In order to acknowledge such outstanding performance, the Office of Parks and Recreation (OPR) features a spotlight on our services, programs, facilities, parks and recreation centers, which may be in conjunction or collaboration with a sponsor or partner.

Sailing into Science
Sailing into Science (SIS) is an innovative, hands-on science program for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders that utilizes Lake Merritt's unique environmental setting for education and recreation. Sailing into Science provides youth with adventurous education by employing a comprehensive science curriculum developed in partnership with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).

During the school year, September through June, Oakland public school teachers have scheduled up to five consecutive days at the Sailing into Science classrooms utilizing Lake Merritt as a labratory. Students and teachers experience rich entry points into the worls of Life Science, Physics, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Nautical Science. The program immerses youth in a rigorous science ciriculum through activities proven to build confidence and self-esteem, foster recreative problem solving, team building, and conflict resolution.

Sailing into Science is a program that provides teachers and students with an outlet for hands-on learning to help inspire, encourage, and increase students' interest and sense of adventure while studying science in the classroom.

The Lake Merritt Boating Center's Sailing into Science program provides an instrumental opporutnity for youth to learn fundamentals, to embrace and actively participate in both a classsroom setting and a natural habitat. Participation ignites and further develops an interest in the field of science and fosters respect and appreciation for our natural resources.

December 2002

Sailing Into Science Boating Unit Life Enrichment Agency