The Geological Oceanography Lab is excited to welcome five new students this year, some of whom are collaborating with the Benthic Ecology Lab. Associate Professor Ivano Aiello, with the aid of Research Faculty Simona Bartl and graduate student Michelle Drake, have collaborated with the Consortium for Ocean Leadership on the 'Mini JOIDES Resolution (JR) project' this Fall 2012. The 'Mini JR project' is pilot study to develop a curriculum to introduce the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, marine geology, and UNOLS vessels to middle school classrooms. The lab has taken middle schoolers aboard the R/V Point Sur to teach the students about coring equipment, core description, positioning instruments, and mapping techniques. We hope this pilot study will become a curriculum that brings enthusiasm about ocean exploration and oceanographic experiences into classrooms nationwide.