"Science on the Sea" Chartered Field Trip!

Meet your Healthy Footprints Adventure Community leaders and friends at San Dimas Canyon to join the fun for 3rd through 5th graders! Your student will join the fun on a chartered bus and have a blast heading down to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point for the day! This is like a memorable summer camp experience, with other homeschoolers singing songs, playing games, and making friends.

At the Ocean Institute, we will be guided by their field trip team to the R/V Sea Explorer.

About the R/V Sea Explorer

The 65-foot Research Vessel Sea Explorer is an educational floating lab equipped with underwater cameras, an acoustic hydrophone, onboard computers, video microscopes, touch tanks, and a viewing aquarium. A bowsprit over the water provides any passenger with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales, and sea lions.

Research conducted aboard the vessel is integrated into our program curriculum. There is not a more hands-on and poignant learning opportunity for students than to participate in authentic statewide research collaborations such as the projects we have with the California Department of Public Health and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

About the program

The marine mammal program aboard the R/V Sea Explorer allows students to  investigate the natural history of our local marine mammals. On the  marine mammal cruise, dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions are the  focus of this exciting voyage on the open ocean! Students investigate  the natural history of our local marine mammals using a benthic grab  sampler, plankton net, and marine bio facts. The students will discuss  the types of marine mammals they saw and will discover the differences  between them through the use of artifacts, sounds, and images.

For:  Grades 3-6 (approximate and flexible)

Schedule:

9:30-10 Gather at San Dimas Canyon Park and board the charter bus together

10am-11am Learn and play games while driving to the Ocean Institute!

11-12pm  Explore the Ocean Institute as a group and eat lunch

12pm-2pm Marine Mammal Science on the Sea!

2pm-3pm Play and enjoy a snack together

3pm-4:30pm More fun on the way home in the bus!

4:30-5pm We will play at the park until everyone has been picked up

*Before the cruise, a book list and educational material will be emailed to everyone participating. This is not required, but will give the family an opportunity to explore some of the science subjects before or after our experience together if they choose to do so.

Notes:

*Rules, regulations, and expectations about the trip, a packing list for the day, and more will be sent upon booking your trip.

*Parents or siblings are welcome to ride in the bus with us, or explore the Ocean Institute during our field trip! This is an option for a separate cost, and space permitting. Fill out the contact form on our website to inquire.

*If you would like your child to join the trip, but prefer to meet at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, please send us a message. The price of the ticket would be less than joining the charter. But half the fun is on the bus!

*This tour is recommended for approximately Grades 3-6, ages 8-12, but this event is great for a wider range of ages!

*HFAC shirts are required since this is a group field trip with chaperones.

*Tickets are transferable but non-refundable.