More Than a Science Class

How Petaluma's Marine Science Program Brings Learning to Life
With contributions from @Megan McClelland

If you ever get the chance, step inside Room F11 at Petaluma High School. The classroom is filled with aquatic murals, sharks hanging from the ceiling, detailed student drawings, and notes that hint at the learning and discovery happening inside.

When my own kids were lucky enough to get into the Marine Science Program (MarS) taught by the infamous Phil Tacata, I remember attending Back-to-School Night and feeling a little jealous. I wanted to be a student in that class.

Science Beyond the Classroom

Petaluma High School Marine Science (MarS) is a 4-decade-long legacy program that Teacher Bob Pawlan started in 1990. Phil Tacata has continued this transformative program since 2015, and the students thrive in his classroom.

MarS combines rigorous science coursework with field experiences that take 11th- and 12th-grade students beyond the classroom. Students study marine mammals, ocean currents, kelp forests, wetlands, and how pollution affects marine ecosystems.

MarS is more than learning scientific concepts. Field trips, community service, environmental stewardship, and fundraising are integral parts of the program. Students must participate in local river and beach cleanups and projects with community partners, connecting what they learn in class to the environment right here in Petaluma. Check their Facebook page

MarS gives young people the chance to become deeply engaged in learning, connect with their community, and experience the natural world in ways that can shape who they become.

PHS Counselor and Porches Scout @Megan McClelland asked students about their experience in the MarS Program this year. Lino Gomez says, “Mr. Tacata has such a unique approach to teaching: he is funny and grabs my attention as soon as the bell rings.” Inga Markey loves how enthusiastic and engaging Tacata is about our ecosystems and science and is modeling and teaching us how to protect and care for the environment. “It’s so eye-opening how much global warming and climate change impact marine life. Class is so fun because you can see how passionate Mr. Tacata is!” shares Colette Dole.

Three Days of Monumental Change

At the heart of the program is an intensive 3-day, 2-night expedition to the Monterey Peninsula, where students experience firsthand the wonder of one of the world's richest and most biologically diverse marine reserves. During the expedition, MarS students put their academic learning into practice by kayaking with sea otters, whale watching in the Bay, visiting the nation's most prestigious marine science institution, the Monterey Aquarium, spending time on Cannery Row, and visiting the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. Steinbeck’s novella Cannery Row is required reading before the trip. At night, students bond by playing games, singing karaoke, and putting on a talent show. It’s monumental hands-on learning and community building that doesn’t come from a textbook.

Phil Tacata believes the experiences MarS provides can shape young people in ways that last a lifetime. After the 2025 trip, he reflected, “The memories our teens have made on these trips will shape their lives in ways we cannot predict.” Despite the challenges facing public education, he says community support makes these experiences possible, fostering hope and helping young people build a better future rooted in compassion, justice, and love.

The impact on students lasts far longer than the program and graduation. Senior Max Bozuk (a student of MarS last year and now Tacata’s TA) said, “The program changes the dynamic on how you understand things.” He told Megan it changed how he carries himself as a student. “What I learned in MarS, I now apply to academics and my extracurriculars.” Bozuk will major in Biology in college.

PHS and MarS alum @Daphne Perlich is currently an animal technician at the Petaluma Wildlife Museum while she pursues her environmental law degree. Perlich’s involvement in the museum and the MarS Program led her to her current study. She shared that the MarS field trip was instrumental to her studies and that some of her favorite people are MarS alumni. She advises juniors and seniors to tap into Tacata’s infectious passion and take Marine Science: “You will love this class if you have any interest in the oceans, nature, science, sustainability, research, or art.”

Experiential learning matters.

For 11 years, Phil Tacata and a strong volunteer group have raised funds so all students who need financial support can participate. Last year, 50% of students needed a full or partial scholarship to meet the trip's donation requirements, and this year it looks about the same. Community support is so needed.

A major funding source is the annual MarS Dinner & Silent Auction. This year, it is on November 8 at the PHS MU from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Petaluma community can help ensure every student who wants to participate can attend by donating, attending the dinner, or contributing to the silent auction. Grab a dinner ticket here. link

Students canvassed downtown for silent auction items, and many businesses have generously contributed, but MarS still needs help. Volunteers are asking for donations of items or gift cards for the auction. If you can donate, please email Daphne Perlich at link or Denise Tranfaglia at link

Tacata shares, “If you understand the power of these kinds of experiences for young people, and if you have the means, please donate.” Donations are tax-deductible, and any size or kind of donation is deeply appreciated and will go a LONG way towards supporting environmental education and hands-on learning for this generation of North Bay stewards.
Supporting PHS MarS means investing in more than a field trip. It means helping young people discover new interests, experience the wonder of the marine environment, and develop a deeper sense of responsibility for the world around them.

As Tacata reminds us, “We can teach for a better future.”

And sometimes, that future begins with a classroom full of ocean murals, a few days on Monterey Bay, and a community willing to help students get there.

