Experiential and Outdoor Programs

Coastal, Climate, and Maritime Connections – SBMM Educational Programs

At the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, educational programming incorporates experiential learning outside the traditional classroom, going beyond the walls of the museum. Programs encourage curiosity and community outreach with special emphasis on California’s maritime history and human interactions with the sea.

Students find it thrilling to embark on exciting and investigative experiences close to their homes and schools. These experiences provide them with a sense of adventure as they think about maritime connections in the natural environment. Exploring the local marine ecosystem allows students to significantly develop their knowledge and understanding of an individual’s impact on the environment. A staff of seasoned educators passionate about experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and exploring the natural world, help students see that they are more capable than they imagined.

Immersive and meaningful outdoor experiences are powerful tools for lifelong impact and learning. SBMM programs are customizable based on age, grade, and skill level, with diverse excursions offered in a variety of locations as students are immersed in maritime history, coastal ecology, and marine science.

Youth engaging in a museum education program at the beach.

Programs Include:

SBMM’s unique program offerings are tailored to meet the needs of each participating classroom, ensuring that class-specific needs and subject coverage for each grade level is introduced and reinforced. Outdoor experiential activities provide STEM and STEAM education and incorporate interactive discussions and science experimentation, assisting teachers with the need to integrate climate science and current environmental/ecological topics into classroom learning.

Through scholarships and discounts, SBMM programming brings equity and access to locally underserved students, creating social change by reducing historic barriers to coastal access and experiences.

Download SBMM's education brochure.

For more information, please contact the SBMM Education Department at education@sbmm.org or (805) 456-8741.