Ocean Literacy, Climate, and Conservation Leadership
- Dates:
- Cohort 1: February 10, 2025 to March 22, 2025
- Cohort 2: March 24, 2025 to May 3, 2025
- Units: 4.00 Pre-College units, 9000 level
- Open to: 9th-11th grade students local to San Diego
- Application: Click here to apply!
- Application Deadline: Closed
- Course Delivery: Hybrid
- Tuition: $0
- Location:
- Schedule:
- Students can expect 40 hours of work with minimal to no homework.
- Instructor: Alberto Rivera
Course Overview:
This interdisciplinary course explores the critical intersections among ocean literacy, climate systems, human health, and environmental conservation. Emphasizing the essential role of conservation leadership, the course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote ocean health and sustainability in an era of increasing environmental challenges. With oceans covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and acting as key climate regulators, their degradation poses significant risks to ecosystems and human well-being on both local and global scales.
Students will be introduced to the foundational principles of ocean literacy, examining how alterations in marine environments impact public health, climate resilience, and ecological integrity. Through interactive workshops and applied learning experiences, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, technological, and social dimensions of marine conservation. The curriculum is designed to foster the development of environmental leadership and stewardship competencies, preparing students to address pressing conservation challenges within their communities and beyond.
Course Format and Engagement:
Over the six-week program, students will participate in four in-person, three-hour Saturday workshops held at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. These workshops provide immersive, experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with Scripps researchers and local environmental organizations. In addition to strengthening core scientific knowledge, students will gain exposure to advanced oceanographic tools and technologies, including:
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ArcGIS for spatial data analysis and climate modeling
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Scientific diving equipment for underwater research exploration
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Remote sensing tools and environmental monitoring systems for real-time data collection and analysis
These hands-on experiences allow students to bridge theoretical learning with real-world scientific applications.
Pathway to Further Study:
Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to apply for the Conservation Leadership Dive Program, a competitive summer extension focused on applied marine conservation and field research.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
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Describe how the ocean contributes to Earth’s energy balance through solar absorption, radiation, and reflection.
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Explain the ocean’s role in the greenhouse effect, particularly its capacity to absorb and release greenhouse gases such as CO₂.
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Analyze the impacts of environmental stressors—including climate change and pollution—on ocean systems and their subsequent effects on human health.
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Evaluate global ocean health and resource management issues within personal and local contexts, including their influence on climate regulation, air quality, and public health.
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Apply tools such as ArcGIS to assess the ocean’s role in local climate regulation and investigate how these processes differentially affect diverse coastal communities.