The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to explore, explain, and sustain life.

While munching on real reefs is not recommended, it’s an absolute must when you make your own edible “coral polyps.”

How do species interact on a coral reef?

The Academy is home to the largest living indoor coral reef on Earth—and it’s Steinhart Aquarium Director Bart Shepherd’s pride and joy. 

Hear from Academy educator Dave on the basics of coral reef biology, and where in the world they can be found—including at the Academy!

Can’t create calcium carbonate from seawater? No worries! Build your dream reef with Play-Doh or clay instead.

Zoom into an incredible three-dimensional scan of a coral specimen, part of the Academy’s natural history collections.

Take a tour of a tiny coral polyp to learn how they transform seawater and algae into the raw materials that make up a reef. 

Enjoy front-row seats to all the action inside the Academy’s 212,000 gallon Philippine Coral Reef exhibit.

We’re all connected to coral reefs, even if we’re thousands of miles away. Learn more about how our actions impact reefs, and why the time is now to protect them. 

Plunge into a teeming, tropical Philippine coral reef and get a closer look at the eels, crabs, sea stars, and nudibranchs that call it home. 

Academy educator Aya shares all the dirty details about ocean acidification—and how humans can be part of the solution.

Ocean acidification is one of the biggest threats to coral reefs. With a few household ingredients, you can see how it works—right in your own kitchen.

Step inside the Academy’s dive locker and see what it takes to keep everything running swimmingly.

Exploring the “Twilight Zone” 200-500 feet below the surface is not for the average diver. Learn more about the unique creatures that live at these depths, and the challenges Academy scientists have had to overcome to discover them.

Coral reefs are not just beautiful and biodiverse—they’re incredibly important for humans, too. 

Hear from an Academy ichthyologist and coral biologist about why diving the Twilight Zone is so exciting—and important.