MARINE LAB PROGRAM OPTIONS
Students will have the opportunity to experience at least one program session in the labs. There are a variety of labs offered. Each lab period, consists of a couple of different labs grouped together to flow well in students’ learning. However, we can always custom make a lab rotation for your school if you have particular classes you would like taught.
FISH - INVERTEBRATE – ALGAE LABS
Fish lab: Students will go on a virtual snorkel to see how animals live under the sea. From small planktivorous fish to larger predators, students will experience what it would be like to live in a kelp forest. They will also be introduced to the classification, anatomy, behavior and other adaptive features of fish.
Invertebrate lab: Familiarization with a variety of marine invertebrates is fun and easy when students can get a close up look at common species found in the tidepools. This laboratory includes interaction with live animals from the phyla Echinodermata, Mollusca, Cnidaria, and Arthropoda. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about classification, species identification, and adaptation. This class is perfect to help prepare and reinforce what we see in the tide pools.
Algae lab: In California, algae provides one of the key habitats for species living in coastal waters with our enormous kelp forests. As an important home and food source for many of our coastal fish and inverts, algae is essential to our marine ecosystem. Students will get their hands wet learning about the different types of algae off the California coast as well as the many uses algae has in the marine environment and in our homes. Students will also prepare algae art to press and take back to school for classroom ID and for FUN.
TIDEPOOL EXPLORATION
Changing tides: In this laboratory students will be field biologists, observing the different species that live in the tidal environment and discovering how they survive there. Students will also have a chance to discover interactions in the tidepools and discuss zonation. Along with the many different phyla and species students will discover, they will also discuss oceanography and the forces driving these tidal changes.
TIDEPOOL MONITORING
Tidepool monitoring is an option for teachers that would really like students to learn the scientific method and develop field study techniques. This program will require a prep period. Please work with the Outdoor Education Director if you are interested in this option.
Monitoring: Students will participate in a long term monitoring project at Camp Ocean Pines. After an introduction to tidepool invertebrates, students will be divided into research groups and use transects to monitor seasonal fluctuations of species in different tidal zones.
EVENING MARINE SCIENCE PROGRAMS
Evening programs are some of the most memorable experiences at Camp Ocean Pines. Students have the chance to enjoy themselves in this natural setting and are always excited to have another program to round out the day.
Marine Mammals: During this evening program, students will be introduced to the aquatic world of marine mammals. Instructors will explore the characteristics that define mammals and the attributes that allow mammals to successfully cope with the environmental challenges of a life at sea. Students will see and touch real sculls, bones and pelts of different animals while also watching an interactive video exhibiting different marine mammal behavior and sounds.
Humboldt or Loligo Squid Dissection: In this unique and extraordinary lab, students will have the opportunity to dissect a squid. Students will be introduced to the life history of squids and then take an up-close look at the internal anatomy of the incredible-edible squid. Based on availability and adequate notice, our Loligo squid dissection can turn into a group Humboldt squid dissection learning what tools these jumbo squid have to remain a large predator in a fierce ocean.