"Ocean Discovery Institute’s students’ self-confidence is unbelievable. The staff is giving them a lot more than any other organization I’ve seen because the kids believe in themselves as well as all that they’ve learned."
- Paul Dayton, Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Paul Dayton, Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
100% of teachers report that Ocean Science Explorers made their students more interested and confident in science.
Discover Ocean Science Explorers
Ocean Science Explorers is a school-based educational initiative that provides early and continued exposure to ocean science. Students and teachers participate in Ocean Science Explorers from the third through sixth grades. All curricula are grade level specific and aligned with national and California state science standards.Over the course of two months, students participate in hands-on science education activities, a field exploration of an outdoor laboratory, and a locally-based environmental service project. Teachers are provided with professional development, books and materials, and thematic curriculum to build understanding of science through interdisciplinary lessons.
Evaluations of Ocean Science Explorers show that students increase their scores on tests of science knowledge at every grade level by 20% or more.
Teacher Resources
(Resources for Educators)
(Resources for Educators)
A Closer Look at Ocean Science Explorers
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Meet Jennifer >
Jennifer became an instructor for Ocean Discovery Institute bringing the Ocean Science Explorers program to 3rd-6th grade classrooms read entire story > |
Results: The Impact of Ocean Science Explorers
100% of teachers report that Ocean Science Explorers made their students more interested and confident in science.Jennifer's Story - Inspired by Science Exploration
Jennifer leads a shark dissection
Became an Ocean Discovery Institute Teacher: 2007
Developing a Passion for Science Education: Jennifer's participation in Ocean Discovery Institute enabled her to develop a passion for using science to empower youth. As a young person, Jennifer didn't have opportunities to study science or learn through hands-on experiences. She wanted to change this for other young people like herself. At the end of high school Jennifer was awarded the San Diego State University's Diversity Scholarship and became a marine science major with the goal of becoming a teacher and transforming the field of science education.
Teaching and Mentoring Others: During college, Jennifer became an instructor for Ocean Discovery Institute bringing the Ocean Science Explorers program to 3rd-6th grade classrooms. Teaching through hands-on activities, Jennifer was able to translate her passion for science to young people in her community. In fact, Jennifer taught at Hamilton Elementary, the same elementary school she attended as a child.
Favorite Lesson: Jennifer's favorite lesson is The Plankton Race, because it is such a great way for students to understand plankton, an organism that usually can't be seen with the naked eye.
Hamilton Elementary Teachers' Thoughts: The teachers at Hamilton Elementary are enthusiastic participants in Ocean Science Explorers. They have seen their science test scores increase 26% and cite their involvement with Ocean Discovery Institute as a major reason for these gains. The teachers feel that seeing a role model like Jennifer, who reflects the local community, makes young people believe that they too can be a scientist.
Jennifer's Dream for her Students: To use education and science to help children from all walks of life.
Jennifer's understanding of the need for experiential science education in the younger grades is echoed by the many teacher and student participants in Ocean Science Explorers. By combining resources for teachers and hands-on experiences for students, Ocean Discovery Institute programs enable young people to build science and environmental knowledge and prepare for their future.
"Teaching science to young people has made me realize that learning science should always be creative and fun. I want to make science accessible to all. " - Jennifer Best, Senior at San Diego State University
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