Mission
Oceans-to-Classrooms (O2C) and the REEF endeavour to provide “An Ocean View of the World” to people of all ages to increase science literacy and inspire environmental stewardship of our Ocean resources through education. Oceans-to-Classrooms is dedicated to educating people about the role scientific research plays in the understanding and conservation of our Ocean planet.
The Research Experience & Education Facility, better known as The REEF, is UCSB’s teaching aquarium. Located at Campus Point Beach, the REEF is part of the Marine Science Institute’s (MSI) Oceans-to-Classrooms (O2C) education and outreach program. Equipped with state-of-the-art touch tanks and aquaria, The REEF provides an “Ocean View of the World” for students in Southern California including Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond! The REEF’s unique method of instruction and science communication utilizes current and on-going research at UCSB and aligns it with Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Combined with strategic on-campus partnerships with the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and the Office of Education Partnerships, as well as other environmental and science departments, MSI produces high level science, literacy and pedagogical programs for K-12 students, teachers, college courses and the community-at-large.
Please consider donating to The REEF. Anything helps.
Programs
Find what works for you
Through off-campus collaborations with the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the Santa Barbara County Education Office, MSI creates very meaningful place-based curricula for K12 students and professional development opportunities for teachers. Through our web-based content, MSI has the capacity to bring our “Ocean View of the World” to students all around this Ocean Planet.
For scheduling requests, please email inquiries to our REEF Program Coordinator at outreach@msi.ucsb.edu or call us at 805.893.8765.
Working at The REEF
Find the opportunity that best fits you
Oceans-To-Classrooms (O2C) provides volunteer, and paid internships for
- UCSB undergraduate
- Graduate Students
- College Prep Internship Program (for HS Students)
For more information, please email our REEF Program Coordinator at outreach@msi.ucsb.edu or call us at 805.893.8765.
Undergraduates
The REEF at MSI trains qualified volunteer marine science guides. REEF guides are responsible for leading programs, and also work with REEF Aquarists to care for the REEF facility.
Graduates
The REEF offers opportunities for graduate students in educational outreach for science literacy and teaching.
High School
The REEF College Prep Internship provides an opportunity for high school students to gain practical experience related to marine biology, science communication/education aquarium facilities by working with REEF staff and interns.
Public Hours
Have you ever wanted to hold a sea hare or lobster?
Come down to The REEF for Open Door!
We are open to the public every Friday/Saturday (except for major holidays) during our Open Door hours. The REEF is always FREE of charge.
For more information, please email our REEF Program Coordinator at outreach@msi.ucsb.edu or call us at 805.893.8765.
Hours
Friday 3:00pm–5:00pm
Saturday 11:00am–2:00pm
Fall 2024 Open Door Dates:*
September 20–December 7
November 30, the REEF will be opened from 11am–1pm.
The REEF will be closed:
November 1–2, in support of UCSB Parents and Family Weekend
November 29, Thanksgiving
December 14–January 13, Winter Break
*Subject to change. Please email our REEF Program Coordinator at outreach@msi.ucsb.edu for the latest dates/hours.
The VirtualREEF
Spend your Day @ The REEF watching our YouTube Channel
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