Marine Science Institute

08/31/2026

🌿 What can happen when learning moves outside the classroom?

Curiosity grows. Questions get bigger. Science becomes something students can see, touch, investigate, and experience for themselves.

That's why Marine Science Institute is excited to support , a campaign highlighting five big benefits of outdoor learning:

Enhanced learning and critical thinking.
Mental and emotional well-being.
Strong, healthy bodies.
Leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.
A lifelong connection to and care for nature.

For more than 55 years, getting students out into the world around them has been at the heart of what we do at MSI. From exploring marshes and beaches to investigating the San Francisco Bay aboard our research vessel, we see every day what can happen when the outdoors becomes part of the classroom. 🌊

Over the coming year, we'll share moments from MSI that bring these five benefits to life and celebrate the many ways our community learns outside.

Learn more about and add your support: outsidefor5.com

California Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education - AEOE
North American Association for Environmental Education - NAAEE

08/28/2026

🍂 Foster City + San Mateo families, we’re looking at you! 👀

School’s out, but science is definitely IN at Marine Science Institute!

Join us for October Camp, where campers spend the week exploring San Francisco Bay, meeting local marine life, getting hands-on with science, and having plenty of outdoor adventures along the way.

📅 October 5–9
🦈 Hands-on marine science
🌊 Bay Area exploration
🦀 Animal encounters, hands-on learning & outdoor adventures
🎒 A pretty great answer to “What are we doing during break?”

Spots are limited, so grab yours while they’re still available!

👉 Learn more + register: https://www.sfbaymsi.org/october-break-camp

08/21/2026

🍂🌊 Fall adventures are officially on the calendar at MSI!

Our upcoming public programs are live, with plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with marine science, meet some incredible marine animals, and spend a little time exploring with us.

And first up... drumroll please 🥁

🐚 Under the Sea with ME!
Saturday, September 19, from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Our series for tiny scientists ages 3–5 and their favorite grown-ups returns this fall with hands-on animal encounters, stories, crafts, and plenty of opportunities to discover the wonders of the Bay and ocean together.

This is just the beginning! Take a peek at our full lineup of upcoming family programs and start planning your fall adventures.

https://www.sfbaymsi.org/public-events

08/19/2026

🎒🌊 Teachers, cross “field trip” off your back-to-school checklist!

Bring science beyond the classroom this school year with a hands-on Marine Science Institute experience.

Students can explore local ecosystems, investigate the San Francisco Bay aboard our research vessel, interact with marine life, and put science into action through real-world discovery.

Our programs support Next Generation Science Standards while helping students build meaningful connections between classroom learning and the incredible ecosystems right here in our own backyard.

🔬 Explore our NGSS connections:
https://www.sfbaymsi.org/next-generation-science-standards

🌊 Ready to plan your 2026–27 field trip?
https://www.sfbaymsi.org/school-programs-booking-form

08/17/2026

🐟 A little reverse Catch of the Week…

Usually the Robert G. Brownlee is the one doing the catching, but this week, our big blue boat is the catch!

The Brownlee has officially made it to the shipyard for its scheduled haul-out and a little well-earned TLC. 💙

Over the next few weeks, the vessel will be getting some R&R… although shipyard R&R involves considerably more grinding, maintenance, and heavy machinery than ours does.

Once all that work is done, the Brownlee will be back on the Bay, refreshed and ready to take on a new school year filled with hands-on science and adventures on the water.

And if you think the Brownlee looks big in the water… just wait. 👀⚓

08/13/2026

🌊 Behind every unforgettable evening is an incredible team.

This October, Marine Science Institute is looking for volunteers to help bring Waves of Change to life.

Whether you're a creative thinker, an organized planner, a skilled researcher, or simply someone who enjoys lending a hand, there's a place for you on our volunteer team.

However you'd like to help, we'd love to have you involved:
• Auction & donation outreach
• Design & marketing support
• Event experience & décor
• Sponsor & donation research
• General event support

Most opportunities are flexible, require just 2–5 hours per week, and can be completed remotely or in person at our facility in Redwood City through October.

By volunteering, you'll help create an unforgettable evening while supporting hands-on marine science education for thousands of Bay Area students.

Interested in joining us? We'd love to hear from you.

📧 [email protected]

Tell us a little about yourself and what you'd be interested in helping with.

08/11/2026

🌊 High school science gets a lot more interesting when the San Francisco Bay is your classroom.

Registration is open for Marine Science Institute’s High School Marine Science Course, an A–G approved, semester-long course for students in grades 9–12.

Students go beyond the textbook with hands-on labs, live animal interactions, field trips, professional scientific tools, and project-based learning as they explore the incredible marine life and ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.

From ocean environments and waves and tides to marine organisms and rocky shore adaptations, students build real scientific skills while diving deeper into marine biology and ecology.

🐟 Grades 9–12
🔬 A–G approved
🌊 Hands-on labs + live animals
🥾 Field studies + marine science exploration

Ready to dive in?

Learn more and register: sfbaymsi.org/hs-marine-science-grades-9-12

The a-g Marine Biology course combines labs, hands-on lessons, live animal touching, field trips, bookwork and homework to create an integrated and engaging learning opportunity. Students interact with and learn about the animals that live in the San Francisco Bay Estuary and local Pacific Ocean hab...

08/07/2026

🌊 Something exciting is on the horizon!

We're thrilled to announce Waves of Change, an evening in support of Marine Science Institute.

Join us on October 2nd at Domenico Winery for an unforgettable night celebrating our community while supporting hands-on marine science education for local students.

Early Bird tickets are available through August 14, so now is the perfect time to reserve your seat.

Enjoy an evening of great food, local wine, unforgettable encounters with our ambassador animals, an exciting silent auction, and inspiring stories from the students and communities you help us serve.

Every ticket helps connect more young people with meaningful experiences on and around San Francisco Bay.

🎟️ Learn more and purchase tickets: sfbaymsi.org/waves

This event is already making waves thanks to the generosity of our early sponsors:
• Hanning Cup
• Cargill
• Potrero Group
• Star One Credit Union

08/05/2026

The final Wacky Wednesday!

This week's theme was... Summerween! It's like Halloween, but in summer, if you couldn't figure that out.

Campers and staff alike dressed up like whatever they could think of. From squid, spiders, and princesses, it was truly a sight to behold the diversity and greatness of the camp's final, silly hurrah.

Thanks to our staff and volunteers for making this camp a fun and exciting place to learn!

08/05/2026

🌊🦈 Summer Lookback: 3rd Grade Marine Science

Our 3rd graders experienced a hands-on adventure at the Marine Science Institute. From observing plankton under microscopes to meeting Bay fish, touching leopard sharks, and exploring local ecosystems, every discovery sparked curiosity and wonder.

Real-world experiences inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and make learning memorable.