Marine biology shouldn’t feel like a textbook. At Catalina Sea Camp, it’s hands-on, discovery-driven, and designed to spark real curiosity. Campers explore Catalina Island’s marine life up close through interactive labs, touch tanks, dissections, and underwater investigation. Here are five of the most popular marine biology experiments that help campers understand the ocean—and fall in love with it.
1. Invertebrate Touch Tanks: Discovering Ocean Life Up Close
Campers start their marine biology journey with Catalina’s most fascinating spineless creatures—invertebrates! Using supervised touch tanks, kids meet sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, snails, and other invertebrates that thrive in our local ecosystem.
Campers learn:
- How invertebrates survive without bones
- Why they’re essential to the underwater food web
- How different species adapt to life along the rocky coastline
This hands-on encounter instantly transforms curiosity into excitement.
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2. Fish Lab: Studying Catalina’s Native Fish Species
In the Fish Lab, campers explore the remarkable diversity of Catalina’s local fish—from bright orange garibaldi to camouflaged gobies. They investigate fish anatomy, movement, adaptations, and behavior to understand how each species fits into the island’s underwater ecosystems.
This activity helps campers think like scientists while having fun with marine biology basics.
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3. Shark Lab: Meet Catalina’s Local Sharks (Safely!)
The Shark Lab dispels myths and replaces fear with fascination. Campers examine shark specimens, learn about shark senses, and understand why these animals are essential for a balanced ocean.
The best part?
Campers get to gently pet our friendly resident leopard and horn sharks, all under expert supervision.
It’s often one of the most memorable moments of camp.
5 Hands-On Marine Biology Experiments Campers Do at Catalina Sea Camp
4. Plankton Tow & Floating Experiment: Science Meets Creativity
Campers head to the bay to collect plankton samples directly from the ocean, then analyze them under microscopes back in the lab. They see firsthand the tiny organisms that fuel the marine food web.
Then comes the camp favorite:
The Plankton Floating Experiment.
Campers design their own plankton models to see whose creation can float the longest down a water column—blending science, engineering, and creativity.
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5. Squid Dissection: Understanding Anatomy Through Discovery
Squid dissections give campers a hands-on look at one of the ocean’s most iconic species. With guidance from instructors, campers examine external structures, internal anatomy, and adaptations that help squid survive in the open ocean.
It’s surprisingly approachable, confidence-boosting, and fun for young scientists.
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Why Hands-On Marine Science Matters for Kids
These experiments make marine biology engaging, memorable, and meaningful. Kids learn to observe, ask questions, try new things, and understand how interconnected the ocean really is—all while building confidence in their scientific abilities.
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Ready for Your Child to Explore Marine Biology on Catalina Island?
Catalina Sea Camp brings science to life through hands-on labs, ocean exploration, and unforgettable discovery experiences.
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