Led by a Marine Scientist, students get the chance to ask questions and participate in conversations related to the vast marine resources within sight as we cruise through the channel. Sightings of dolphins and interesting native and migratory birds are sure to delight. Pelican Island (flanks the eastern edge of the Galveston Ship Channel) is full of wetland plants and creates a nursery ground for many important marine species in the world (amongst other important functions including serving as a sponge for coastal influx of water, purifier of non-point pollution, erosion control, food and recreation). We will talk about our changing coastal climate, weather and tides. We will touch on Texas’ rich energy sector, its economic importance, and its evolutionary path towards more efficient means. We will talk about plankton, the food chain, red tide and dead zones. Students can explore marine topics that interest them and help them narrow in on a pathway in high school that could lead to a rewarding career and/or higher education degree.