Curriculum Web
Foundations of Oceanography and Marine Biology
Dive into the core scientific principles of the ocean and its life. Marine Biology explores the life of marine creatures—how they live, where they come from, and their connections to each other and the ocean itself. Oceanography is the study of the ocean's physical, chemical, and geological aspects, from currents and tides to the seafloor itself.
Terrestrial and Avian Studies
Explore the natural world beyond the ocean and discover how it interacts with the sea. Our Terrestrial category covers the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects native to the Pacific Northwest. In our Avian Studies, we investigate the birds of this region, including their global migration patterns that connect them to global ecosystems.
Coastal Ecosystems
This category is dedicated to the unique habitats that serve as a transition zone between the terrestrial and marine worlds. It covers the science and biology of these "in-between" spaces like estuaries and marshes, which are critically important in the Pacific Northwest.
Pacific Northwest Studies
This is the heart of our place-based learning. Here, we explore the unique qualities of the Pacific Northwest and how its inhabitants have shaped—and been shaped by—the region. Through studies in PNW marine life, history, culture, local environments, and geology, we will fine-tune our knowledge of the region and inform how we could become better inhabitants of it.
Interdisciplinary Connections
In this category, we connect ocean science to a variety of related fields. Beyond biology, we investigate the many ways humans interact with the ocean—from boats, sailing, and shipping to fishing and other industries.
Global Perspectives
Expand your view beyond the Pacific Northwest to explore the global ocean. This curriculum examines important landmarks, the seven seas, global ocean currents, and the major issues facing our oceans today. By using a STEAM perspective—integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and math—we hope to expand your sense of the world's largest landscape.

The Foghorn Curriculum