Seals in Shifting Seas

Fish and Plants

Grades: MS, HS

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How is climate change affecting seals in our kelp forests, as well as their cousins in the Arctic Circle? Together, we discover how local harbor seals use their sandy beach habitat to give birth, nurse their young, and lounge in the sun. We discuss why the seas are warming, and how this changes age-old rhythms for different seal species. Ice-loving harp seals in the far north are seeing a habitat meltdown. We compare and contrast challenges, surprising adaptations, and discuss several possible outcomes climate change could have on seals. Follow-up NGSS curriculum provided.

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Virtual Field Trips

Tide Pool Animals Revealed

Fish and Plants

Grades: ES, MS

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Squish, splash, squirt!.. unlocking intertidal mysteries. This workshop virtually takes the class into a tiny yet extreme tide-pool universe. Different zones are identified, and special tide pool locations are shared along with the best times to view these ocean treasures. Students learn tide pool etiquette and safety guidelines that will prepare them to peer into the ever-changing world of these highly-adaptable animals. We created a scavenger hunt that  students can complete either in-person, or on our interactive website of creatures from THE MAP. 

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Hunters of the Kelp Forest ... and Beyond

Fish and Plants

Grades: ES, MS, HS

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Key predators like orcas, sharks, and sea otters give us important clues to ocean health...if you know where to look. We follow exciting research that studies different predator-prey interactions to explore how these dynamic exchanges work. The food web is complex, so together we see how scientists and lawmakers use new computer modeling programs--that work a lot like a video game--to understand how certain decisions affect fish populations for years to come. Students are introduced to the NOAA software and learn the value of conservation.

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Sailing a Sea of Synthetic Debris

Fish and Plants

Grades: MS, HS

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Join us as we virtually set sail to find the vortex of plastic trash known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This live, interactive workshop immerses students in the plastic pollution issue and shares lessons from life at sea. It also introduces physical oceanography and marine biology concepts. We will view rare footage filmed by scuba divers, as well as hear accounts of a real-life, aggressive invader fish species aptly named the “knife-jaw.”  This workshop is designed to leave a lasting impression that will inspire and empower young explorers to refuse single-use plastics, participate in a beach clean-up, and make smarter choices  for a brighter tomorrow.

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A Diver's View of the Underwater World

Fish and Plants

Grades: ES, MS, HS

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Breathing air while looking underwater is not only fun and exhilarating, it allows humans to explore and understand our ocean planet. This workshop teaches students the basic equipment and skills that are needed to allow divers to experience the world beneath the waves. While students don’t get wet, basic concepts in the physics and physiology of snorkeling and scuba diving are explained, as well as steps students can take to begin their own ocean education into how to snorkel, free dive or even scuba dive as a scientist some day. Experience a virtual scuba dive on the NOAA’s website for continuing education.

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Virtual Field Trips

Marine Invertebrate Taxonomy Unveiled

Fish and Plants

Grades: ES, MS

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The strong, spineless, and sometimes slimy world of marine invertebrates awaits! If you lack a backbone or a bony skeleton, then congratulations, you are likely one of over 95% of known animal species in the phylum invertebrata! Join us in our  investigation of how and why marine invertebrates are divided into taxonomic groups. This program establishes a "backbone" for identifying various animals depicted in the mosaic  art/science STEAM installment at La Jolla Shores Beach Park called “THE MAP.” Together, we will explore featured concepts related to taxonomy and the classification of life.

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Meet California's Marine Mammals

Fish and Plants

Grades: ES, MS,HS

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Dive into the undersea realm of big, bold, beautiful breath-holders. From sassy sea lions that bark incessantly, to the majestic whales that sing as they pass our shores, La Jolla provides the perfect venue to see many ocean-dwelling mammals brimming with personality. In this lesson, we will learn about mammalian adaptations to life in the sea, including deep diving, echolocation, acoustic communication, and how these animals interact with land-dwellers. We learn about fusiform (streamlined) body shapes, and students learn the basic steps of how to create make-and-bake-at-home figurines of these amazing air-breathing mammals. Follow-up resources including how to take a virtual dive in a kelp forest with NOAA are introduced.

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The Art & Science of Sea Animal Rescue

Fish and Plants

Grades: ES, MS,HS

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Just how does one tackle a tangled sea animal? Join a seasoned wildlife responder to learn how teams of humans are trained to assist sick or injured marine animals, and the career choices that got them there. From humpback whale tails wrapped in fishing gear, to turtles with tumors and sea lion pups with fishing hook piercings, we learn what responders do to assist these animals, from the moment of their capture to rehabilitation and release. We integrate marine ecology and citizen science techniques employed by injured-animal responders.

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Virtual Field Trips