Pelagix
Field-based marine science and ocean recreation for Santa Barbara County schools. Your class comes to the coast; we bring everything else.
Three Pillars of Coastal Learning
We integrate physical recreation, spatial science, and social-emotional growth into a single cohesive experience.
Ocean Recreation & Water Skills
Students build confidence, comfort, situational awareness, and respect for the water. The goal is confidence, adaptability, and joy.
Marine & Environmental Science
Hands-on, place-based, and rooted in real observation. Kelp forest ecology, oceanography, swell and weather patterns, local species, and human impact on the coast.
SEL & Leadership
Group reflection, challenge-by-choice, teamwork, and mentorship. Students practice communication, self-awareness, resilience, empathy, and leadership.
“This program changed how our middle schoolers interact with their backyard ocean. The logistical integration made it effortless for our staff.”
— Principal, Santa Barbara County Public School District
Program Specifications
Designed to fit neatly into county school calendars and daily scheduling blocks.
01
2–4 hrs
Session Duration
02
Weekly
Frequency
03
3–11 weeks
Program Range
04
Grades 6–9
Target Audience
05
8–24 students
Group Size
06
Rotating coastal sites
Where We Meet
Transportation provided by your school.
Arc of a Season
01
Weeks 1–2
Foundation
Students establish their comfort zone in the water. Journals, self-reflection, and goal setting.
02
Weeks 3–4
Independence
Understand forecasting and reading conditions. Snorkel and freedive sessions introduce local species identification.
03
Weeks 5–6
Belonging
Halfway assessment where students demonstrate forecasting, water skills, and species identification.
04
Weeks 7–9
Awareness
Marine Protected Areas, harvesting guidelines, and Chumash cultural heritage.
05
Week 10
Flex
A flex week that follows student interest.
06
Week 11
Stewardship
A group stewardship project of their own making.
Adapted to your curriculum
Pelagix instruction follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Across a program, students make observations, ask questions, analyze and interpret data, use models, construct explanations, and engage in argument from evidence.
The Field Guide
Every Pelagix instructor works from the Sea League Field Guide, developed in collaboration with the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory at UCSB. It covers forecasting, freediving and snorkel safety, kelp forest ecology, local marine species, Marine Protected Areas, oceanography, and ocean stewardship.
Why this matters
Students build a real relationship with the landscape around them. They learn its rhythms well enough to notice when something changes.
Learning outside also reaches students who struggle in a classroom. Many youth discover they're good at school when learning is experiential.
Physical effort, fresh air, and hours away from screens has a proven positive impact.
Understanding a place leads to caring for it. A group that studies the same coast together will develop a collective sense of ownership for its well being.
We run rotating coastal sites including Campus Point, Leadbetter, Hendry’s, East and West Beach, and the Gaviota Coast.
Pelagix works with Santa Barbara Unified and independent schools in Santa Barbara like Alpha School.
Bring your class to the coast
Tell us your grade level, group size, and learning goals. We’ll build a season around them.
Questions? Call or text us at (805) 964-8096 or email registrar@wyp.org.