Homeschoolers Marine Adventure

Don't have a laboratory in your basement or an Oceanic Research Vessel in your backyard? Don’t worry, here at the Marine Science Consortium we understand the challenges parents face when they teach science in the home. The Marine Science Consortium is your resource for bridging the gap between marine science curriculum and student understanding. Our Homeschoolers Workshops are tailored for the budding Marine Biologist in your home. Our workshops provide hands-on observation of marine environments and life forms and time to socialize with other young marine biologist.

Since 1968 The Marine Science Consortium has educated and inspired thousands of children, youth, and adults about the marine and coastal ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Region through place-based, hands-on experiences. The bays, marshes, beaches, maritime forests, and off-shore waters of Virginia's Eastern Shore are The Marine Science Consortium's classroom. Whether you are an individual interested in learning more about coastal and marine systems or seeking to pursue a career in marine sciences, The Marine Science Consortium offers a wonderful variety of opportunities to meet your educational and/or research goals.

Click on a program name for dates and details.

This 2-day Coastal Ecology program includes the following field trips and classes:

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

During our visit to CNWR we will hear about the history of the refuge, the successful population rehabilitation programs, and the famous Wild Ponies of Assateague in a multimedia presentation from a Fish and Wildlife Biologist and Educator! After that, tour the visitor center's excellent exhibits before embarking on a journey through the wilds of Assateague, normally restricted to the general public.

Oceanography Research Cruise

We will take a research cruise through one of the most productive ecosystems on earth! We will trawl to sample the myriad organisms found in our estuary. Your naturalist will give you in-depth background on the lifecycle and habits of the marine organisms caught. You’ll also learn about the salt marsh, one most productive ecosystems on earth.

Intertidal Beaches

We will visit Tom’s Cove and use seine nets and sieves for organism collection. We will also spend time sampling for various environmental parameters, species diversity, distribution, adaptation.

Organism Lab

In our exciting organism labs we will use Dichotomous keys, field guides and microscopes to examine the various organisms, zooplankton and phytoplankton collected in the field

Ages 9-15

Cost: $95 per child /$65 Per Adult (includes all instruction, materials, meals and lodging) Visit our Campus Page to learn more about family housing options.

Schedule

Day 1

11:30 - 12:00 pm Check in with Special Programs Coordinator at MSC

  Lunch

12:30 pm Orientation

1:30 pm Field Trip to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

 5:30 - 6:30 pm Dinner in MSC's Cafeteria

 7:00 - 9:00 pm Oceanographic equipment lecture

Day 2

7:30 - 8:30 AM Breakfast in MSC's Cafeteria

8:45 – 12:00 PM Oceanography Research Cruise

12:00- 1:00 PM Picnic Lunch

1:00 – 4:00 PM Intertidal Zone Lecture

5:30-6:30 PM Dinner in MSC's Cafeteria

7:00 - 8:30 PM Macro Organism Lab

Day 3

7:30 - 8:30 AM Breakfast in MSC's Cafeteria

9:30 Check out and Departure

A residential environmental learning center and field station on Virginia's Eastern Shore