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Marine Science Institute

www.sfbaymsi.org

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
The Institute's mission is to cultivate a resonsibility for the natural environment and our human communities through interdisciplinary science education. We achieve this goal through innovative marine science education programs that:

  • Place students of all ages in direct contact with the natural environment;
  • Emphasize the interdependence of all living things, their connection to the physical environment, and the special responsibilities of humans to the environment;
  • Facilitate active learning through the use of observation, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in a cooperative setting; and
  • Instill confidence, encourage involvement, and inspire accomplishment by providing positive role models.

Contact:
Julie Xelowski-Brooker, Program Manager
Marine Science Institute
500 Discovery Parkway
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 364-2760
Fax: (650) 364-0416
Julie@sfbaymsi.org

Geographical Focus:
Regional

Counties Served:
All, but mainly central California

Activities:
Research, Education

Topic:
Wetlands, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Beaches, Kelp Forest, Rocky Intertidal, Wildlife, Watersheds/Hydrology, Endangered Species, Bay and Estuary Habitats

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Outreach Programs, On-Site Program, Field Trips, Brochures, Website

Speaker/Lecture Series:
We have speakers on assorted topics for member meetings.

Education Programs:

  • Discovery Voyages take students in the fourth grade and older on board our research vessel, the Robert G. Brownlee, for a four-hour excursion to our San Francisco Bay Estuary. On these excursions, students experience three different stations relating to marine life in the Bay. At the ichthyology, or fish, station, they can identify fish "hands-on". The plankton and hydrology station allows the students to test water properties, and view the plankton life in a single drop of water. At the benthic station, they take a sample of mud from the bottom of the Bay and observe what types of animals live in that environment. This voyage helps students to make observations and suprising discoveries while they conduct experiments using the same equipment as marine scientists.
  • Shoreside Programs are usually attended by K-8th graders. They do the same types of activities done on Discovery Voyages, but the experiments take place on the shore and in our waterfront lab and classroom.
  • Inland Voyages take marine life out to the schools. The Marine Science Mobile transports sharks, fish, crabs, etc. using a trailer-mounted aquarium. This program can be tailored to the class's needs by focusing on whatever theme is appropriate to their current curriculum.

Programs include the following:
•  Bay and Ocean Invertebrates
•  Rocky Intertidal
•  Sandy Beach
•  Marshes & Mudflats
•  Kelp Forests
•  Open Ocean
•  Bay Fish
•  Ocean Labs
•  Tidepool Expedition

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 60

Other Languages:
Prep guides and educational boards are available in Spanish.

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Naturalists, Students/Interns, Docents/Volunteers
We have trainings on various San Francisco Bay and intertidal subjects.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Docent (volunteer who teaches)
  Description:
Docents will work closely with Marine Science Institute staff to teach our programs. Docents help teach marine biology to kids of all ages. Docents are involved with our hands-on programs at our site, at the tidepools, and in schools.
  When Needed:
All year
  Qualifications:
Enthusiasm for science and teaching, and a willingness to get wet and muddy in the field.
  Commitment Required:
Four-month committment, at least two days per month
  Application/Training:
Applicants should contact Kristi Straus for an interview. All training is provided.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Kristi Straus
(650) 364-2760 ext.16
Kristi@sfbaymsi.org

 

Program:
Monitoring Volunteer

  Description:
In this role, volunteers work to research fish populations in the San Francisco Bay. Volunteers go out on our 90-foot research vessel during our four-hour marine science "Discovery Voyage." During this time they remain at the fish station and record size, numbers, and species of fish collected during three or four short trawls.
Monitoring volunteers may also serve as teaching assistants and work with the students on the vessel.
  When Needed:
All year
  Qualifications:
Enthusiasm, a willingness to be wet and cold, interest in conservation or biology, and comfort around children.
  Commitment Required:
Four-month committment to one half-day per week
  Application/Training:
Applicants should contact Kristi Straus for an interview. All training is provided.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Kristi Straus
(650) 364-2760 ext.16
Kristi@sfbaymsi.org


Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Please refer to Volunteer Opportunities. Our interns are volunteers who receive credit.
  When Needed:
All year
  Qualifications:
Interns must be interested in marine science, be comfortable around children and be enthusiastic!
Refer to Volunteer Qualifications for more details.
  Application:
Contact Kristi Straus, Volunteer Coordinator
  Number of Interns:
Many
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Stipend:
No
  Credit:
Yes
  Contact Name:
Kristi Straus
(650) 364-2760 ext.16
Kristi@sfbaymsi.org


Videos:
For loan, $5 fee
•  The World Between the Tides
•  Secrets of the Bay

Slideshows:
For loan, $5 fee
•  Pacific Intertidal
•  Wetlands

Service Fee:
•  Discovery Voyage: School Groups are $850-$1450 per trip, Non-School Groups are $1350 per trip, Public Voyages are $35 per adult and $25 per student ages 5 to 18.
•  Shoreside Program: Fees range from $240 to $690 depending on the length of the program and the number of students participating.
•  Ocean Lab: Fees range from $285 to $550.
•  Tidepool Expedition: Fees range from $230 to $400 depending on the number of students.
•  Inland Voyage and Marine Habitat Programs: For up to 40 students, K-Adult, $95 per program. Must book three or four programs per day, maximum of two habitats per day. Distance fee is $0.75 per mile.

There are sponsorships available according to the need.

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop

Parking Availability:
Parking lot on site for cars and buses

Public Transit Access:
Samtrans

Disabled Access:
Facilities are wheel chair accessible


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

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