Operating out of Matagorda, the Floating Classroom offers students a unique learning adventure, aboard the R.V. Karma, a fully-equipped 57-foot teaching and research vessel.

Students spend a day at the facility and onboard the vessel, participating in a variety of hands-on activities and using an array of research equipment to collect, identify and analyze samples and specimen of coastal resources. The vessel’s equipment, which includes otter trawls, plankton nets, water samplers and test kits, bottom corers and video enhanced microscopes, allows students to investigate topics such as marine biology, ecology, fisheries and environmental impact. Onboard marine educators and coastal naturalists guide the students and ensure that the program addresses the students’ interests and understanding ability.

In addition to the discovery cruise, students generally participate in a variety of onshore exercises and observations designed to enhance the boat experience.

MTS Houston Section is helping to fund the Floating Classroom. As an MTS member/participator, your event sponsorship and involvement in MTS activities help make this program not only a possibility, but a reality.