Marine Science
One and Only
Located on the McLewis Bayou, Saint Stephen’s is the only area school with a dedicated Marine Science Center and direct access to the Manatee River and Gulf of Mexico. Students at all grade levels experience a custom-designed marine science curriculum – One Ocean – that provides an opportunity for each to study the wonders of the aquatic environment.
In partnership with Mote Marine Laboratories, young students regularly participate in field studies, and our older students explore from the beaches to deep-water habitats. Through these explorations, they develop an appreciation of and personal responsibility for our fragile environment.
Utilizing a kayak fleet, as well as boats in partnership with the Freedom Boat Club, students leave from our dock on the bayou to explore and complete studies that create a tangible appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the gulf waters.
Through the Grades
Marine studies are incorporated as part of the science curriculum from pre-kindergarten through grade 12:
Pre-Kindergarten introduces “Life in the Sea” ocean fun and sea animals
Kindergarten–Grade 3 include six-to-eight week units on Florida marine habitats and major organisms
Grade 4 studies the properties of water and watersheds using the National Aquarium’s “Living in Water” curriculum
Grades 5–6 explore sand and shore as part of the study of Earth; local marine habitat study is offered during Interim Quest
Grades 7–8 study waves and ocean energy, including the polarity of water and its importance as a universal solvent
Grade 9 biology uses predominantly marine examples in the study of life science
Grade 10 chemistry studies the properties of water and solutions
Grade 11 physics studies waves
Grade 12 students enrolled in Ocean Academy design and carry out an original research project involving a field study. For completion of the course, they write a paper, create a poster presentation, and give an oral presentation of their project.
Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in Ocean Academy, a focused marine science study that results in special recognition at graduation. Students must take all three marine science electives (marine ecology and oceanography, marine biology, and marine research) and finish with a minimum 2.5 grade point average. They also complete a research project with publication, and participate in two off-campus marine science events in collaboration with local marine research and resource agencies. During annual Interim Quest week in May, students also have the opportunity to take SCUBA certification or travel for extended marine study.
