This year’s focus will be on the fundamentals of scientific inquiry: Making observations, asking questions, making connections and drawing conclusions. we will also engage in observations and discussions regarding interconnections between different life forms

Ocean and Coastal Literacy: Examining Marine Plants and Animals. June 9-13, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-2:30 pm

Grades 1st-3rd ( fall 2025): Maximum class size 10 students

Enrollment Fee: $450.00

Students will:

  • Observe and discuss plant and animal adaptations for survival on beaches, in tidepools, and in the rocky intertidal.

  • Examine marine invertebrates and plants living under the estuary’s docks (Belly biology).

  • Capture microscopic organisms, examine them using field microscopes, and engage in discussions about their role in marine food webs.

  • Cruise the estuary with Subsea Tours for marine life observation and underwater viewing.

  • Explore the Natural History Museum, and the salt marsh to understand the role of fresh and saltwater in creating estuaries,

  • Use journals to record observations, ask questions, and sketch wildlife using basic field journaling techniques

    Drop-off and pick-up locations tbd based on the location of daily activities

    Ocean and coastal literacy: what it means to be a scientist June 16-20 mon-fri 8:30 am-2:30 pm

    3rd grade and above: Maximum class size: 10 students

    Enrollment fee: 500.00

    Students wil:

  • Spend 2 days Kayaking to explore the north and south ends of the estuary and the sandspit dunes and beaches

  • Use field science research methods, scientific sketching, and journaling techniques

  • Engage in discussions regarding the interconnections

  • Capture and identify plankton using plankton nets and field microscopes

  • Search for humpback whales and other marine animals in Estero Bay with Subsea Tours.. Trips are about 3 hours from 9 am until 12 pm

  • **Students will be responsible for keeping a journal that will be turned in daily.

    Drop-off and pick-up locations tbd based on the location of daily activities

    tidepools, freshwater creeks. volcanic rocks and coastal dunes june 23-27 Mon-fri 8:30am-2;30pm

    4th grade and above

    Maximum class size: 10 students

    Enrollment fee: $450.00

    Students will:

  • Spend 2 days exploring tidepools and rocky intertidal zones along the Central Coast,

  • Kayak across the estuary to explore sandspit dunes and beaches to find native and non-native plants

  • Examine life under the docks In Morro Bay to search for nudibranchs and other invertebrates

  • Use field microscopes to examine microscopic plants and invertebrates

  • Explore freshwater creeks and lakes to test water quality and discuss human impacts on regional ecosystems