17
Experimental Animation at the California Institute of the Arts (Cal-
Arts) in Valencia. For his application, Hillenburg had to submit a
portfolio of artwork that included samples of his animation and vi-
sual work such as flip books, paintings, drawings, and storyboards.
CalArts has one of the top schools in the United States for as-
piring animators and students in visual and performing arts—film,
theater, art, dance, music, and writing. The school has churned out
many famous and successful grads. Graduate Chris Buck won the
2014 Oscar for Best Animated Feature for his megahit film,
Frozen
.
Other graduates include Chris Sanders, an Oscar nominee for the
animated film
The Croods
; and Tim Burton, who is known for many
films and animated features, including
The Nightmare Before Christ-
mas
and
Frankenweenie
.
The Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute is a community-based, nonprofit organization that
is nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental and
ocean education, and maritime history programs. The institute offers
sixty-one award-winning marine science and maritime history programs
for visitors. About 350,000 people, including K–12 students and teachers,
participate in the institute’s hands-on programs each year.
Located on 2.4 acres (1 ha) at the Dana Point Harbor on the Pacific
Ocean, the institute is well suited for hands-on education about the sea.
Students can voyage on the ocean, studying in labs and living on tall
ships. They feel and taste the salty ocean water and examine live ma-
rine specimens. Whale-watch cruises take students to observe migrating
whales. Other programs teach students how to collect scientific data and
investigate the ocean world around them. Through its educational efforts,
the institute aims to spark the curiosity of children and adults and inspire
them to learn about the ocean. The institute also teaches the importance
of ocean health and designs programs that help students understand and
appreciate the connections between the ecosystems on land and under
the sea.
