The Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) Virtual Field Trips are designed as individual 45-minute programs carefully crafted for select audiences: elementary, middle or high school students. Optional preparatory materials including videos are available for teachers to share with their students. Our fall program will launch with eight workshops, with expanded programming coming winter session.

Our Virtual Field Trips begin with our moderator introducing the instructor and describing his/her often surprising career path. Each live, interactive program, introduces an area of science that is depicted on THE MAP, and approaches the topic in a fun and engaging way. A brief slideshow of images and key concepts leads to a discussion encouraging students to expand their knowledge of the subject. Each program allows time for a lively question and answer session, with an opportunity for students to discuss how small changes in their everyday lives can lead to real-world solutions that can improve the health of our oceans.

To encourage further exploration and discovery, our STEAM educators will provide each class with ideas for follow-up activities including art projects (painting, sculpting, mixed media), experiments using common household items, and other creative challenges. Students will be invited to submit project outcomes as digital media that can be highlighted in short blog posts or showcased on WMFO social media platforms. Strict adherence to the rules for student anonymity and privacy will be honored. 

These Virtual Field Trips aim to present science in an easy to understand way that sparks curiosity and inspires students of all ages to delve deeper into each subject. In the weeks ahead, THE MAP of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla will open to the public as a hands-on extension of our Virtual Field Trips. THE MAP will also have a unique, interactive online presence with fact sheets, photos and videos to enhance the experience.