Marine Science Curriculum

Grade Level Focus

 

Kindergarten: The Seahorses

Kindergarten students will be exposed to all marine science ecosystems.  Students will visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery, and participate in an Outdoor Class which will focus on the various marine environments.

First Grade: The Sea Stars

First Grade students will learn that our ocean ecosystem plays a vital role for all living things – on land and under water.  Our goal will be to understand how the plants and animals of the tidal zone flourish and grow. We will do this through careful scientific investigation and by participating in field trips to the Cabrillo Beach tide pools, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Exploration Center, Sea Search, and Outdoor Classrooms.

Second Grade: The Manatees

Second Grade students will focus on the Rocky Shore.  Students will study plant and animal life found in this environment, as well as learn what kinds of effects humans have on this environment.  Students will participate in field trips to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Aquatic Nursery, Exploration Center, Outdoor Class, and Tide Pools. 

Third Grade: The Sharks

Third Grade students will study the Sandy Beach and Salt Marsh environments.  They will study the location, climate, soil, plants and the animals that inhabit these environments.  They will study the effects humans have on our environment.  Students will participate in field trips to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Aquatic Nursery, Exploration Center, and Sea Search classes.  Students will also participate in the Keys to the Sea Program, as well as visit the Marine Mammal Care Center.  Students will also visit the Marine Mammal and Bird Care Center.

Fourth Grade: The Stingrays

Fourth Grade students will study the Coral Reef and Kelp Forest.  They will dig deeper into the characteristics of a marine science biome and understand the location, climate, soil, plants and animals that make up these environments.  They will also participate in field trips to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery and Sea Search Class. Students at this grade level will also take monthly field trips to Cabrillo Beach to participate in the "Project Sea" program. Additionally, fourth grade students will attend a field trip on a Tall Sails Ship to culminate lessons taught throughout the year in California history and geography.

Fifth Grade: The Sea Turtles

Fifth Grade students will study all marine science biomes through various physical, life, and earth science units.   The students will participate in field trips to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Exploration Center, Sea Search classes, and a three-day overnight trip to the Catalina Island Marine Institute. This includes hiking through coastal chaparral, snorkeling on a cold water reef, kayaking through a pacific kelp forest and even a squid dissection!