Field Trips on the Marine Science Floating Lab
In Southern California, the program funds field trips for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade aboard a boat operating out of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors.
Field trips on the Floating Lab are exciting and motivating, helping students to experience the marine enviornment up close and personal and to see first-hand how human behavior affects the quality of habitats, animal life, and plat life in the marine environment.
For schools in Southern California, field trips are offered to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students on the Marine Science Floating Lab, which has been operating since 1974 through the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) in both Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors.
Each year, we strive to fund as many field trips as possible, especially to disadvantaged schools and students who otherwise may not have this opportunity.
Floating Lab Boat Trip
The Floating Lab is a unique on-the-water experience that allows all students to get “up close and personal” with the environment and ecosystems along the coast and in the water. During a 3-hour trip through the Los Angeles or Long Beach Harbor, students rotate from station to station to participate in hands-on activities, record data, and analyze their findings—like real scientists.
Activities include:
- pull in a trawl net and examine and learn about the fish, invertebrates, and other life beneath the surface of the water
- collect and examine plankton using a plankton net and an optical microscope
- “grab” and inspect bottom sediment using an Ekman dredge
- test water for clarity, color, and temperature
- observe and record wildlife – pelagic birds, harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales
Bus Transportation
For those classes that receive funding for the field trip, reimbursement can be provided for bus transportation to the Floating Lab site.
Contact
To find out about booking a field trip on the Floating Lab, contact:
Los Angeles County Office of Education
(562)922-6330
hawke_shaun@lacoe.edu
Prior to the field trip, teachers will receive:
- general trip information
- pre-trip preparation for teachers and students
- overview of onboard activities