A NEW WAVE OF OCEAN EDUCATION
At O’Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO), we’ve always believed in the power of the ocean to teach, inspire, and transform. For over two decades, our floating classroom has connected over 130,000 students to the wonders of Monterey Bay through hands-on marine science education and unforgettable sailing adventures.
Now, we’re excited to launch the next wave of ocean education.
We’ve developed a new curriculum to meet this moment—aligned with the latest science standards, grounded in climate science, and designed to empower young people to take informed action. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or lifelong learner, these lessons build knowledge, spark curiosity, and strengthen our connection to the natural world.
What’s New?
Grade-Band Lessons
Tailored for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, our curriculum ensures developmentally appropriate learning that connects seamlessly to classroom instruction.
Aligned with Today’s Standards
All lessons meet grade-level expectations and align with:
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Ocean Literacy Principles
- Climate Literacy Principles
- California Environmental Principles and Concepts
- NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence (K–12 Environmental Education)
Place-Based & Globally Relevant
Students explore Monterey Bay’s ecosystems while connecting their observations and data to long-term trends and global environmental issues.
Student-Centered Design
We’ve streamlined from three lessons to two, giving students more time to explore, question, and take ownership of their learning
Future-Focused & Tech-Driven
Students tackle real-world challenges where ocean science meets innovation, uncovering exciting, interdisciplinary careers in the blue economy.
Expanded Chaperone Support
To help close opportunity gaps and ensure every accepted class can participate, we’re expanding our volunteer chaperone program. Starting this season, OSO will provide two background-checked and trained chaperones for every field trip. These additional adults will support student learning and help prevent cancellations due to unmet chaperone requirements.
New chaperone guidelines:
- Minimum of two adults (including teacher)
- Maximum of six adults (including teacher)
No changes for special education groups.
Sneak Peek: What Students Will Explore
4th Grade
Secrets of Survival: Exploring Animal Adaptations in the Monterey Bay
Students become junior naturalists, observing marine mammals and birds, exploring how adaptations help species survive in the Monterey Bay, and examining how climate change affects local species.
The Great Ocean Odyssey: The Science of Animal Migrations
By tracking the migration of the Sooty Shearwater with modern navigation tools, students investigate how biological adaptations inspire technological innovation.
5th Grade
Ocean in Motion: Exploring the Science Behind Sailing
Students investigate the physics of buoyancy, wind, and waves—collecting data on board and applying their knowledge by building and testing model boats in varying conditions.
Current Crisis: Tracking Plastic Pollution’s Journey Across the Ocean
Students investigate how mysterious drifting objects reached the Monterey Bay, exploring plastic pollution’s impact on marine food webs, and planning community-based solutions.
6th Grade
From Streets to Sea: How Watersheds Link Human Actions to Ocean Health Students explore the connection between land and sea by investigating how ocean color reveals clues about water quality and human health in the Monterey Bay region—bridging ocean science with civic responsibility.
From Stars to Satellites: Modern Navigation Tools
Students explore how people and animals navigate the ocean—using tools from compasses to GPS—while discovering the careers that drive today’s blue economy.
What’s the Same?
Free Program Access
Thanks to generous donors and grantors, OSO remains free to schools and includes transportation scholarships to reduce barriers to access.
Student Action Project Requirement
Our curriculum doesn’t stop on the boat. Students complete a Student Action Project that connects learning to real-world change in their communities.
Coming Soon
- Pre- and Post-Trip Educator Resources
- Bilingual Curriculum
These tools will help teachers prepare students for their OSO experience and support deeper learning before, during, and after the trip.
Whether your students are charting a course through physics, ecology, or civic responsibility, our new curriculum equips them to think critically, act locally, and grow as curious scientists and informed changemakers.
🌊 The ocean is YOUR classroom — and class is in session