About
Outdoor and Marine Science Field Study includes hands-on activities such as collecting a bottom sediment sample to observe and record invertebrates, using an otter trawl net to collect fish and invertebrates from on and near the bottom, and conducting a plankton tow followed by plankton observation with a microscope. The program also includes water quality studies, observing birds, sea lions, and other marine mammals that may be in the area, and observing and discussing Los Angeles Harbor, shipping vessels, breakwater function, and a variety of ecosystem and environmental engineering topics. Other activities may be requested to meet the needs of the specific grade level and curriculum.
• Ages: 10–12 years old
• Schedule: Visiting schools come for a 4–5 day program, with a Monday through Friday residential outdoor science school option and a typical 3-hour cruise option with either a morning or an afternoon departure
The Outdoor and Marine Science Field Study is part of the Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School, which has been providing science enrichment experiences to fifth and sixth grade students since 1960. The program offers standards-based, hands-on science education taught by experienced naturalists and is coordinated by the Los Angeles County Office of Education as a California public school. Outdoor Science School expects to serve approximately 5,000 fifth and sixth grade students from schools and districts throughout Los Angeles County this year. The program states that it is a school, not a camp, and that its primary focus is science education, not recreation. It provides environmental science education for 5th and 6th graders in a residential camp setting where students stay in cabins overnight, and it focuses on teaching state science standards through hands-on learning while exposing students to new social settings, exploring different environments, and providing them with new experiences. The Marine Science Floating Laboratory is described as an excellent opportunity for students to explore the biodiversity of what is often a hidden habitat, and students see first-hand how human behavior affects the quality of water, air, habitat, animal life, plant life, and human life in the marine environment and in their communities.
The Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School is regularly certified by the California Outdoor School Association in coordination with the California Department of Education to provide outdoor science field study programs and is a member in good standing of the California Outdoor School Administrators. Leadership for the Wrightwood Outdoor Science School includes Abbey Kostura as Lead Teacher. One participating teacher, Michelle Kibic, a 5th grade teacher at Sanchez Elementary in Norwalk/La Mirada Unified School District, described choosing this program after looking into various outdoor science school options and noted confidence that, as a program affiliated with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the curriculum would be aligned with NGSS and would build upon collaboration and inquiry-based learning that takes place in the classroom, and stated that it was an experience they all could not stop sharing about.
Last updated April 4, 2026.
• Ages: 10–12 years old
• Schedule: Visiting schools come for a 4–5 day program, with a Monday through Friday residential outdoor science school option and a typical 3-hour cruise option with either a morning or an afternoon departure
The Outdoor and Marine Science Field Study is part of the Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School, which has been providing science enrichment experiences to fifth and sixth grade students since 1960. The program offers standards-based, hands-on science education taught by experienced naturalists and is coordinated by the Los Angeles County Office of Education as a California public school. Outdoor Science School expects to serve approximately 5,000 fifth and sixth grade students from schools and districts throughout Los Angeles County this year. The program states that it is a school, not a camp, and that its primary focus is science education, not recreation. It provides environmental science education for 5th and 6th graders in a residential camp setting where students stay in cabins overnight, and it focuses on teaching state science standards through hands-on learning while exposing students to new social settings, exploring different environments, and providing them with new experiences. The Marine Science Floating Laboratory is described as an excellent opportunity for students to explore the biodiversity of what is often a hidden habitat, and students see first-hand how human behavior affects the quality of water, air, habitat, animal life, plant life, and human life in the marine environment and in their communities.
The Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School is regularly certified by the California Outdoor School Association in coordination with the California Department of Education to provide outdoor science field study programs and is a member in good standing of the California Outdoor School Administrators. Leadership for the Wrightwood Outdoor Science School includes Abbey Kostura as Lead Teacher. One participating teacher, Michelle Kibic, a 5th grade teacher at Sanchez Elementary in Norwalk/La Mirada Unified School District, described choosing this program after looking into various outdoor science school options and noted confidence that, as a program affiliated with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the curriculum would be aligned with NGSS and would build upon collaboration and inquiry-based learning that takes place in the classroom, and stated that it was an experience they all could not stop sharing about.
Last updated April 4, 2026.
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