Zoology teacher Nathan Case along with first and fifth-period students embark on a trip to the Central Coast to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Nov. 21. The goal of the trip was to grow the students’ understanding of California’s marine ecosystem and the ocean’s biodiversity.

The aquarium hosts over 35,000 creatures, representing over 550 species. With nearly 200 exhibits in all, the aquarium offers a glance into the sea. The students began the trip with a lab, led by S.T.E.M. Integration Specialist Athena Barrios. Using virtual reality (VR) headsets students observed the ocean floor to further understand the procedures of biologists that help them understand biodiversity in the ocean ecosystems.

Inside the aquarium, students witnessed exhibits displaying the diverse kelp forests, jellyfish sanctuaries, puffin burrows and much more. After the aquarium, students ate lunch along the historic Cannery Row. Most purchased food from seaside restaurants and enjoyed a meal overlooking the sea. Junior Carston Saelzler ordered a bowl of clam chowder from The Fish Hopper and took it down to the beach.

The following video features a recap of the Monterey trip, Nov. 21.

Zoology students visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium from The Feather Online on Vimeo.

For more, check out Students visit Grand Canyon University.

Braden Bell can be reached via email: Braden Bell, Instagram and Twitter.