great team of biologists at Oceans Initiative who are all working on interesting projects. If we scheduled Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or Google Hangout events during the school closures, would you be interested in joining? Or tag someone who may be interested in the comments below.”

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The group tentatively decided to stream from Facebook and Instagram simultaneously at 2 p.m. in the Eastern time zone Monday, March 16.

Parents of children who wish to send questions in advance can email team@oceansinitiative.org. That way, organizers said on Instagram, “we know they have your permission to join us on Monday.”