Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Education Programs: A Gateway to Maritime History and Ocean Science

provides students with unforgettable learning adventures that are rooted in exploration and environmental stewardship.

Tall Ship Program: A Journey Through Time

One of SBMM’s most exciting offerings is the Tall Ship Program, where students step aboard a historic tall ship and embark on a journey that blends maritime history with hands-on learning. Under the guidance of expert educators, students sail through Santa Barbara’s waters, learning navigation, seamanship, and the daily workings of life at sea. The experience brings history alive as students discover what it was like to live and work on a ship in the 19th century, from climbing the rigging to handling ropes.

This program allows young learners to explore maritime history from a unique perspective—on the water, surrounded by the same coastal landscape that shaped California’s nautical past. Whether it’s learning to hoist the sails or understanding the role of ships in trade and exploration, the Tall Ship experience offers students an unforgettable glimpse into a world far removed from their own, instilling a sense of adventure and connection to the region's seafaring heritage.

Girls in Ocean Science: Empowering Future Marine Scientists

SBMM’s Girls in Ocean Science program is a one-of-a-kind initiative that connects young women with leading female scientists to explore careers in ocean science and marine research. This annual conference provides middle and high school students with the opportunity to spend a day conducting research in labs, collaborating with scientists from renowned institutions like UCSB’s Caselle Lab and Benioff Ocean Science Lab, and even venturing out to sea as citizen scientists.

The hands-on approach encourages participants to engage in real-world science, sparking interest in marine biology, oceanography, and environmental conservation. By offering a platform for young women to interact with role models in STEM fields, Girls in Ocean Science fosters confidence, leadership, and a passion for protecting our oceans. For many students, this experience is transformative, opening doors to future academic pursuits and careers in ocean-related fields.

Marine Science: Diving Into Santa Barbara’s Coastal Ecology

SBMM’s Marine Science program immerses students in the fascinating world of coastal ecology. Led by seasoned marine educators, students explore Santa Barbara’s marine ecosystems, from kelp forests to tide pools, learning about the diverse species that inhabit these waters and the delicate balance required to maintain healthy marine environments. Through guided exploration, students conduct fieldwork, gather data, and analyze the impact of human activity on ocean health.

This program also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship. By understanding how everyday actions—like reducing plastic use and supporting conservation efforts—can positively affect the ocean, students gain a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment. Marine Science cultivates both scientific curiosity and environmental advocacy, empowering the next generation to become ocean stewards.

Maritime on the Move: Bringing the Ocean to the Classroom

For schools and students unable to visit SBMM, the museum’s Maritime on the Move program brings the wonders of maritime history and ocean science directly to the classroom. SBMM’s traveling educators visit local schools, equipped with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational materials that highlight Santa Barbara’s maritime heritage and the critical role the ocean plays in the local ecosystem.

From presentations on shipwrecks and whaling to hands-on demonstrations of oceanic science experiments, Maritime on the Move offers students a comprehensive learning experience without leaving the school grounds. The program is highly adaptable, catering to different age groups and educational needs, and helps to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to engaging, experiential learning opportunities.

Lifelong Learning and Environmental Stewardship

At the heart of SBMM’s educational programs is the belief that immersive, outdoor learning experiences create a lifelong connection to the ocean and its preservation. Whether through sailing on a tall ship, conducting marine research, or engaging in classroom-based outreach, SBMM’s programs give students the tools and knowledge to understand their individual impact on the environment. By fostering curiosity and exploration, the museum aims to cultivate environmental stewardship in every participant.

These meaningful outdoor experiences, customized to suit each age and skill level, provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that will shape their understanding of maritime history, marine science, and the natural world for years to come. SBMM’s educational offerings are more than just programs—they are powerful tools for nurturing a lifelong commitment to learning and environmental awareness.

Learn more about SBMM's education programs.