K-12
Bringing tidepools into classrooms
Tidepool exploration in itself is exciting. We have the luxury of seeing animals that look like they’re from another world! How can we tap into that excitement and also make it educational, impactful, and rewarding?
LOF has designed an ocean centered curriculum for K-12 education that aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Ocean Literacy Standards. Students who engage with the curriculum can:
• Have a field biologist come to their classroom to lead activities and discussions
• Visit estuary and intertidal locations in Laguna Beach for in person learning experiences about biodiversity and human impacts to the ocean
• Work with a mentor biologist as they propose solutions to environmental issues they find in their community at present time. The mentors at LOF can assist students in method development for science projects, data collection and statistical analysis for math classes, capstone projects for Advanced Placement courses and field research opportunities for budding scientists.
Community projects and activities are also available for parent groups, scouting organizations and other youth groups and extracurricular clubs. Interested in seeing the list of educational projects we can offer? Let us know and we’ll send you our complete list of activities.
Learning about tidepools is tide and true fun!
Education doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, we have so much fun teaching about the ocean and tidepools that we go all over Orange County to tell people about them! Whether it’s a STEAM festival, community event, or a visit to a classroom, we think it’s important for everyone to learn the impact they have on the California coast and the amazing species that call it home. Interested in having Laguna Ocean Foundation come out to your school or event?
LOF Offers An Emerging Leaders Grant
This grant is for student groups to support the goal of bringing positive change to their community regarding an area of environmental concern.
Testimonials
“I can’t begin to say enough about LOF. The amount of care and expertise they have, coupled with a nurturing environment led to an amazing experience. I would say the knowledge they had about the tides was the most impressive. They knew the exact day and time that would yield the greatest observations. The stations that they provided were effective, engaging, and more than I could do in a classroom. Having students create scientific drawings was a highlight for them as well. My students loved the viewing of the tidal pools and were able to see how organisms interact. It brought our science curriculum to life. As a local resident, I know that I am raising classrooms of students who know not just the science of our local tidepools, but they are able to teach family members. I could not have reached that level of reality without LOF.”
Jeff T
5th grade teacher
Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School
Saddleback Valley
“Partnering with Laguna Ocean Foundation for our Career Speaker Series was an outstanding experience. Carissa Rice and Alayna Ader’s deep knowledge, engaging presentation style, and genuine connection with our students were remarkable. They provided valuable real-world insights into their field, offering practical advice and inspiring stories that resonated with our students. We’re excited about the opportunity to collaborate with them again in the future.”
Julia B
5th grade teacher
Laguna Beach USD
“Carissa’s knowledge and expertise served as an invaluable resource for students starting their FLOW project. Her informative presentations inspired students to choose a topic that interested them and provided relevant information for students who had already chosen their topic.”
Taylor P
Laguna Beach High School English Teacher
Laguna Beach USD
“After working with Carissa, students were both inspired and informed. Her insights into the threats facing our oceans encouraged students to create meaningful films designed to inspire action.”
Hayley S
Laguna Beach High School English Teacher
Laguna Beach USD
“The partnership we have formed between LOF and our LBHS FLOW program at the high school has brought tremendous benefits to our students. Carissa’s informative ocean presentations provided our students with powerful information, resources, and inspiration. Her preparation, delivery, and interactions with the students all exceeded our expectations.”
Sarah B
Laguna Beach High School FLOW Coordinator and English Teacher
Laguna Beach USD