Marine Science Camp Sneak Peek - Wetland Explorers (2nd-5th grades)
The countdown to summer has begun! This week’s Marine Science Camp sneak peek is at Wetland Explorers camp for entering 2nd-5th graders.
Wetland Explorers camp for entering 2nd-5th graders investigates the animals and habitats in the San Francisco Bay, the largest estuary on the Pacific West Coast. Fresh water flows from rivers that feed into the Bay and salt water flows in from the Pacific Ocean. This mix of salt and fresh water is brackish water and is one of the features that makes this ecosystem so special. Daily tidal fluctuations and seasonal water flow make the SF Bay one of the most dynamic and productive habitats in the world! Nearby marshes, sloughs and mudflats provide shelter, food and safety for countless organisms, some of which are only found in this area!
During their week learning about the San Francisco Bay’s wetlands, Wetland Explorers will investigate the animal and plant life that call the Bay home. Organisms such as mammals, birds, and countless fish and invertebrate species have amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the ever-changing conditions of the Bay! Campers will also learn about the many important functions of wetlands including filtering of pollutants, slowing erosion, absorbing water and preventing flooding, provide an area for human recreation, act as a stop-over point for migrating birds, and provide food and a home for diverse animals.
The Wetland Explorers camp week is filled with live animal interaction, hands-on activities, and themed lessons and games tailored to each grade level. The activities encourage campers to be curious about the Bay’s wetland habitats, explore organisms’ adaptations for survival, and spend time outdoors to learn about this vital ecosystem while also having fun.
Each week of Wetland Explorers includes:
Hands-on activities from 8:30 am-3:00 pm Monday through Friday
2 days at our site to study live animals from our aquarium and to engage in other science projects both indoors and outside
2 days at local field trip sites (reached by school bus) that feature different habitats. 2020 field trip locations are still TBD. Past field trip locations include Pescadero Marsh, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Eden Landing Ecological Preserve, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, California Academy of Sciences, Palo Alto Baylands, and more.
1 day aboard our ship that includes fishing, studying plankton, sampling mud, and learning about nautical navigation
2 staff plus a volunteer for every 16 campers
Flexible curriculum that engages multiple learning styles
Week-long camps are available. Camps run Monday through Friday select weeks from 8:30 am-3:00 pm. Extended care is available until 5:30 pm. Visit our Scholarships page to apply for financial assistance.
Camp sessions: June 29-July 3, July 13-17, July 20-24, August 3-7
Registration is open for MSI Members! Become a Member today to access Marine Science Camp Early Bird Registration. Registration opens to the public February 3.
