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Ocean Institute Reopens Campus and Learning Spaces

04.21.21

Ocean Institute is welcoming the public back to their campus and learning spaces on April 10th. After a year of virtual and outdoor activities, the institute will open fully, including two new exhibits that enable visitors to explore local marine life in a hands-on and interactive way.

The Sahm Family Foundation Marine Education Center featuring shark encounters was slated to celebrate its grand opening on March 18th, 2020. Over a year later, the exhibit will open, allowing visitors to learn about shark anatomy, life cycles, research, and conservation, through artifacts, interactive demonstrations, and a beautiful horn shark touch tank.

Ocean Institute is also opening a new Marine Mammal exhibit in the Chambers Gallery. The exhibit features the ecological history of whales and dolphins and their place in our modern-day environment. Participants in weekend Marine Mammal Cruises will get exclusive access to the exhibit prior to departure.

In addition to new exhibits, the Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. From squid dissections to panning for gold, from archeology and artifact explorations to “getting granular” with sand, from sounds of the sea to sea star feeding behaviors, from raising sails to lowering the mud grab, your Ocean Institute offers something for everyone.

Tidepool hikes, geology walks, and kayak tours continue to bring visitors to some of the most interesting and captivating spaces in the harbor and visitors can experience the wonders of native plants in the recently restored native plant garden with the naturalist team.

Land-based offerings are enhanced with Ocean Institute’s on-the-water programs. Visitors can become part of the crew while sailing on the Spirit of Dana Point or become an oceanographer for the day on the R/V Sea Explorer. Back on land, the newly redesigned gift shop offers souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Ocean Institute is open to the public on weekends and non-school days from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. For more information and tickets to all Ocean Institute activities, please go to oceaninstitute.org, or call (949) 496-2274.

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Everyday Earth Day for Kids

04.20.21

As Earth Day approaches, Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) renowned parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and author of Winnie & Her Worries shares tips on how to make Recycling, Reusing, Reduce fun for kids.

Introduce the importance at a young age, model it, and make it fun.
Identify ‘Trash Day’ and the different bins you put outside for weekly pick up. Start with what goes in where….(paper, glass, plastic, etc.). Have your child draw them on paper. When they are seen in a visual on paper, they can identify, relate to and retain their shapes, colors and uses better.
Craft it out. Share the importance of reusing and recycling household items by making it into art and play. This process also encourages re-use, develops imagination, and promotes creativity.
Where does trash go? Show them and discuss this. Ask your child how can we manage waste? Use a recycled water canister, use a washable cloth vs paper napkin etc.
Teach a concrete lesson on how to use less. For example, we all take more than we need on our plate. Teach by starting with small portions and then if we want more we take more. So, we don’t waste.
Keep plastic bags to reuse again and again or use reusable grocery bags so you don't get the extra charge too. Help your child choose school supplies, like notebooks and pencil cases, made from recycled goods.
Look up the recycling guidelines in your family, print it out and post it near your kitchen. Spread awareness within your community. Make a scavenger hunt to look for items to pick up, beach ocean up, etc.
Upcycle! Look for items in your house with your kids that you can donate so others can reuse.
Clean up the community! Research beach and park clean ups, get your kids involved!

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Ocean Institute Reopens Campus and Learning Spaces

04.21.21

Blog

Everyday Earth Day for Kids

04.20.21

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