Algae Academy
Welcome to Algae Academy!
Why Algae?
Algae isn't just pond scum—it’s a powerhouse. We use it as our "learning vehicle" because:
It’s Fast: Students see measurable biological changes in days, not weeks.
It’s Versatile: It connects to photosynthesis, chemistry, ecology, and even business.
It’s Relevant: It’s at the center of the global conversation on climate change and sustainable innovation.
What produces ~ 50% of Earth's oxygen? Algae.
How will we feed a growing population? Algae.
What can we use as a renewable fuel? Algae.
What is Algae Academy?
Algae Academy is an introduction to how we answer those big questions. Our FREE STEM kit and curriculum give students a foundational start by exploring what algae are, how we use them today, and how they might shape our future. Or as we like to say, Algae Academy takes algae from “Ick” to “Awesome!”
Students will ask their own big questions as they explore algae in their classrooms by:
- Learning how they interact with algae on a daily basis.
- Cultivating live algae and monitoring its growth.
- Exploring diverse algal species under the microscope.
- Analyzing and interpreting data.
- Developing their own algae company to pitch in a Shark Tank-style competition!
Educators are prepared to implement Algae Academy using the provided resources:
- All necessary lab supplies
- Four species of live algae and other consumables
- Daily teacher resources (scripts, slides, videos, worksheets, etc.)
- Curriculum materials provided for elementary, middle, and high school
Join Algae Academy!
Two sessions each year – Fall (October/November) and Spring (March/April).
Questions?
Contact Marissa Nalley, Senior Director of Programs and Operations, at mnalley@thealgaefoundation.org.
The Goal
To utilize algae as the vehicle for high-impact STEM exploration. While we are excited for students to dive in and learn more about algae, our goal is an applied, hands-on experience that sparks curiosity and keeps them excited about a future in STEM.
Our Story, Our Reach
In 2016, The Algae Foundation piloted the Algae Academy with a small group of middle schools in San Diego, CA. After a successful trial, the program was ready to launch nationwide. Over the past decade, the program has grown exponentially, and the Algae Academy has become standard curriculum in classrooms across the country.
Milestones:
- 2016: Pilot launched in six San Diego middle schools.
- Grassroots Growth: Teachers sharing their experiences and inspiring their peers.
- Nationwide Reach: Now serving schools in all 50 states + Puerto Rico.
- 3,600+ STEM Kits: Hands-on learning delivered to classrooms coast to coast.
- 325,000+ Students: Inspired by the power and potential of algae.
Ready to get started? Join educators across the country bringing Algae Academy to life!
Our Impact
Curriculum Snapshot
The Algae Academy curriculum is drop-in ready and available in 3 grade levels – elementary (2-5), middle (6-8), and high school (9-12). Participants receive access to all levels of curriculum, so you can choose what works best for your students. All levels of curriculum are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The goal of elementary education is to introduce students to algae as an organism and to excite them about the interesting ways they interact with algae every day.
For middle and high school students, the goal is to utilize algae as a tool to effectively meet the four disciplines of STEM in an interdisciplinary and applied approach through real-world applications. Students learn about the essential need for sustainable resources, current concerns about future protein shortages, and how algae can be a game-changing resource.
FAQ
More Questions? We are here to help.
If you have questions about how the Algae Academy will fit into your classroom or any other questions about this program, please contact:
Marissa Nalley, Senior Director of Programs and Operations at
The Algae Acdemy is made possible by our sponsors. Thank you!
