Academic Enrichment Programs
USC MESA offers students an academic and fun 3 day overnight program on life and earth sciences near the end of the academic calendar year. Students travel to Catalina Island aboard USC's Sea Watch research vessel, collecting plankton samples. Once at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center, students participate in field data collection, hands-on laboratory and field activities, discussions on geology and human impact, as well as snorkeling and kayaking.
"We learned about some measuring devices. One measured how much clarity penetrated the water. Another device measured the salinity and oxygen of the water... Swimming with the Leopard Sharks was a unique experience and somewhat terrifying. Leopard Sharks could grow as long as 7 feet. But these sharks are harmless."
Daisy Castaneda and Francisco Gutierrez, Foshay Learning Center
