Estuarium Education Project
The Estuarium Education Project is a movement to re-design and re-imagine our programs to meet our community and student needs in a more mindful and cohesive way. The courses range from infancy to adulthood, because learning is a continuous journey throughout our lives. Learn together with us at any stage in your stewardship and marine science journey.
Course Catalog Preview
SoundPath: The Core Curriculum Arc. Not a standalone course, but the educational spine across all programs. SoundPath ensures each experience—regardless of age or setting—is sequenced for developmental growth, scientific skill-building, identity development, and stewardship mindset.
Sound Sprouts: PreK; Ages Infant–3; always caregiver + child
Description: A playful introduction to estuarine exploration with caregivers. Activities include sensory games, water play, nature walks, and music tied to estuary sounds and rhythms. Designed to foster curiosity, sensory awareness, and rhythm-based learning as foundational skills for future scientific inquiry.
Little Sound Scouts: Grades PreK-1
Description: Early childhood nature adventures that focus on observation and wonder. Participants explore habitats, collect simple samples, draw findings, and learn basic ecological concepts through sensory-rich, hands-on play.
Sound Detectives (10-week, 4-week, 5-day, 1-day): Grades 2-5
Description: An inquiry-based estuarine investigation series where students collect water samples, identify organisms, map habitats, and conduct citizen science. Builds skills in observation, data collection, and ecological thinking. Add-on: Estuary Mystery Field Lab—full-day field immersion tackling real-world estuary issues.
Eco Navigators (10-week, 4-week, 5-day, 1-day): Grades 7-8
Description: Students learn environmental STEM through navigation tools, field sampling, and teamwork. Add-on: Technology in Estuary Systems—introduces sensors, mobile apps, and data logging for real-time environmental monitoring.
Echo Sounders: Grades 8-9
Description: A middle-to-high-school transitional program designed for Grades 8–19 (ages 13–15), and part of the Estuary Learning Initiative. Guided by the SoundPath developmental arc, this 10-week, identity-centered experience, titled Science for Belonging, blends rigorous field science with social-emotional learning and leadership cultivation. Participants explore ecosystems, master field methods, and build community science projects—all while reflecting on their identity and role in environmental stewardship.
SoundQuest LGBTQIA+ Focused (Leadership Series): Grades 8-9, 10-12
Description: Queer-inclusive, place-based science experience that combines marine fieldwork, arts, leadership, and identity-intersection programming. Allows LGBTQIA+ youth to explore environmental science in an affirming community. Guest local leader Q/A at final 10-week session.
Sound Scholars (Leadership Series): Grades 9–12
Description: Connects students with mentors, career pathways, and advanced science experiences. This program includes field data collection, environmental justice discussions, and leadership training to prepare youth for future roles in science and advocacy. Integrates sovereignty and environmental justice, case studies, and guest speakers from local tribes, such as Since Time Immemorial stewards.
Sound Trekkers: Adults 18+
Description: This adult series offers immersive, hands-on experiences for adults and couples in estuarine environments. Participants learn to identify species, collect environmental data, and apply restoration techniques. Ideal for aspiring naturalists, educators, or anyone ready to connect deeply with place, science, and purpose.
Our Sound Selves: Adults 18+
Description: To explore the relationships between emotional wellness and ecological awareness through programs that blend mindfulness, science, and story.
Sound Roots: All ages; Intergenerational
Description: Family-centered programs like bioblitzes, shoreline restoration, and cultural storytelling. Builds social bonds, ecological awareness, and shared stewardship across generations.