USC Summer Science Camp Activities

(*note - this is not a comprehensive list of all activities done at the camps, but includes ones photos are available for.)

[ ALGAE PRESSING ] - The shallow, sunlit near shore waters surrounding Catalina house a great abundance of marine algae. Several varieties are collected during snorkeling trips, and are taken back to be pressed, which involves mounting and drying of the algae. During algae pressing, the campers use taxonomic (dichotomous) keys to identify the different species of algae. The campers are also given watercolor paints and free creative reign on their algae pressings, which make great cards and gifts to be taken home at the end of camp.

[ CAPMON ] - The acronym CAPMON stands for Computer Assisted Physiological MONitoring. This activity employs an ecotoxicological research method recently developed by Dr. Mike Depledge at the University of Plymouth, England, to monitor a crab's heartbeat in response to environmental stimuli. Similar to a doctor monitoring a human pulse, an infrared device is harmlessly attached to the shell of a crab, and the signal transmitted to a computer which records the changes in the crab's heartbeat in response to a stimulus. Under the close guidance of Wrigley staff, the campers are directed to design their own experiments, namely to investigate how the crabs respond to changes in specific environmental variables (e.g. salinity, temperature, light). Time is spent collecting lined shore crabs (Pachygrapsus crassipes), carrying out the experiment, and finally, discussing and presenting the results to the group. This activity is related to a larger monitoring project, Global Heartbeat.

[ DISSECTION ] - Working in pairs, the campers engage in this traditionally favorite, hands-on laboratory activity with various marine organisms (including fish, sharks, and squid). By locating different external and internal parts of these organisms and identifying their functions, the campers are able to see how the organisms are specially designed for their environments.

[ FISH PRINTING ] - Originally developed in Japan, where it is known as "gyotaku," this fish printing technique was first used by fishermen to document fish size. During this activity, the campers can examine the external anatomy of different fish, as well as classify and identify different species. The campers are given t-shirts and permanent paints to make creative prints of different marine organisms.

[ IRONWOODS ] - The groves of Catalina ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus floribundus) on Catalina Island are the last endemics of their kind. Formerly more abundant, the ironwood trees have suffered feral goat grazing, fire incidences, and climate change. A beautiful hike takes the campers up to a secluded ironwood grove. Along the way, they are treated to spectacular views of the island, and are also given the chance to do nature sketching of the surrounding environment.

[ KAYAKING ] - Kayaking is an exciting educational and recreational activity that allows the campers to observe and experience the marine environment from a different point of view. Short trips are taken in double ocean kayaks to nearby coves and caves, where the campers have a chance to see harbor seals and other organisms, as well as learn about and see fascinating geological features, which contribute to the uniqueness of the island.

[ MUDFLATS & ROCKY INTERTIDAL ] - These two activities allow the campers to observe two unique and separate environments along with the organisms that inhabit them. At the Catalina Harbor mudflat on the western side of the island's isthmus, the campers take mud cores to discover a strange, yet amazingly well-adapted collection of burrowing organisms. They are also able to see different sedimentation layers in the mud. In the rocky intertidal environment, the girls do transect surveys, the data from which will later be used to contribute to a long-term monitoring program.

[ OTTER TRAWL ] - Otter trawling is a common method used to collect organisms off the sea floor bottom. A large net held open by two wooden doors is attached to the back of a vessel with a large steel cable and dragged along the bottom. During this activity, the campers travel on a local research vessel to the deeper waters surrounding Catalina and participate in an otter trawl. A neat variety of deeper water organisms is collected during the trawl, and the girls are able to examine and learn about these organisms, as well as participate in other activities like bird watching, water quality and chemistry, and navigation.

[ PLANKTON LAB ] - The usually small, microscopic ocean drifters known as plankton, are an important part of the global ecosystem. The plankton lab is an exciting hands-on experience where campers learn about the organisms that make up the base of almost all aquatic food chains. Microscopes and video equipment are used to examine, compare, and identify the wide variety of plankton living in Catalina's waters.

[ SCIENCE SKITS ] - Working with fellow campers and group counselors, the science skits give the campers a chance to creatively express their science learning experience over the duration of the program. Designed to be 50% science, and 50% fun, the campers work to put together exciting skits, which are performed at the end of camp in front of the group. Always educational, and often extremely entertaining, science skits are a program favorite.

[ SEA BASS PENS ] - A popular game fish, white sea bass (Atractoscion nobilis) have been heavily overfished along the Pacific coast. Multiple hatcheries, including one just offshore from Catalina Harbor, are in existence to help replenish wild populations. The campers are taken in a small boat to the floating pens, where they are able to see and feed the fish. Such visits are a rewarding and exciting experience for the campers, who learn directly about the consequences of overfishing.

[ SNORKELING ] - After being properly fitted with wetsuits and equipped with snorkeling gear, the campers are given multiple opportunities to explore the different near shore habitats (e.g. sandy bottom, kelp forests) surrounding the Wrigley Marine Science Center. Guided by experienced USC staff, snorkeling activities provide the girls with up close and personal glimpses of intriguing marine life. A night snorkel is also included in the camp, where brave campers venture into the water to witness bioluminescence and an array of nocturnal organisms.

[ TOUCH TANKS ] - Wrigley Marine Science Center maintains a large aquarium (supplied with saltwater from a seawater intake system) filled with various marine creatures found in the surrounding waters. The aquarium is known as a touch tank because the camperss are given the opportunity to touch, hold and observe local marine life that they might otherwise miss while in the water.