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.

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 Georges Edouard, Crystal Cove Conservancy Education Coordinator, by emailing georges@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 Georges Edouard, Crystal Cove Conservancy Education Coordinator, by emailing georges@crystalcove.org

 


Marine Protected Area Exploration

students on an MPA boat

Grade Level: 7-12 Grade
Group size: Up to 40 participants
Duration: 9am – 12pm
Price: $950/cruise; $550/cruise for Teacher Learning Community members. 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 Roame, Newport Whales Education Coordinator, 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 book a field trip, contact Crystal Cove Conservancy by emailing info@crystalcove.org.

Get Crystal Cove in your inbox!
×