Teníamos curiosidad. Our curiosity was not limited, but was as wide and horizonless as that of Darwin or Agassiz or Linnaeus or Pliny. – John Steinbeck y Ed Ricketts, Mar de Cortés
Learning from the ocean, aboard the Western Flyer
Our education programs connect students with the ocean through hands-on science, exploration, and the remarkable history of the Western Flyer.
Based in Monterey Bay, our programs bring students aboard a working research vessel and into the surrounding coastal environment, where they learn alongside educators, scientists, and mariners. Students use scientific instruments, collect and observe real data, explore marine ecosystems, and discover connections among science, history, literature, and the arts.
The goal isn’t simply to teach students about the ocean. It’s to give them the opportunity to experience discovery for themselves.
Our Impact, and Counting
Since welcoming students aboard the restored Western Flyer in 2024:
3,400+
Students served
875+
Students at sea
1,800+
Students in docked programs
Our programs serve students from elementary school through college, primarily in Monterey Bay, with additional programs offered in coastal communities during Western Flyer expeditions.
En el mar Oceanografía
Students head out on the ocean aboard the Western Flyer for a hands-on introduction to ocean science and research.
Working alongside our educators and crew, students may collect water samples, deploy plankton nets, operate remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), use oceanographic instruments, examine marine organisms, and explore the physical and biological processes that shape Monterey Bay.
Just as John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts learned by going out and observing the natural world for themselves, students are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and follow their curiosity. Learn more about our oceanography program in Este vídeo fue producido por Stanford.
Programa acoplado
El Western Flyer becomes a floating classroom even while tied to the dock.
Students explore oceanography, marine biology, and the vessel’s history through hands-on activities aboard the boat. Depending on the program, they may investigate plankton, ocean chemistry, marine organisms, fossils, scientific instruments, and the ongoing research conducted aboard the Western Flyer.
Docked programs make it possible for more students to experience the vessel and participate in meaningful science without heading to sea.
Programa de Mentoría
Our five-day MentorShip program gives high school students and college mentors a deeper opportunity to explore ocean science, creativity, and potential career pathways.
Students work alongside educators, scientists, artists, and maritime professionals through experiences aboard the Western Flyer and around Monterey Bay.
By combining science with art, observation, and exploration, MentorShip encourages students to see the ocean, and their own possibilities, in new ways.
Beyond the Boat
Learning doesn’t stop at the dock.
Our land-based programs take students into the extraordinary environments surrounding Monterey Bay, from beaches and coastal ecosystems to scientific collections and research facilities. Activities can include field observation, nature journaling, scientific illustration, fossils, and other investigations that connect students with the places they are studying.
Bring Your Students Aboard
We work with schools, colleges, educators, and community organizations to create meaningful learning experiences aboard the Western Flyer and throughout Monterey Bay.
Interested in a Program?
Contact Rials Christensen, Director of Education & Science.
Noticias y En el blog
Bringing Western Flyer Data to Life
agosto 25, 2026A team at the Naval Postgraduate School has developed a new interactive platform using environmental data from the Western Flyer. Called VIGOR, the platform allows users to retrace past expeditions and follow the vessel’s location and environmental observations live from Monterey Bay.
Ver artículo completo¡De Western Flyer a campeones mundiales!
8 de julio de 2026El equipo de robótica Hephaestus de la Academia X acaba de obtener el primer lugar en el Campeonato Mundial MATE ROV 2026, compitiendo contra 47 equipos de escuelas secundarias de 13 países.
Ver artículo completoAbierta la convocatoria para el Programa de Mentoría de Western Flyer – del 13 al 17 de julio.
2 de julio de 2026La Western Flyer Foundation está aceptando solicitudes para su programa gratuito MentorShip, una experiencia veraniega única de una semana de duración en Moss Landing, del 13 al 17 de julio.
Ver artículo completoUn día en el muelle: La experiencia de la excursión escolar
30 de marzo de 2026En esta reflexión, el director de educación, Rials Christensen, capta la energía única de una excursión de Western Flyer: desde la emoción de los estudiantes más jóvenes al descubrir la historia de John Steinbeck y Ed Ricketts, hasta los estudiantes de secundaria que se enfrentan a preguntas más profundas sobre ciencia, historia e identidad.
Ver artículo completoDonde la historia se encuentra con la ciencia: Reflexiones de nuestra directora de educación
Rials Christensen, Gerente de Educación, 10 de noviembre de 2025En este artículo, nuestro nuevo Gerente de Educación, Rials Christensen, comparte cómo el legado de exploración del Western Flyer inspira curiosidad, creatividad y conexión entre generaciones.
Ver artículo completo¡Los estudiantes de la Academia Time X pudieron subir al Western Flyer!
5 de noviembre de 2025Las furgonetas salieron del espacio de creación de la X Academy justo cuando el cielo comenzaba a clarear, un suave resplandor azul se extendía sobre Watsonville. Era temprano —las 6:45 de la mañana— pero la energía era inconfundible.
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