little girls looking at a sea urchin and smiling at the REEF
phd student mentors high school student on the field
phd sudent answer questions to the public in th Hofmann lab
girl working on a project during earth day
mentor and student on the field at Campus Point
diver at the Cormorant vessel
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FROM THE TEACHERS

"...They [the docents] keep it challenging, asking probing questions, and pulling in prior knowledge.  They allow so much hands-on with the animals and teach not only about the animals but also conservation and respect for the ocean."

~ Debi Santoro, teacher Ballard School

"...The students from UCSB who led the groups in their exploration were engaging, knowledgeable and informative.  It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience..."

~ Marsi Gore, Bridges Charter School

"...My 4th and 5th grade class attended a UCSB tour of campus and visit to the Reef back in February 2012. My students wrote about this visit as well. Some said that it was the best field trip they had ever taken. Coming in contact with real sea life and being able to touch these wonders was definitely the highlight of my students' visit to the Reef. The staff was knowledgeable and very friendly as well..."

~ Paula Martinez-Wiggins - Olga Reed School

"I have brought my AP Biology students to the REEF for several years and they always enjoy the experience of getting to observe and handle the animals that they are learning about. They have told me that their visit is one of the most memorable things they do during their junior and senior years in high school..."

~ Dana Grooms, Thousand Oaks High School

"...My current and former students still talk about our fieldtrip to REEF and all the amazing marine animals and knowledge you and your team have imparted to them, enabling me to [...] kindle in them a  life-long love and interest in science and higher learning. [...] Thanks so much for being a wonderful addition and support to my class."

~ Maestra Mayra Curiel , Adelante Charter School

"...I think students spend so many hours on their phones/laptops, etc. that it is a wonderful change of pace to be in a place where they get to put their hands into the water and pick up shark’s eggs, etc.  Thanks for hosting so many groups over the years. It is a great resource and appreciated by all the parents and teachers who have had the opportunity to visit."

~ Catriona Gay, Yakumo JHS Academy

"...If the mission of the REEF is to educate and ignite enthusiasm for marine biology then the REEF staff's passion and hands-on experiences certainly did just that for my students. Many of my students said this was the highlight of the year and planned to take their families to the REEF facility."

~ Jannine Tuttle, Marymount Middle School
more testimonials »

Education and Outreach

Through Education and Outreach, MSI provides an ocean view of the world to over 20,000 students of all ages annually. From preK-12 to post-secondary institutions, from educators to community groups and the public, MSI Education and Outreach takes advantage of the rich resources of MSI and UCSB, and is uniquely positioned to link marine research and education. UCSB is home to leading marine scientists conducting cutting edge research from the coral reefs of Polynesia, to the kelp forests of the Pacific and to Antarctica. Our Education and Outreach efforts tap into this expertise to provide pioneering education programs based on the latest marine science research and conservation efforts.

The Research Experience & Education Facility, better known as the REEF, is our primary education destination. The REEF, located just down the road from MSI, has over 200 different species of marine organisms from around the world for visitors to observe, interact with, and learn about. In addition, the REEF Mobile Unit brings our interactive aquariums directly into classrooms and public events throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.

Oceans-to-Classrooms (O2C) delivers an ocean view of the world to K-12 students and professional development opportunities to their teachers through visits to the classrooms and here at UCSB. Multi-faceted programs immerse participants in science lessons and activities designed to increase science literacy and enhance math and language arts skills. Developed around STEM-based, standards-focused content, O2C delivers innovative, place-based, hands-on learning with a global perspective.