The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is located at Long Marine Laboratory on the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus. We work closely with UC Santa Cruz scientists to incorporate cutting edge marine science research into our education programs.
Below, you can learn more about some UC Santa Cruz marine research projects that can be integrated into your students’ science learning opportunities.
UCSC intern, Sarah Wood, flying one of the research team’s drones.
Año Nuevo Island Animal Count Project
Make science count in your classroom! Students (ages 10 and up) are invited to become citizen scientists to help UC Santa Cruz researchers. Learn about seals, sea lions, and seabirds that visit Año Nuevo Island, an important natural reserve north of Santa Cruz. Analyze drone photos to identify and count different types of animals that visit the island. The data your class contributes helps scientists find important patterns of how and when different species depend on the island. Learn more details about the research and project.
Start your class on seal science today!
Marine Mammal Physiology Project
at Long Marine Laboratory
If your class is joining us for a tour during a field trip, your students will learn
about the Marine Mammal Physiology Project (MMPP) where college students, scientists, and animals work together to solve some of the great underwater mysteries of marine mammals. Visit the MMPP’s website to find:
- Information about how scientists work cooperatively with marine mammals and other animals residing at Long Marine Lab.
- Classroom resources and activities based on Dr. Terrie Williams’ expeditions to Antarctica. Discover how marine mammals have adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on the planet!
- Highlights from current research projects around the world.
Dive in and explore www.mmpp.ucsc.edu. It’s a great resource to use with your students before or after their Seymour Center field trip!
Tagging of Pelagic Predators
Integrate marine science and technology into your curriculum with the Tagging of Pelagic Predators (TOPP) program. Scientists from around the world attach satellite and acoustic tags to over 20 different species in the Pacific Ocean including white sharks, tunas, leatherback turtles, and elephant seals. Students can follow the movements of these animals in real time. For access to the data and more information, visit TOPP.org.
