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IN PERSON
GROUP
PROGRAMS

Field trips and mobile programs

The Marine Science Institute provides a scientific experience built on California standards-based activities and a memorable voyage into nature for students of all economic backgrounds. The Marine Science Institute puts students in physical contact with the SF Bay and coast environments to help cultivate their natural sense of curiosity, enrich their understanding of science, and foster a responsibility to protect the environment.

Discovery Voyage

Grades 4 and up

8 am - 12 pm 
1 pm - 5 pm

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $1,450 - 3,000

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $1,570 - 3,000

Max 60 students

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Students embark on a  four-hour expedition of the San Francisco Bay aboard the 90-foot research vessel, the R.V. Robert G. Brownlee. Using research equipment and teamwork, students participate in hands-on science activities collecting live samples and specimens, discovering the life in the estuary and how humans are connected to it.

Shoreside

Grades K and up

2 - 3 hours

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $450 - 865*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $490 - 950*

Max 60 students

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

The Shoreside program takes place at our beachfront facility in Redwood City, and offers a variety of hands-on activities that challenge students and ignite their curiosity.

Inland Voyage

Grades K and up

50 minutes per session

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $495* for first 1-3 sessions

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $495* for first 1-3 sessions

Max 30 students

per session

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Inland Voyages deliver living marine animals from various habitats directly to the class with the Marine Science Institute’s mobile aquarium.

Tidepool

Grades 3 and up

Tide dependent

2.5 hours

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $555 - 845*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $670 - 910*

Max 60 participants

Students journey to the tide pools to explore the rugged habitat and the resilient animals that call this ever-changing coastal environment their home.

Canoes in Sloughs

Grades 6 and up

March - September

9 am - 2 pm

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $710 - 1120*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $870 - 1275*

Max 37 participants

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Discover our local wetland, the wildlife within it, and how humans impact it through Marine Science Institute’s immersive Canoes in Sloughs program.

Ocean Lab

Grades 4 and up

2.5 hours

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $550 - 760*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $610 - 850*

Max 60 students

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Students learn from marine biologists how to think like scientists, brainstorm with their classmates, and make detailed observations by examining organisms from the rocky intertidal ecosystem.

Marsh and Beach

Grades 3 and up
Marsh and Beach Programs are currently on hold as the site is closed for construction. Reopen date unknown at this point.

2.5 hours

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $555 - 845*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $620 - 860*

Max 60 students

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Meet Marine Science Institute at Pescadero State Beach for a guided, hands-on immersion into coastal habitats.

Under 5 Programs

We are all about exploration, and what better age to start an adventure than 3 - 5 years old. These classes are tailored to smaller students, adapted for shorter attention spans by keeping sessions short and rotating stations often.

 

Scroll below to learn about the many possibilities for your class.

Under 5 Under the Sea with Me

Ages 3 - 5

60 Minutes

per session

Offsite: $495 for
1-3 sessions

At MSI: 

$200 up to 10 students

$350 up to 20 students

Max 20 students
per session

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Under the Sea with Me is the perfect marine animal introduction for tiny scientists aged 3 – 5.  Littles spend each program exploring different sea creatures. Lessons are designed to connect curricula using animal exploration, reading, and crafts. Each session covers a different animal and habitat, helping young learners make connections and reinforces introductory concepts.

Under 5 Shoreside

Ages 3 - 5

2 hours

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $425 - 635*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $460 - 700*

Max 40 students

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

Our Under 5 Shoreside is specially designed to cultivate the natural curiosity of young learners in a safe and fun learning environment. This memorable two-hour program includes four stations: Mud, Invertebrates, Fish, and a Craft/Game. Students enjoy touching live animals, exploring mud, and creating a thematic craft keepsake.

Combination Programs

Multiple-exposure programs deepen students’ understanding and create opportunities for cross-cutting between concepts. Bundle programs to combine thematically-linked in-class visits with engaging fieldtrips.

 

Scroll below to learn about the many possibilities for your class.

*some combination programs are grade specific.

Classroom Biomimicry Combination

Grades 3 and up

2 hours

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $450 - 500*

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $450 - 500*

Max 30 students
per session

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

The Classroom Biomimicry Program takes place entirely in the classroom, where students examine live animals and learn about their adaptations. During these sessions students record ideas and observations that are then uses for applying biomimetic concepts to team designs.

Discovery Voyage Biomimicry Combination

Grades 5 and up

50 minute classroom visit
4 hours on ship

Sep. - Feb. Pricing $1,450 - 3,000

Mar. - Aug. Pricing $1,570 - 3,000

Max 30 students

*Sliding scale available depending on need. Click here to apply for sponsorship

The Discovery Voyage Biomimicry Program includes an in-class introductory visit and a voyage aboard Marine Science Institute’s research vessel. In the classroom students are introduced to biomimicry and practice identifying adaptations and functions by interacting with live animals. During the 4 hour voyage students find inspiration by studying the plankton, invertebrates, and fishes onboard using scientific methods and tools.

Habitat Combination

Grades K and up