Grade 4 Lower School students visited the Ocean Institute last week, bringing their California explorers unit to life as part of their study of California history.

The students experienced the lesson of life as a sailor in the 1830s by boarding the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point which connected students to their classroom learning. On this maritime sailing adventure, which included activities such as raising sail, helmsmanship, and firing of the ship’s cannon, students were able to experience first hand what it was like to be an explorer at sea. 

“The trip allowed students to put themselves into the shoes of an explorer by preparing to sail and then executing the sail,” grade 4 teacher Delphi Sech said. “It also gave them an opportunity to learn how much teamwork is required with sailing: teamwork is essential in lifting sails, navigating, and lifting cargo.”

Students were thrilled to share their exciting learning experience, from discovering life in the 1830s to sailing aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. One student reflected, “I learned how explorers navigated back then using a parallel slide ruler and compass rose,” while another shared, “I learned how complicated it is to raise a sail.” 

The importance of teamwork also stood out, as one student noted, “I learned how much teamwork is required to lift cargo.”

The field trip to The Ocean Institute aboard the Spirit of Dana Point ship brought history to life for the grade 4 students, but also highlighted the value of experiential learning in deepening their understanding of California's past. St. Margaret’s mission to engage students with learning experiences provides students with a richer, more personal connection to the lessons beyond their textbooks.