For Over 50 Percent Of Students it was First Time On a Boat In the Ocean
Applied Survey Research (ASR) completed its evaluation of student survey results for O’Neill Sea Odyssey’s (OSO) program for the 2014-15 school year and found that the free, ocean-going science and ecology program had a high impact on participating youth.
OSO engages 4th – 6th grade youth with a hands-on science education field trip on a 65-foot catamaran on Monterey Bay and in a shore-side education center, in addition to ocean science curriculum provided for use in the classroom. It is free, and each class completes a community service project. OSO also funds bus transportation to and from our site for lower income schools.
The study measured the results of surveys of students administered before and after the program. “We are pleased that the ASR analysis indicates that our instructors continue to be effective at teaching ocean concepts across several subjects including math and science while inspiring environmental stewardship and advocacy”, said OSO Executive Director Dan Haifley.
Between July 2014 and June 2015, 5,519 students in 207 classes participated in the program. The OSO Student Survey showed that the program was effective in promoting substantial increases in students’ environmental awareness.
Sixty-three percent of the students were Hispanic or Latino, 19% were White, 11% were Asian, Filipino, or Pacific Islander, 2% were African American. For 56% of the students attending the OSO program English was not their primary language. More than half (64%) of students were receiving free or reduced price meals. Fifty-six percent of participating groups were lower income groups, 29% were middle income groups, and 16% were higher income groups. About half (51%) of students indicated it was their first time on a boat in the ocean.