Photos from FB page (Jason Doiy Photography)

How Petaluma's Marine Science Program Brings Learning to Life With contributions from @Megan McClelland If you ever get the chance, step inside Room F11 at Petaluma High School. The classroom is filled with aquatic murals, sharks hanging from the ceiling, detailed student drawings, and notes that hint at the learning and discovery happening inside. When my own kids were lucky enough to get into the Marine Science Program (MarS) taught by the infamous Phil Tacata, I remember attending Back-to-School Night and feeling a little jealous. I wanted to be a student in that class. Science Beyond the Classroom Petaluma High School Marine Science (MarS) is a 4-decade-long legacy program that Teacher Bob Pawlan started in 1990. Phil Tacata has continued this transformative program since 2015, and the students thrive in his classroom. MarS combines rigorous science coursework with field experiences that take 11th- and 12th-grade students beyond the classroom. Students study marine mammals, ocean currents, kelp forests, wetlands, and how pollution affects marine ecosystems. MarS is more than learning scientific concepts. Field trips, community service, environmental stewardship, and fundraising are integral parts of the program. Students must participate in local river and beach cleanups and projects with community partners, connecting what they learn in class to the environment right here in Petaluma. Check their Facebook page MarS gives young people the chance to become deeply engaged in learning, connect with their community, and experience the natural world in ways that can shape who they become. PHS Counselor and Porches Scout @Megan McClelland asked students about their experience in the MarS Program this year. Lino Gomez says, “Mr. Tacata has such a unique approach to teaching: he is funny and grabs my attention as soon as the bell rings.” Inga Markey loves how enthusiastic and engaging Tacata is about our ecosystems and science and is modeling and teaching us how to protect and care for the environment. “It’s so eye-opening how much global warming and climate change impact marine life. Class is so fun because you can see how passionate Mr. Tacata is!” shares Colette Dole. Three Days of Monumental Change At the heart of the program is an intensive 3-day, 2-night expedition to the Monterey Peninsula, where students experience firsthand the wonder of one of the world's richest and most biologically diverse marine reserves. During the expedition, MarS students put their academic learning into practice by kayaking with sea otters, whale watching in the Bay, visiting the nation's most prestigious marine science institution, the Monterey Aquarium, spending time on Cannery Row, and visiting the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. Steinbeck’s novella Cannery Row is required reading before the trip. At night, students bond by playing games, singing karaoke, and putting on a talent show. It’s monumental hands-on learning and community building that doesn’t come from a textbook. Phil Tacata believes the experiences MarS provides can shape young people in ways that last a lifetime. After the 2025 trip, he reflected, “The memories our teens have made on these trips will shape their lives in ways we cannot predict.” Despite the challenges facing public education, he says community support makes these experiences possible, fostering hope and helping young people build a better future rooted in compassion, justice, and love. The impact on students lasts far longer than the program and graduation. Senior Max Bozuk (a student of MarS last year and now Tacata’s TA) said, “The program changes the dynamic on how you understand things.” He told Megan it changed how he carries himself as a student. “What I learned in MarS, I now apply to academics and my extracurriculars.” Bozuk will major in Biology in college. PHS and MarS alum @Daphne Perlich is currently an animal technician at the Petaluma Wildlife Museum while she pursues her environmental law degree. Perlich’s involvement in the museum and the MarS Program led her to her current study. She shared that the MarS field trip was instrumental to her studies and that some of her favorite people are MarS alumni. She advises juniors and seniors to tap into Tacata’s infectious passion and take Marine Science: “You will love this class if you have any interest in the oceans, nature, science, sustainability, research, or art.” Experiential learning matters. For 11 years, Phil Tacata and a strong volunteer group have raised funds so all students who need financial support can participate. Last year, 50% of students needed a full or partial scholarship to meet the trip's donation requirements, and this year it looks about the same. Community support is so needed. A major funding source is the annual MarS Dinner & Silent Auction. This year, it is on November 8 at the PHS MU from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Petaluma community can help ensure every student who wants to participate can attend by donating, attending the dinner, or contributing to the silent auction. Grab a dinner ticket here. link Students canvassed downtown for silent auction items, and many businesses have generously contributed, but MarS still needs help. Volunteers are asking for donations of items or gift cards for the auction. If you can donate, please email Daphne Perlich at link or Denise Tranfaglia at link Tacata shares, “If you understand the power of these kinds of experiences for young people, and if you have the means, please donate.” Donations are tax-deductible, and any size or kind of donation is deeply appreciated and will go a LONG way towards supporting environmental education and hands-on learning for this generation of North Bay stewards. Supporting PHS MarS means investing in more than a field trip. It means helping young people discover new interests, experience the wonder of the marine environment, and develop a deeper sense of responsibility for the world around them. As Tacata reminds us, “We can teach for a better future.” And sometimes, that future begins with a classroom full of ocean murals, a few days on Monterey Bay, and a community willing to help students get there. Photos from FB page (Jason Doiy Photography)