Climate Change Curriculum Marine Biology / Aquarium Science Central Campus

Marine Biology Central Campus offers one of the most acclaimed high school Marine Biology programs in the country, with a major aquarium facility and regular field trips. The program has been recognized by leading scientists and scientific publications for its excellent facilities and curriculum. Students study marine animals and ecosystems in a new facility modeled after a public aquarium and college laboratory.

Climate Change in the Classroom As part of the curriculum students study the effects climate change has on oceanic systems and marine life. Students have the opportunity to participate in an ecology trip to the Bahamas and/or Florida each March. Putting classroom studies into action, aquarium lights were switched out in 2013 from Halide lights to run- cool LED lights. The lights run 365 days a year for 12 hours a day and are used to grow coral and provide light for a natural type setting for the fish. Contrary to the previously in- stalled lights, the LED light's intensity can be adjusted and programed to better simulate real-world sun intensity. Each light module consumes 90 watts of electricity, significantly less than the 250 watt Halide lights. With 22 lights, 3,250 watts of energy are saved every hour. The lifespan of the new LED lights are years., reducing the number of lights thrown away.