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Longfellow, Mayo, and Roosevelt Scholars Dive into Marine Biology

Media Release
 

The CUSD Department of Black Student Achievement recently brought 40 African American 4th through 8th graders from Longfellow Elementary, Mayo Elementary, and Roosevelt Elementary on an immersive marine biology workshop at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, where they stepped into the shoes of oceanographers for the day.

The students explored the marine environment through hands-on activities, using science and engineering practices. With a focus on observation, inquiry, and data analysis, they brought the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to life during the trip.

 

In the saltwater laboratory, students used scientific tools to examine how live marine animals feed. Under microscopes, they observed fascinating behaviors, such as barnacles catching tiny shrimp with their feathery feet. These up-close observations allowed students to gain insight into how scientists gather evidence to understand marine ecosystems and the feeding habits of ocean life.

After their lab work, students visited the aquarium’s aquatic nursery. They explored the "Growing Live Food" exhibit, which features newly hatched baby brine shrimp essential for feeding aquarium fish. This experience gave them a real-world look at how aquarists cultivate live food and highlighted the importance of scientific research in supporting marine ecosystems.

The guided tour concluded with an exploration of a local beach. Armed with bowl sifters, students dug through the sand near the waterline, uncovering small ocean creatures like sand crabs, clams, fish, and marine invertebrates.

This interactive activity helped students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, and marine conservation. They developed hypotheses, worked collaboratively, and presented their findings, leaving the workshop inspired by the world of marine science.