Reviving the Reef Through Learning, Art, and Action
This January, Da Vinci Connect Core 5 student artwork was on public display at El Camino College, showcasing their first-semester interdisciplinary project, Revive the Reef. Students transformed their learning into powerful art and advocacy, amplifying their voices beyond the classroom. We’re excited to share photos from the exhibition, celebrating these young changemakers and their exploration of the beauty, importance, and fragility of coral reefs.
There’s still one more opportunity to experience the artwork in person! Join us at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Over the course of the semester, students explored the beauty, importance, and fragility of coral reef ecosystems around the world, examining why reefs matter not only globally but also how their health connects to our own lives here in Southern California. Students studied pressing challenges such as coral bleaching and ocean acidification driven by climate change, as well as the impacts of tourism, overfishing, and coastal development.
The project, led by Core 5 teachers Sascha Lopez and Alex Garnica, emphasized real-world learning and action. Students wrote letters to fast food companies, sunscreen manufacturers, and local government representatives, advocating for changes that could help protect coral reefs. They also heard directly from a marine biologist during a virtual guest presentation, deepening their understanding of marine science and environmental stewardship.
Creativity played a central role in the project. Students created one-pagers outlining actionable solutions and collaborated on a 3D coral reef installation made entirely from recycled materials donated by families, including paper towel rolls, newspapers, and plastic bottles—demonstrating both environmental responsibility and creative problem-solving.
The student exhibition at El Camino College was made possible through the support of Dulce Stein, the grandmother of an 8th grade student and an art curator at El Camino College, who partnered with Da Vinci to help bring student work into a professional gallery space.
Through Revive the Reef, Da Vinci Connect students demonstrated how learning, advocacy, and creativity can come together to inspire real-world impact—reminding us all that protecting our planet starts with informed, engaged young changemakers.
