At Delphinus School of Natural History, we believe personal experience, fosters true appreciation for the natural world. True nature awareness is a deeply personal journey, achieved through a process that engages all of the senses. When we learn to recognize nature’s cycles, understand wildlife behavior, and interpret its many languages, we become naturalists, instead of casual observers.
Marine Science 1: Exploring Estuaries
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
Exploring the Estuary An estuary has three necessary components, fresh and saltwater sources, and a physical barrier between it and the open ocean. In Morro Bay National Estuary, students will go birding to observe the marine and terrestrial birds of the bay, examine marine invertebrates, and observe marine mammals, while exploring the Salt Marsh and Mudflats, the and the rocky shores of the harbor mouth. We will Kayak to the Sand spit for exploration of[...]Read the Rest…
Marine Science 1a: Estuary Ecology
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
This course will give students real field research experience, using established scientific methods. We will examine salt tolerant plants, kayak to an oyster farm, and collect plankton samples so students can learn to distinguish between plant and animal species. We will explore the sand spit dunes to locate plants unique to dune ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed on developing wildlife observation skills, and interpreting animal behavior. Students will assess the health of Morro Bay by collecting data on seven[...]Read the Rest…
Marine Science 1a: Estuary Ecology
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
Estuary Ecology This course will give students real field research experience, using established scientific data collection methods. Students will conduct water quality tests at various locations around the estuary. These tests will include opacity (water clarity), density (salinity), temperature, and ph. using scientific sketching and journaling techniques, students will catalog and profile various estuary invertebrates and other wildlife that frequent or inhabit the estuary. Much of our investigation of estuary life will be from kayaks. [...]Read the Rest…
Marine Science 2: Intertidal Exploration
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
Marine Science 2: Intertidal Exploration We will explore the extensive intertidal zones of Estero Bay, and Montana de Oro searching for anemones, urchins, sea stars, shore crabs and a host of other organisms that live where the ocean and dry land meet. Students will observe the various adaptations that allow intertidal organisms to live in this turbulent and constantly changing habitat, and learn to use field guides to identify them. Students will conduct census surveys[...]Read the Rest…
Marine Science 1: Exploring Estuaries
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
Exploring the Estuary An estuary has three necessary components, fresh and saltwater sources, and a physical barrier between it and the open ocean. In Morro Bay National Estuary, students will go birding to observe the marine and terrestrial birds of the bay, examine marine invertebrates, and observe marine mammals, while exploring the Salt Marsh and Mudflats, the and the rocky shores of the harbor mouth. We will Kayak to the Sand spit for[...]Read the Rest…
Freshwater Science: Exploration and Ecology
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
Freshwater Exploration and Ecology We will explore local creeks and freshwater habitats and around San Luis Obispo to get a sense for how water actually flows in and out of the city, and what natural corridors exist for riparian plants and animals. As part of our exploration, we will do and in-depth examination of creek flora and fauna, using standardized research methods developed by The Stroud Water Research Center and LaMotte. Students will collect and study freshwater[...]Read the Rest…
Marine Science 3: Coastal Geology
Posted in Camp Events, Camps, News by John
The Central Coast has a fascinating tectonic history. Each geological era brought significant changes in coastal topography. Students in this field class will get an up close look at geological formations around the county, including dunes, pillow lava, volcanic plugs, and coastal marine terraces. Students will search for marine artifacts on Valencia Peak, and explore the shale formations of Hazard’s Point. Students will learn to distinguish between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and learn the[...]Read the Rest…
