Learn

Be a part of our community, and learn more about ways that you can participate. Everyone is welcome to explore the Living Lab grounds and join us for our regular public events. Our science programs are open to all current students in our school-shed – students currently enrolled at a Hoover High School cluster school – as well as Hoover High School graduates pursuing higher education. 

How can I join? We ask anyone who’s interested in becoming a school-shed member to attend a member orientation and complete an online application. This allows you learn about our programs, while ensuring a safe environment for our students.

A special note to companions: You play an important role in creating a safe and positive learning environment. Members who have not yet entered middle school must be accompanied by a companion while at the Living Lab. A companion is a parent or adult family member or friend. Before accompanying your student as a companion, you must first sign up as a school-shed member or an adult volunteer.

1. Participate in a membership orientation. We ask all prospective members to join us for an orientation. The orientation is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with Ocean Discovery’s programs and the Living Lab. 

2. Submit an application. If you decide to become a member, we’ll help you to create an account and complete an online membership application during the orientation. During this process, we’ll ask for information about you and your family. We’ll never share sell this information or share it with anyone outside of Ocean Discovery. The information we collect helps us stay connected with you about upcoming activities and events. It also ensures we continue to deliver the highest quality programming.

3. Obtain your identification card*. Your ID card identifies you as a member. It lets others know you belong in the Living Lab. There is a one-time charge of $5 per identification card. We ask that you to wear your identification card anytime you enter the facility or participate in a program. We do this because knowing who’s who helps ensure the safety of our students. 

*If the $5 charge may prohibit your involvement, please see a staff member who will help you explore options.

4. Sign up for programming. Congratulations! You can now enjoy all the benefits of being a school-shed member. Stop in and let us help you get started or simply view the Calendar of Opportunities below. To learn about the right programs for you, scroll down. 

Sign Up

We offer a variety of programs for all school-shed members. A description of these programs are listed below.

NAKOA Warriors: experience the science of health firsthand through sustainable exercise and healthy eating practices in a fun, non-judgmental environment. Join us on Saturday afternoons at the Living Lab. For students of ALL ages.

Ocean Adventurers: learn about sea animals and the ocean. This program is held during after school hours on Tuesdays at the Living Lab. For students in Kindergarten through 5th grade accompanied by an adult companion or middle school or older school-shed member.

Career Explorers: investigate science as a career path alongside scientists from our own community in this weekly program held during after-school hours on Thursdays at the Living Lab. Local scientists will share the story of their pathway, and engage you in an activity that demonstrates what science looks like in their industry. For students in grades 6th through 8th.

Science Empowering Students: participate in authentic scientific research in this academic year long program that takes place during after-school and weekend hours at the Living Lab. For incoming 7th and 8th graders. Interview required. 

BAHIA: participate in authentic scientific research in San Diego and Baja California during this academic year long program that takes place during after-school and weekend hours and over the summer. For incoming 9th,10th, and 11th graders. Interview required.

If you are already a school-shed member, sign up for programs by clicking below.

program sign up

View our calendar for upcoming opportunities.

• Public tours & events are designated by the color green.
• Volunteer opportunities are designated by the color orange.
• School-shed programs are designated by the color blue. These programs are available for our members.

When you click on the calendar item, you will be taken to our registration portal where you can create an account and sign up for opportunities.