Ocean Careers Discovery Day
Explore the Frontlines of Ocean Science: A One-Day Immersive Experience in field Biology, impact Engineering, and science Communication
In this immersive, hands-on experience, students have just six hours to tackle a series of tasks centered around a real-world ecosystem challenge. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, they will engage in scientific scuba diving, operate remotely controlled vehicles, and navigate the complexities of conveying scientific findings to a global audience. This dynamic simulation mirrors the challenges faced by professionals in ocean conservation and research, offering students a unique opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, and experience the pressures of real-world scientific work. Teamwork and effective communication will be key as students self-organize to accomplish their mission.
High School, College, & Middle School Versions
The Experience comes to your school or facility
Bookings available for schools, student organizations, and parent groups
Chose your tale of an ecosystem out of balance
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The Urchin Invasion
A true story from the kelp forests of Northern California
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The Coral Calamity
The true story of the world’s 4th mass coral bleaching event
Student Challenges
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Field Biology
Discover Scientific Scuba Diving
Complete Underwater Indicator Species Survey
Hang Coral Fragments in an Underwater Nursery
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Impact Engineering
Pilot a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Retrieve a HOBO Data Logger
Reef Mapping for Coral Coverage and Health
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SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Capture Original Content
Communicate a Scientific Topic
Create Engagement
Collaboration is Essential for success
In this hands-on learning experience, students begin by selecting their team members based on individual skills and expertise. This collaborative approach allows students to learn from one another, deepening their understanding of the subject matter while enhancing teamwork skills. The experience simulates real-life situations where effective collaboration is essential for success.
Once teams are formed, students will choose a team name and assign key roles, such as project manager and data captain. These roles foster leadership and responsibility, ensuring that each team member contributes to the group's success. Working together in this way helps make learning more dynamic, engaging, and motivating.
Throughout the course, all students will participate in a series of missions designed to challenge and expand their knowledge. Points will be awarded based on performance in these tasks, and a winning team will be recognized at the end of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scuba Questions
EXPERIENCE Information
Where is this Experience Offered: The experience is booked directly for your school or student organization.
The instructional staff travels to your facility for the experience. Staff travel in the contiguous US is included in the experience price. HI, AK, US territories, International locations, and some remote locations incur a travel surcharge. All prices are confirmed during booking.
Curriculum Version by Grade: All experiences have a High-School, Undergraduate, and Middle-School version. Minimum age for participation is twelve years old. Ten and eleven year old students need special permission.
Group Size: The experience is designed for 12 to 18 students. Smaller groups can be accommodated for an extra fee.
How to Book: A school or student group administrator completes the booking form below.
Unique Stories: Schools may choose to book both stories for the same students, as the stories have unique activities.
Is Scuba Diving Required for All Students: Although the scuba element is one of the most exciting parts of the experience, it is not required to participate as some students have medical concerns that prevent diving.
Cost: The cost is $545/student including all necessary equipment.
Sample Schedule:
9:00am - 10:00am: Introductions, the tale of an ecosystem out of balance, the mission, and team selection.
10:00am - 10:30am: Digital storytelling planning with conservation media
10:30am - 12:00pm: Field Biology or Impact Engineering Tasks
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm - 2:30pm: Impact Engineering or Field Biology Tasks
2:30pm - 2:45pm: Break
2:45pm - 3:45pm: Digital storytelling production with conservation media
3:45pm - 4:00pm: Mission conclusion
What is Next? Students who want a deeper understanding of the topics may apply for the summer immersion program where they can earn real world training and certifications in these areas while working in the field along side project researchers
Booking Inquiry
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No, in fact most students have never tried diving before.
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Recreational dive certifications are seen as prerequisite courses to research diving. Certified students will learn new skills in this experience related to field work. They will want to let the other students know during the team selection as they will have an advantage on some of the tasks.
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All the equipment needed in this experience is provided for students. Students will need to provided height, weight, and shoe size during the enrollment process for properly fitting equipment.
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All students who will participate on scuba need to turn in this medical form. A physician’s signature is required if there is a “yes” answer to any of the indicated medical questions.
Group Questions
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No, we work with schools, student organizations, non-profits, local governments, community programs, or self organized groups of parents.
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A pool is required for this experience that can accommodate the total number of students enrolled. Ideally, the pool should be heated to 82 degrees (F). Colder pool temperatures need to be disclosed. The WHALEFALL team will work with you to arrange an outside pool if your organization does not have one. Pool rental costs are outside of any quoted prices.
Marine Tech Experience Questions
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Yes. We are working on new stories and experiences for future release.
