In an innovative expansion of marine science education, Gulf Shores High School has embedded SCUBA certification into its high school marine science curriculum, aligning diving skills with Alabama State Science Standards, NGSS, and CTE frameworks. This presentation will showcase how SCUBA training transforms traditional instruction by immersing students—literally and figuratively—in the ecosystems they study.

Through partnerships with a local dive shop, certified diving instructors, and other local experts, students not only earn their open-water certification, but they also engage directly with the local environment through oyster gardening, water quality monitoring, ecosystems surveys, and more. The program enhances student engagement, fosters career exploration, and empowers learners with real-world scientific and technical skills.

The session will highlight lessons learned during creation, implementation, cross-curricular alignment strategies, and how safety, equity, and access were prioritized throughout program design. District administration and two classroom teachers will co-present, sharing student outcomes, instructional strategies, funding, community partnerships, and classroom-to-field integration tips.

Importantly, this program builds on place-based, environmental learning efforts previously implemented in Gulf Shores City Schools, now expanded through the Gulf Research Program-funded initiative, Alabama Gulf Coast Resiliency Project: Sustainability, Full STEAMM Ahead. Attendees will gain insight into designing field-based programs that elevate student voice and deepen community partnerships, while meeting academic and workforce goals.