Classroom Activities
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Classroom Ocean Activities (K-8th Grades)

Let our naturalists come to your classroom and present dynamic, hands-on ocean activities based on the award-winning MARE (Marine Activities, Resources, and Education) curriculum.   Developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science, these activities are designed to teach California State Science Standards using the study of unique marine habitats to elucidate key concepts.  Each grade focuses on a different marine habitat to teach concepts of ecology, biology, geology, physics and chemistry. 

Our classroom activities run about two hours long but may be modified to fit any schedule.  There is a $5.00 fee per student (includes all materials). 

Kindergarten

Water Discovery!
Students learn about the properties of water as they perform “water drop races” and experiment with how different objects sink or float.  They also discover how scientists learn by making predictions and careful observations using their five senses. 

1st Grade

Rocky Intertidal Discovery!
Through “Seashore Charades” students learn about the rocky intertidal environment and the adaptations some organisms use for survival.  Students apply concepts of habitats and adaptations while experimenting with shore crab behaviors in a student-created rocky seashore environment.

2nd Grade

Sandy Beach Discovery!
Students create “sand exhibits” to understand how sand is created, its composition, and how differences between sand grains can be clues about different sandy beach environments.  Our “beach buckets” allow students to sort through a “sandy beach” to find evidence of plants, animals, and humans.  Lastly, students experiment to find the best way to clean up a simulated oil spill and learn how oil can affect ocean animals.

4th Grade

Kelp Forest Discovery!
Students discover the properties of visible light through activities that teach about wavelengths, energy, and the colors of a rainbow.  Through a simulated kelp forest dive, students investigate how some fish utilize color as a camouflage to escape the dangers of predation.

5th – 8th Grades

Open Ocean Discovery!
Students learn how ocean animals are adapted to their environment by their morphology, physiology, and behavior as they are led through a squid dissection.  By observing biological structures, students understand concepts of digestion, circulation, and reproduction.  (This activity will last at least 2-3 hours.  We ask that teachers have their students read some background information on squid biology before our naturalists arrive so that students are well-prepared for the activity.  We will provide the background material when you register for this event.)

A survey of external fish morphologies is offered as an alternative to the squid dissection.
When making your reservation, please indicate which activity you prefer.