MARINE SCIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Turn the Gulf Coast Into an Outdoor Science Classroom

Give students the opportunity to experience marine science where it happens. Heal The Sea brings school and homeschool groups onto the coastal waters of Southwest Florida for hands-on learning aboard a Coast Guard-certified sailing vessel.

Students become Marine Biologists in Training as they observe coastal ecosystems, record discoveries in field journals, develop questions and hypotheses, collect data, and explore marine biology through direct experience.

Hands-On Marine Science

Students move beyond textbook learning by observing and investigating the coastal environment firsthand.

Scientific Observation

Students practice careful observation as they examine ecosystems, marine life, and environmental conditions.

Field Journals

Students document observations, questions, hypotheses, and discoveries as part of the scientific process.

Data Collection

Students gather and record information while learning how scientists investigate the natural world.

Coastal Ecology

Students explore the relationships between marine organisms, habitats, and Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

MARINE SCIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Marine Science That Meets Students Where They Are

The same coastal environment can inspire different levels of discovery. Heal The Sea gives students opportunities to observe, question, investigate, and document the natural world while adapting the educational emphasis to their age and level of study.

Whether students are beginning to think scientifically or applying more advanced concepts in biology and environmental science, each expedition connects classroom learning with direct experience on the Gulf Coast.

Grades 4-5

Discover the Natural World

Younger students build curiosity through marine-life discovery, nature observation, and an introduction to scientific thinking.

They begin learning how scientists look closely at the world around them, ask questions about what they observe, and record discoveries from the coastal environment.

Focus:
Marine-life discovery · Nature observation · Scientific curiosity

Middle School

Investigate Ecosystems

Middle-school students move further into the scientific method, ecosystem studies, and data collection.

Students practice making careful observations, developing questions and hypotheses, recording information, and considering how organisms interact with their coastal habitats.

Focus:
Scientific method · Ecosystems · Data collection

High School

Apply Field Science

High-school students explore concepts connected with field biology, coastal ecology, and marine-science applications.

The coastal environment becomes a place to apply scientific thinking outside the classroom through observation, field documentation, and environmental investigation.

Focus:
Field biology · Coastal ecology · Environmental science

Homeschool

Learn Together Through Exploration

Homeschool groups can use the coastal environment as a flexible setting for real-world science learning.

Students can participate together in observation, field journaling, and marine-life discovery while engaging with the experience at a level appropriate to their age and interests.

Focus:
Flexible learning · Hands-on discovery · Real-world science

PLAN YOUR GROUP EXPERIENCE

Everything You Need To Start Planning

Organizing a marine science field experience should be straightforward. Here are the key details to help you begin planning your school or homeschool expedition in Naples.

Grades 4–12

Designed for Student Learning

School programs serve students in grades 4–12, with opportunities for marine-life discovery, scientific investigation, field biology, coastal ecology, and environmental science at different stages of learning.

Groups of 15–40

Plan for Your Class or Group

School expeditions accommodate a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 40 students.

Chaperones Included

Bring the Support Your Students Need

One teacher or chaperone is admitted free for every 15 students, helping schools organize the appropriate adult support for their group.

Monday–Thursday

Choose a Day That Works for Your Group

Expeditions are currently available Monday through Thursday, with seasonal scheduling variations. Specific availability is confirmed during the inquiry process.

Naples, Florida

Your Coastal Classroom Begins Here

Expeditions operate from Naples City Dock, placing students directly into the coastal environment of Southwest Florida for their marine science experience.

Guided & Supervised

Learning With Trained Staff

Expedition activities are supervised by trained staff as students observe, investigate, collect information, and explore the coastal environment.

Need Time For School Approval?

Available dates can be temporarily held while your school works through its approval process, giving educators time to coordinate administrators, families, transportation, and other planning details.

Bring Marine Science Beyond The Classroom

Give your students the opportunity to observe, investigate, record discoveries, and experience coastal science firsthand.

Tell us about your school or homeschool group, number of students, preferred dates, and educational goals. We’ll review your inquiry and contact you by email or phone within 48 hours to discuss availability, expedition options, and next steps.

Not sure which expedition is right for your students? Tell us about your group and we’ll help you explore the options.