Virtual Field Trip
Experience a virtual journey to Año Nuevo Island, a natural reserve that protects an incredible diversity of marine mammals and seabirds. Discover how UC Santa Cruz students and researchers study northern elephant seals and uncover patterns of animal species visiting this unique place. Students will be inspired by the wildlife and see how university students take part in important scientific research.
Designed for school groups in grades 2-3, this interactive, virtual program is led by a Seymour Center youth programs educator. Find details and apply at Journey to Año Nuevo Island.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our in-person field trip options shown below are temporarily unavailable.
Please visit our Distance Learning resource page.
Three great ways to visit
We have three great ways to immerse your class in marine science, research, and discovery. Marine science field trips for K-12 and community college are shown below.
Which of the following three field trip options work best for your class? See Field Trip Logistics & Fees.
Discovery Lab & Tour
The ultimate field trip! Led by outstanding Seymour Center educators and volunteer instructors in our classroom, a Discovery Lab & Tour immerses your students in hands-on lab activities and experiments using live animals and realia. Lab activities support the Next Generation Science Standards. The Discovery Lab is followed by a guided tour to sites at Long Marine Laboratory.
We are not currently accepting applications.
Reserved School Tour
Schedule a skillful guide to take your students through the sights and sounds of a working marine lab. While on tour, students discover how scientists learn from incredible marine mammals to help conserve their cousins in the wild. Marvel at the enormous “Ms. Blue,” one of the world’s largest whale skeletons. Discover how whales are suited for life in the sea and how scientists study the largest animals on the planet. See Field Trip Logistics & Fees for more information.
To schedule a Reserved School Tour, visit our Field Trip Calendar for dates available.
Then call (831) 459-3800 to confirm availability and make reservations. Reservations should be made at least three weeks in advance year-round, and far in advance for spring. Resources for your Field Trip will help you plan for a great visit.
Self-Guided Exhibit Exploration
We supply logistical information so you can create your own activities, or select from activities available on the Resources for your Field Trip page of our website. Live animals inspire your students to make their own observations and develop questions as scientists do. Knowledgeable docents illuminate how researchers work in the lab and in the field. Students will learn how marine scientists think and work to understand life in the ocean and the ocean itself. Self-guided groups are welcome in the Center’s exhibit hall and immediate surroundings but are not permitted on tours. See Field Trip Logistics & Fees for more information.
To schedule a Self-Guided Exhibit Exploration, visit our Field Trip Calendar for dates currently available. Then call (831) 459-3800 to confirm availability and make reservations. Reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance year-round, and far in advance for spring. Resources for your Field Trip will help you plan for a great visit.
FAQ
Questions? Field Trip questions answered here!
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