High School Programs

Distance Learning Programs

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  Marine Protected Area Exploration

  Grade Level:  9-12
  Subject Links: Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Marine Ecology, and Oceanography
  Duration: Up to 10 sessions; 45-60 minutes each
  Website: Click here

  How can we protect our ocean from overfishing?  Is the Marine Protected Area offshore from Crystal Cove State Park working?  Your class can help us find out!  During this integrated program, students help scientists study the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area as they learn about different science careers and explore how communities can use science ideas and science communication to protect our oceans.  

  This program is strongly linked to learning outcomes for Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Marine Ecology, and Oceanography, and can connect to other classes, too.

  If you are a teacher and would like to incorporate the MPA Exploration into your classroom, please fill out our survey here to let us know! 

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  Coastal Dynamics

  Grade Level:  9-12
  Subject Links: Engineering, AP Environmental Science, Physics, and Geometry
  Website: Click here

  High school students step into the shoes of coastal engineers as they determine how Crystal Cove State Park’s beaches are changing over time.  During this multi-week program, participants build computer models to show how our coastline is changing, investigate the challenges that this creates for coastal enclaves like the Crystal Cove Historic District, and explore possible solutions.  

  This program connects to learning outcomes for Engineering, AP Environmental Science, Physics, and Geometry, and can connect to other classes, too.

  If you are a teacher and would like to incorporate the Coastal Dynamics program into your classroom, please fill out our survey here to let us know! 

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  Environmental Challenges

  Grade Levels: 9-12
  Subject Links: Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Marine Ecology, & Oceanography
  Website Link:  https://crystalcove.org/education/distance-learning/environmental-challenges/

  We need your help!  Crystal Cove Conservancy partners with Crystal Cove State Park and local researchers to understand the best way to protect the park’s ecosystems, but we can’t do it alone.  Students can help by analyzing data from ecological monitoring projects across the park and sharing their findings back with us.  

  Each project aligns with Next Generation Science Standards for middle and high school, and can function as part of a series or as a standalone activity.  The individual challenges introduce students to various data analysis techniques, such as GPS mapping, graphing data on Google Sheets and in Sage Modeler, and calculating statistical significance.

  If you are a teacher and would like to incorporate the Environmental Analysis challenges  into your classroom, please fill out our survey here to let us know!  

In-Person Field Trips

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  Marine Protected Area Science Cruise

  Grade Level: 9-12
  Group Size: Up to 20 students (normally up to 40 students)
  Duration: 9 am – 12 pm
  Price: $800/cruise; $550/cruise for Teacher Learning Community members

  Immerse your class in real research during Crystal Cove Conservancy’s Marine Protected Area Science Cruise. Now in its seventh year, this nationally recognized program invites junior high and high school students out on the water to help park managers learn about Crystal Cove State Park’s offshore Marine Conservation Area. Classes partner with real scientists as they survey underwater fish populations, study water quality, and search for extraordinary plankton on board Western Pride.

  Limited capacity MPA Cruises are available to book through our partner, Newport Whales!  Participation is limited to 20 people and all guests will be required to wear a properly-fitted facemask while on board the vessel.

  For more information, visit the NEWPORT WHALES WEBSITE or contact Jessica Roame, Newport Whales Education Coordinator, by emailing jessica@newportwhales.com. 

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  Crystal Cove State Park Interpretive School Program (currently on hold)

  Grade Level: 9-12
  Class Size: Up to 60 students
  Duration: Varies
  Price: $2.50/student

  Crystal Cove State Park invites students to participate in a variety of interpretive educational programs. These programs are available for school and other organized groups throughout the year in the park. All programs are curriculum-based, fun, and interactive and can be adapted to any grade level by Ranger Winter, one of Crystal Cove’s most beloved interpreters. Possible areas of focus cover everything from tidepools and ecology to unhuggables and birding.

  For more information, visit the Crystal Cove State Park website.