Sanctuary Exploration Center Field Trips

Through exploring biological and physical ocean processes, the Sanctuary Exploration Center school field trip program offers exploratory, inquiry-based K-12 education programs on several marine topics. Programs are grade specific, support Next Generation Science Standards to investigate the natural world, and include indoor and outdoor components.

We require a chaperone ratio of 1:6 for grades K-2 and a 1:10 ratio for grades 3-12. Chaperones do not count towards participant maximums. All field trip programs typically run for two hours. Groups larger than 55 students may require a three hour program to ensure meaningful program delivery, however there is a maximum capacity of 65 students per program. Contact us to inquire about fees for your group size, offered in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Reservations are required for school field trip programs. Submit a request at least 30 days prior to your visit. For more information, email: explorationcenter@noaa.gov or call (831) 425-9993.

Grades K-1: Beach Exploration

From large birds and mammals, to small insects and algae, the beach is home to many different creatures. What makes this habitat special, and how can people help keep it safe for the animals—large and small— that call it home? Students will participate in a beach scavenger hunt to explore this ecosystem, then investigate what they found using their senses and science tools.

Grades 2-3: Kelp Forest Investigation

Just off our coast, rich kelp forests span from the seafloor to the surface, creating a habitat for many animals just offshore. From land, we can see clues that there is a kelp forest in the water by looking at the kelp wrack left on the beach by waves. Students will participate in a scavenger hunt for as many different types of seaweed as possible and discuss how it serves as a habitat and helps keep our bay healthy.

Grades 3-8: Marine Debris Monitoring

Practice becoming a scientist while helping to protect the sanctuary. Using scientific protocols, students will collect debris, make observations, and keep detailed records. Sanctuary naturalists will lead your students in a discussion on the causes and effects of marine debris and compare your cleanup results with data previously collected.

Grades 5-12: Plankton Discovery

Students will use real oceanographic tools, including microscopes, to assess the current conditions of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Students will engage in field and classroom investigations to understand what physical, biological, and chemical parameters affect marine life and how scientists monitor them. By monitoring these conditions over time, scientists can determine the health of the bay and how changes over time could influence the animals we see.