In 1996 Wetsuit Innovator and Surfer, Mr. Jack O’Neill founded the O’Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO) Program. The creation of this living classroom was born with the intent of utilizing a 65-foot Team O’Neill catamaran to sail the waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Students in grades 4-6 receive a once in a lifetime hands-on lesson about marine habitat and the importance of the relationship between our living sea and our environment.
The OSO program is truly a unique experience that enables our students the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic challenges while they are at sea. In addition to exploring hands-on projects, the OSO program provides rich activities in the area of marine biology, ecology and navigation.
As students explore our ocean waters, they receive a biology lesson that includes the life cycles of plankton, their role in the food web and the unique chemical and physical balance that helps maintain life in the sea. Working in “mini labs,” students will study and discuss the different types of phytoplankton and zooplankton collected. In the area of ecology, students will learn about the kelp forest, marine mammals, human influence on our habitat and ecosystems and ideas for conservation and preservation.
While on the boat, students use hand held magnetic compasses, GPC and nautical charts to learn about both modern and traditional forms of navigation.
The OSO program is exactly an educational program that will prepare our students for the 21st Century. Students must learn to engage in academic rigor that requires teamwork and collaboration in order to achieve a required goal. I recently visited this program and was impressed with the talented staff of OSO and the goals behind this wonderful educational opportunity. OSO is a free program, but each group that participates is required to do a community service project to earn their trip.
Recently our outstanding 4th grade teacher at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary, Ms. Lori Makita, ventured out with her class on the Sea Odyssey. Ms. Makita’s class received this honor by continuing a long-standing tradition of a school-recycling program at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School. The entire school embraces recycling and Ms. Makita’s classroom spearheads this school wide project. I cannot commend Ms. Makita enough for providing her students with this exceptional learning opportunity.
Her students were active scientists throughout their exploration day on the Odyssey. Each and every one of her students increased their knowledge of marine biology significantly. Her students engaged in navigation, sailing strategies, exploration in marine biology and understanding how our ecosystems work.
This picture clear demonstrates the joy and positive interactions that surround this wonderful program. Ms. Makita prepared her students’ weeks ahead of time so they could maximize the learning opportunities once they arrived at the harbor. When students have the chance to engage in curriculum that is surrounded by project-based learning, they will acquire new skills that are extremely complicated when taught in the classroom.
The OSO program provides opportunities for instant learning and comprehension of marine biology. We are very fortunate to have an outstanding educator like Ms. Lori Makita who was fortunate to be selected to partake in this program.
The OSO program receives numerous requests for a sea odyssey voyage that they are unable to fulfill. We thank you Lori for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School.
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For more information, visit www.oneill.com