Middle School Marine Biology

This program combines academic courses, interactive labs, and recreational activities to give middle school students a supportive, fun, and enriching summer experience.

Summer Springboard Middle School program located on the campus of UC San Diego

Program Highlights

Study the ocean environment including the various types of marine ecosystems and diverse marine life found within

Explore various marine vertebrates and invertebrates and their anatomy through hands-on dissections and field activities.

Learn about various human and natural factors threatening our oceans and marine life today, as well as current and prospective conservation efforts.

Meet with various professionals within the field to learn about the various paths and research opportunities you can pursue as a marine biologist.

Residential Tuition :
$2,898

Commuter Tuition:
$1,498

Session 1:
July 6, 2025 July 11, 2025

Session 2:
July 13, 2025 July 18, 2025

UC San Diego
San Diego, CA

Course Overview

Roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by our oceans, of which more than 80% remains unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored. There is a vast and diverse amount of marine life and ecosystems found in our oceans – those both discovered and researched and those still wading in the depths. Summer Springboard’s course in Marine Biology will offer students the opportunity to explore these various marine life and ecosystems, and
more, through quality instruction and hands-on activities. Students will explore the anatomy of select marine life, learn about the different habitats they live in and the ways their ecosystems interact, study various threats facing our oceans and marine life today, and hear from leading experts in the field.

Meet your instructor

Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.

Topics you'll explore

Course Structure

There are five 3-hour class sessions over the one-week course. During the week, students have class from 9am-12pm, Monday - Friday (program check-out is on Friday afternoon). Wednesday afternoon will be dedicated to additional academic time with possible excursions and/or guest speakers.

ADDITIONAL INFO
The Middle School programs operate separately from Summer Springboard high school programs with separate staff, accommodations, classes, and a more structured environment. For students completing grades 6-8.

Real World Insights

At our UCSD campus, possible course excursions include whale watching, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium, Scripps Experimental Aquarium, Scripps Marine Biodiversity Center, SDSU's Coastal and Marine Institute, tidepooling along the La Jolla Shores, and more