Shark Stewards is partnering with the Anaheim School District teaching underserved youth about the ocean, sharks, threats and becoming ocean heroes. This volunteer program is bringing the ocean to inland schools and getting kids in nature. Our pilot program in 2023 conducted 3 beach cleanups, a watershed walk in the Newport Back Bay, whale watching with the Ocean Institute and a trip to Catalina Island. We continued in 2024 reaching over 50 youth and building the curriculum and field work (schedule below). Funded by a small grant and supported by volunteers with Shark Stewards led by Maria Korcmaros and Vice Prinicipal Randy Poggio, this program is growing in 2025.

Ocean Academy: Overview and Purpose

Ocean Academy is an educational initiative aimed at providing underserved youth with opportunities to engage with marine environments. The primary goals include fostering a connection to the ocean, promoting environmental stewardship, and inspiring interest in marine sciences. Through immersive and hands-on experiences, Ocean Academy seeks to empower youth by exposing them to the wonders and importance of ocean ecosystems.

Benefits for Underserved Youth

1. Educational Enrichment: Provides access to knowledge and resources about marine life and ecosystems that may not be available in traditional classroom settings.
2. Career Inspiration: Introduces potential career paths in marine biology, environmental science, and related fields.
3. Environmental Awareness: Cultivates a sense of responsibility and awareness about ocean conservation and environmental protection.
4. Personal Development: Encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through interactive and experiential learning.
5. Health and Well-being: Promotes physical activity and mental well-being through outdoor activities and engagement with nature.

Components of an Ocean Education Program for Middle School Youth

1. Curriculum Integration: Align the program with school science standards and integrate topics such as marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science.
2. Hands-On Learning: Include activities like tide pool exploration, water quality testing, and marine life identification.
3. Field Trips: Organize visits to aquariums, marine research centers, and coastal areas.
4. Guest Speakers: Invite marine biologists, conservationists, and other experts to share their knowledge and experiences.
5. Interactive Projects: Engage students in projects like building models of marine ecosystems or developing conservation campaigns.
6. Technology Use: Incorporate technology through virtual reality experiences of underwater environments, online marine science games, and data collection apps.
7. Cultural Connections: Highlight the cultural significance of the ocean in various societies, particularly for students of Mexican heritage.

Relevant Ocean Connections for Children of Mexican and LatinX Heritage

1. Cultural Heritage: Explore the rich maritime history of Mexico, including ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztec who had connections to the sea.
2. Local Ecosystems: Study the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Cortez, focusing on their unique marine life and ecological significance.
3. Traditional Practices: Learn about traditional fishing methods, folklore, and marine-related customs from Mexican culture.
4. Environmental Challenges: Discuss issues like coastal erosion, pollution, and conservation efforts relevant to Mexican coastal areas.
5. Community Involvement: Partner with local Mexican communities and organizations to provide context and real-world relevance to the lessons.

Field Activities by Ocean (and Sharks ) Academy

1. Shark Tagging and Tracking: Involve students in real-world shark research with photo ID, pattern matching on Sharkbook, AI data tracking sharks to study their behavior, migrations and fishing impacts.
2. Beach Cleanups: Organize cleanups to teach about the impact of pollution and the importance of keeping oceans clean.
3. Snorkeling and Diving: Provide opportunities to explore underwater environments and observe marine life in their natural habitats.
4. Marine Life Surveys: Conduct surveys of local marine life, teaching students how to identify species and understand their roles in the ecosystem.
5. Tide Pool Exploration: Explore tide pools to learn about the diverse organisms that inhabit these unique environments.
6. Water Quality Testing: Teach students how to collect and analyze water samples to assess the health of marine ecosystems.
7. Boat Expeditions: Take students on boat trips for whale watching, dolphin spotting, or visiting marine reserves.
8. Marine Conservation Projects: Engage students in conservation efforts such as restoring coral reefs or protecting sea turtle nests.

SUMMARY

Our Ocean Academy can significantly benefit underserved youth by providing them with unique educational experiences, fostering a love for the ocean, and inspiring future environmental stewards. By incorporating cultural connections, especially for children of LatinX heritage, and offering a variety of field activities, the program can be both educational and transformative!

• Sept 6th – Opening presentation to all 7th grader @ South Jr high – Same as last year
• Saturday, September 7 – Classroom instruction @ South – Shark Conservation – Ocean Academy Logo – Set up “Club  documentation” –  For account –  Application for OA
• Saturday, September 28 – Beach Clean Up – Cherry Beach, Long Beach (Same location as 23/24)
• Saturday , March 8,-Ocean institute- Dana Point Whale Festival (Non school event)
• Saturday, October 26th – Classroom instruction AND Anaheim High School pool/swim
• Saturday, November 16 – Trip to Ocean institute – Dana Point (Bus leave 9am – Return 4:30pm)
• TBD – Catalina Day trip – (Nov 20th, 21st or 22nd) 
• Saturday, December 14 – Classroom instruction AND Fundraising

2025 Schedule

• Saturday, January 11 – Huntington Beach wetlands: Testing/seeing March water with microscopes (Beach after)
• Saturday, January 25 (Servathon) –  Mural Project (ART!) @ South Jr High
• Saturday, March 1 – Newport back bay trip
• Saturday, March 15 – Classroom instruction and Fundraising
• March 29, Beach cleanup and trash survey, Cherry Beach, Long Beach 900-1100
• Saturday, April 5 (Steamapalooza) – Magnolia High School – Ocean Academy Booth
• Saturday April 26th –  Laguna Beach field trip
• Saturday, May 3rd – Safe Tidepooling Tips Cystal Cover State Park –  Instruction and Ocean message for 25/26 Ocean Academy
• NON School Trip –  Catalina Snorkel Trip with students who have passed swim test. Day trip to Catalina Island (Similar to school year 23/24) –  Goal is during 1st semester AND on a non cruise ship visit day.  (November 20th, 21st or 22nd) Fundraiser to support.