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Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab
& Aquarium

www.roundhouseaquarium.org

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
The specific and primary purposes are to foster and promote the public study of, and interest in, the oceans, tidelands, and beaches of Southern California, the marine life therein, and the impact of human populations on that environment.

Contact:
Eric Martin
Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium
Manhattan Beach Pier
Phone: (310) 379-8117
Fax: (310) 937-9366
roundhouse.aquarium@verizon.net

Mailing address:
P. O. Box 1
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267

Geographical Focus:
Regional

Counties Served:
Los Angeles, Orange

Activities:
Research, Education, Advocacy, Policy, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation, Restoration, Water Pollution Prevention

Topic:
Bay & Estuary Habitats, Beaches, Habitat Restoration, Kelp Forest, Marine/Estuary Reserves & Santuaries, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Rocky Intertidal, Sand Dune Habitats, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Watersheds/Hydrology, Wetlands, Wildlife

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Newsletter, Brochures, Exhibits/Displays, Multimedia, Website

Speaker/Lecture Series
In addition to our standard classes offered to K-12, we are also offering adult classes for both high school/college age, and adults. Lectures will be offered as part of courses that may be registered for through the Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation, and directly through the Roundhouse Aquarium.

Education Programs:

  • 3-hour program for up to 60 students begins with a pollution and human impact lesson using a preserved sea turtle and expands to explain storm drains vs. sewers. This is then followed by an ocean animal discussion, where students get a chance to hold live animals while they learn. The class then heads down to the beach to become beach detectives and explore the sandy habitat, birds and learn about waves. We also offer a 1-hour program following the same format, but does not include the beach exploration. Mini Seashore Fields Studies is a 3-hour class taught off site at either the Whites Point Tide pools in San Pedro or the Marina del Ray mudflats. Ocean Outreach is the program of choice when classes can’t leave the classroom- we bring the ocean to you! Marine Explorers teaches 4-5 year olds about the ocean animals using age-appropriate techniques.
  • Summer Science Sea Camp during the months of July and August offers fun learning at the Roundhouse as well as off site for ages 6 through high school.
  • Sleep with the Sharks (SWS) is an overnight experience offered to kids 3rd grade and up (families are welcome). We eat dinner together, learn all about sharks, do a dissection, feed the sharks and even do a night walk on the beach. Pizza dinner, snacks and pancake breakfast provided!
  • Specialty Adult Night Classes will be offered starting this spring, focusing on the local ocean habitat and large marine animals. See website for more details.

Target Audiences:
K-12th Grades, Teachers, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 60

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Students/Interns, Docents/Volunteers, General Public:
Teachers get training through Heal the Bay’s "Key to the Sea Program." We offer a volunteer as well as an internship program for those interested, and we are always interacting with visitors during our public hour.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Roundhouse Volunteer Program
  Description:
Work along side Roundhouse staff, teaching and educating the public, assisting with tank maintenance and feedings, participating in our special events such as the Old Hometown Fair, the Haunted Roundhouse, Earth Day and even Summer Camp. Become a Senior Volunteer who specializes in educational programs, aquarist work or the Ocean Neighbors program. After completing 50 hours and receiving the approval from the Volunteer Coordinator one can become a Senior Volunteer.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Minimum age of 14, although exceptions for younger volunteers has been made in the past
  Commitment Required:
Minimum of 8 hours per month (once a week, for two hours) for 3 whole months
  Application/Training:
Fill out application and attend two required training sessions, held the first and second Wednesday of each month. Contact the Roundhouse and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator for details.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Volunteer Coordinator
(301) 379-8117 roundhouse.aquarium@verizon.net


Internship Opportunities

  Program:
Roundhouse Summer Internship Program
  Description:
The Roundhouse offers internships throughout the year. During the school year (September-June) interns work side-by-side with the education staff in creating, designing, and teaching marine science programs to ages K-High School. Must be college age or older. During the summer, June-August, our Summer Internship Program is a chance for college age students interested in the Marine Environment and Marine Science Education. The interns assist the staff with the Roundhouse Summer Science Sea Camp. The interns will learn how to educate and will teach some of the summer camp programs. All camps are held on the sandy beach, tidepools, wetlands, Channel Islands and inside the aquarium. Thus, interns get a field experience of the diverse habitats in the Marine Environment. Interns can also propose a small research project to conduct along while working with the Summer Camp Program.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Most important is a strong passion and dedication to the ocean and study of the marine science. College age, with an appropriate major is recommended. Also, an interest and experience working with children.
  Application:
Submit resume, cover letter, and proposed internship project
  Number of Interns:
2
  Housing Provided:
No
  Stipend:
Possible, not guaranteed
  Credit:
If schools offer credits, we will fill out necessary forms, etc.


Videos:
For use on-site
•   Several, shown during our public hours

Slideshows:
For use on-site
•   Used for our educational programs and special events/presentations, on all topics including local marine habitat and marine mammals

Service Fee:
There is no charge to enter during public hours, but a donation of $2/person, or $4/family is suggested. Since we are a non-profit organization, donations run this aquarium.

General Services:
Restrooms

Parking Availability:
Metered parking available at the base of the pier

Public Transit Access:
LADOT Commuter Express 438 stops at Highland & 14th (Manhattan Beach Blvd., where pier is located is equivalent to 11th)
Metro Bus 439 West to Manhattan Ave. & 10th St.

Disabled Access:
Ramps are provided from the base of the pier to the entrance of the aquarium and an elevator is present to access the upstairs level.



This Resource Directory is a product of the California Coastal Commission's Public Education Program

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