Marine Ecology

This area of study introduces coastal and marine environments and explores human impacts on ocean and estuarine resources. Students engage in explorations of coastal, lagoon, and rocky intertidal habitats. Possible activities are described below.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that all students/groups will experience any one activity. Visiting many locations depends upon schedules, tides, and minimizing human impacts.

Intertidal Marine Lab

Headlands Institute's marine lab contains more than 30 species of intertidal organisms. Students might:

• Take scientific investigation of tidepool life to a deeper level
  
• Feel the leathery back of a sea star
• Use digital microscopes to observe a sea urchin's tube feet in action or examine an anemone's mouthparts up close
• Discover how cultures around the world relate to the ocean by sharing multicultural stories, foods, and traditions related to the ocean

Plankton Tow

Plankton is the base of virtually all ocean food chains. The bridge across Rodeo Lagoon is an ideal place to  perform a plankton tow. Field groups might:

• Collect plankton from the lagoon and study the differences between zooplankton and phytoplankton in our microscope lab
• Learn about the role plankton plays in oxygen production and ecosystem balance
  
• Investigate plankton adaptations, which allow them to remain neutrally buoyant

Marine Mammals

Headlands Institute is an ideal place to see and study dozens of marine mammal species. Students might:

• Learn about marine mammal physiology as they measure and touch our 80 foot blue whale skeleton
• Discover how whales feed by investigating the blue whale's baleen
  
• Design and implement an inquiry project as they observe seal behavior from the overlook at Point Bonita
• Visit the hospital at The Marine Mammal Center to get a close-up look at rescued seals and sea lions

Note: The Marine Mammal Center experience is available to Headlands Institute groups on a limted basis. If you would like to guarantee that all of your students visit The Marine Mammal Center, you may sign up for an additional Marine Mammal Center education program (cost: $120, 1-hour, up to 35 people). Please contact us at (415) 332-5771 x24 for details.

Tidepool Exploration

At the tidepools on South Rodeo Beach, students might: 

• Discover anemones, sea stars, mussels, and more
• Use field guides to identify species
• Make observations about how each organisms is specially adapted to survive in this harsh habitat

Note: tidepooling may not be available based on tides, waves, and weather.

Stewardship Project

Stewardship is a key component of every Headlands Institute program. While studying marine ecology, students might: 

• Participate in a beach clean-up on Rodeo Beach, carrying on a Headlands Institute tradition that goes back more than 30 years
• Learn about the impact of plastics on ocean health
• Discuss how they can care for the environment in their own community
  

Evening Programs

Wondering what your students might do after the field day? Learn about our evening programs.