In The Classroom with HelloReef

Bring the wonders of the ocean into your classroom with the HelloReef Clownfish & Anemone Kit! A Curriculum was developed by teachers John and Fred, this hands-on curriculum makes learning about marine biology, ecosystems, and symbiotic relationships as fun as it is educational. It’s designed to be super easy to follow, with everything you need to get your students excited and engaged. 

Curriculum Overview: Dive Into Learning!

Welcome aboard the HelloReef Marine Biology adventure! This curriculum was designed with teachers in mind—no science background required. Whether you're a seasoned marine buff or just dipping your toes in, everything you need is here. Your HelloReef aquarium shows the "what"—this curriculum breaks down the "why" in a fun, approachable way.

We’ve got four quarters of ocean-inspired awesomeness:

Quarter 1: Welcome to the Reef - Explore how your HelloReef tank is a mini coral reef come to life! Daily lessons connect the classroom aquarium to real-world reef systems.

Quarter 2: Beyond the Reef - Discover creatures that swing by coral reefs for a visit—from pelagic fish to migrating marine life. It’s all about connections in the big blue!

Quarter 3: From Surface to Sea Floor - Dive deep into the ocean’s most fascinating residents—from tiny plankton to giant whales and everything in between.

Quarter 4: The State of Our Oceans - Get real about ocean challenges and the role we play. Can humanity help turn the tide?

This course is packed with hands-on activities, engaging content, and daily ties to your classroom tank, making every lesson come alive. It’s marine biology made easy, exciting, and unforgettable.

What’s Included:

• Lessons that cover everything from marine ecosystems to the wonders of clownfish and anemones.
• Teacher Guides to make your life easier and the lessons even more engaging!
• Hands-On Activities that let students interact with their very own aquarium—and see science come to life.
• Sneak Peek at the Syllabus to get a taste of the fun, interactive topics you’ll be teaching.

The Brains Behind the Curriculum

Meet John Karavias - Science Teacher, Ocean Explorer, and All-Around Reef Guru!

With a double BS in Biology and Education from Delaware Valley University, plus a Master’s from Stony Brook, John Karavias doesn’t just teach science—he lives it. For over 26 years, he’s been inspiring students at a Long Island high school, where he launched a full-blown Marine Biology Program back in 2004. Today, his students can even earn college credit just by diving into the science of the sea.

John’s classroom extends far beyond four walls. He’s chased carbon export on the Bering Sea, drilled core samples in Arctic Alaska, and keeps his passion sharp as an instructor for the American Museum of Natural History and LIU Post. He’s also a proud New York State Master Teacher.

His motto? Science isn’t just what you teach—it’s what you do. And when it comes to marine biology, he does it all.

 

Ready to dive in? Click here to explore the full curriculum and bring HelloReef to your classroom!