Trip to Marine Science Institute at UCSB

On December 10, 2010, Anacapa took an all school field trip UCSB’s Marine Science Institute. Students were grouped according to grade levels and rotated through four different activities, including a science lab on water taught by REEF director, Scott Simon, who also demonstrated the amazing “Magic Earth Ball” that brings the oceans alive in all kinds of different scenarios. Students were led by upper division aquatic biology students and toured the pumping facilities for the saltwater systems, the lagoon, and aquaria in the REEF facility. With our special theme of marine biology this school year, this was a perfect way to head off to the winter break. UCSB also gave us some very beautiful marine organisms for our saltwater aquarium in Sedgwick: a cabazon, lots of nudibranchs, sea anemones, brittle stars and more. Check out the last photo of the Anacapa aquarium with new life on Facebook. Thank you UCSB!

“One of the best aspects, especially for us juniors and seniors, was seeing the young docents who were in college. We kind of get spoiled everywhere Anacapa goes, so it was awesome to get the chance to see UCSB in a different way.”  – Haley Yuhasz, junior

“I learned many interesting things, such as how clever an octopus is and that shark eggs are wrapped around kelp as a means of camofluaging them against predators.”  – Libby Tuomi, senior

“The staff were incredibly knowledgable and excited to teach us. The institute excited a passion for marine science.”  – Joshua Figueroa, senior

“Scott Simon was an interesting and eloquent speaker who taught us that a scientist can be anyone.” -Ila Rutten, junior