You and your students are invited to step into the shoes of environmental scientists and engineers as you help us study how Crystal Cove’s ecosystems are changing.
Our unique range of NGSS-aligned programs link classroom learning to real-world challenges at Crystal Cove State Park. Students are immersed in every step of the scientific process, from developing conceptual models of the ecosystem and collecting data in the field to analyzing their findings and sharing recommendations with State Park managers. Each program includes a suite of classroom lessons, with opportunities to join us in the field at Crystal Cove State Park.
If you’d like to visit Crystal Cove to help collect data in person, scholarship funding is available for Title 1 schools each year.
The Trouble with Trash
Grade Levels: Kindergarten-2nd
Group size: Up to 50 participants
Duration: 9am – 1pm
Price: $600 per trip. Scholarships available. Apply here!
Classroom lesson plans are available for free!
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey with your students as environmental scientists and engineers at Crystal Cove State Park! Working alongside Crystal Cove Conservancy staff, students become environmental engineers and tackle plastic pollution and define problems, investigate impacts, and design solutions to help protect our beach ecosystems from the threat of trash through the power of collective action.
This modular kindergarten through second grade NGSS aligned program includes five learning modules, each with 2-3 hours of flexible activities to incorporate into your online or in-person classroom, and one optional in-person or virtual field trip so that your students can connect with Crystal Cove Conservancy staff to collect real research and engineering data in the field in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District.
To book a field trip contact Alyssa Aldaz, Education Manager, by emailing alyssa@crystalcove.org.
Enhanced Whale Watching
Grade Levels: 1-6th Grade
Group size: Up to 72 participants
Duration: 10am – 12pm
Price: $1,250 per trip. Scholarships available. Apply here!
Classroom lesson plans are available for free!
Embark on a thrilling educational voyage with your students as marine biologists on our Enhanced Whale Watching Expedition! Your young scientists will participate in five different monitoring projects centered around the diverse wildlife of the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area to see how the local ecosystem is changing over time.
Equipped with expedition backpacks, binoculars, and field notebooks, students will identify marine mammals, monitor coastal birds, collect and study plankton, and learn about the ecological roles of marine mammals. They’ll actively record data, identify and count active marine life, and explore marine artifacts onboard!
To book a field trip, contact Jessica Rodriguez, Newport Whales Education Manager, by emailing jessica@newportwhales.com.
Project Crystal
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Group size: Up to 60 participants
Duration: 9am – 2pm
Price: $600 per class for two field trips. Scholarships available. Apply here!
Classroom lesson plans are available for free!
Help Crystal Cove Conservancy, Crystal Cove State Park, and UC Irvine study the best way to help native seedlings grow in Moro Canyon!
This multi-week program introduces students to plant ecology and ecosystem interactions as they work alongside UC Irvine scientists to investigate restoration strategies. Project Crystal includes two optional field trips to Crystal Cove State Park, which can be substituted with virtual excursions.
To join the program and book your field trips, contact Brent Castanon, Crystal Cove Conservancy Education Coordinator, by emailing brent@crystalcove.org.
Project Crystal Code
Grade Level: 7th Grade
Group size: Up to 60 participants
Duration: 9am – 2pm
Price: $300 per class. Scholarships available. Apply here!
Classroom lesson plans are available for free!
During Project Crystal Code, middle school students investigate the role that microbiomes, decomposition, and the carbon cycle play in restoration. During the program, students construct a computer model of the ecosystem and then build and code their own environmental sensors, which they use to collect data when they come out to the State Park.
This ten-session program includes flexible activities to incorporate into your classroom. Classes can also take part in a field trip to Moro Canyon to use their sensors to collect real environmental data in the field.
To book a field trip, contact Brent Castanon, Crystal Cove Conservancy Education Coordinator, by emailing brent@crystalcove.org.
Marine Protected Area Science Expedition
Grade Level: 7-12 Grade
Group size: Up to 40 participants
Duration: 9am – 12pm
Price: $950/cruise. Scholarships available. Apply here.
Classroom lesson plans are available for free!
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 and explore how communities can use science communication to protect our oceans.
As part of the program, classes can head to sea aboard a fishing vessel to help collect monitoring data in the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area!
To book a field trip, visit the Newport Whales website or contact Jessica Rodriguez, Newport Whales Education Manager, by emailing jessica@newportwhales.com.
Coastal Dynamics
Grade Level: 7-12 Grade
Group size: Up to 40 participants
Duration: 9am – 1:30pm
Price: $300 per class. Scholarships available. Apply here.
Classroom lesson plans are available for free!
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.
As part of the program, participating classes can visit the Crystal Cove Historic District on a field excursion to help monitor changing beach conditions.
To inquire about a field trip contact Alyssa Aldaz, Education Manager, by emailing alyssa@crystalcove.org.