While providing basic education about marine science, activities focus on the local resource, the Santa Barbara Channel. Units include physical characteristics of the channel, flora and fauna of the channel, human history of the channel, and marine policy. Materials were developed for a program predominantly reaching low-income minority students who have limited access to special programs. Activities are designed to increase self-esteem and increase career awareness.
Activities provide a good interface between school and nonformal settings.
Appendices include suggestions for marine careers, marine educational resources, teaching sheltered English, and starting a marine education program. Materials include extensive material on marine flora and fauna.