The Marine Science Center Outreach Program goes far beyond “show n’ tell” science education. The Outreach Program offers multiple educational activities on location and off-site. We strive to assist teachers in using marine science as a platform to meet Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks through hands-on, research based activities. Our K-12 Outreach Program is designed to achieve three overarching goals;

1. provide a practice-oriented curriculum that supports and enriches K-12 classroom science curricula using authentic marine models,
2. provide classroom curricula that exceed the standards of learning for grade K-12 science, and
3. provide fun, content-rich lessons and activities that significantly expand students’ scientific literacy

Our program is committed to helping teachers and their students acquire a better understanding and appreciation of the coastal marine environment in Massachusetts and beyond. It is important to note that any program can be specially designed for your classroom. Programs can be modified or combined to fit your needs. Please inform us of all requests prior to your visit so we can plan accordingly.

Download Brochure (pdf)

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Site Visit

Field Activities

Tide Pool Experience

K-12 students are able to explore and survey classic New England rocky intertidal habitats located just meters outside lab facilities.  Extended investigations of intertidal habitats and organisms are also available using lab facilities.

Geology/Nature

The Marine Science Center is located in an ideal location to observe nature. On the nature walks, the students will be able to see plant and bird life, as well as learn some of the history of East Point (which includes use as a WWII military base). There are some ideal locations in which to observe geology “in action”, with some excellent examples of things that are often taught out of books, including dykes and sills, mountain building and intrusions. We are able to put a larger emphasis on either of these topics, depending on your needs.

Laboratory Activities

Sea Urchin Fertilization

Sea urchins are excellent model organisms for studying the basic principles of reproduction and early embryological development.  They can be used for demonstrating a classic life history of marine animals because they are readily available, reproduce externally in seawater, and produce relatively large and easy to observe eggs.  This fertilization activity will be performed using the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis).  The objects of this activity are to induce spawning of sea urchins as well as observe and analyze the process of fertilization and embryonic development.  Students will use compound microscopes for observations. 

Mussel Dissection

A mussel dissection entails the examination of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis).  Students first learn about the classification of Mytilus edulis.  Students then dissect the organism as the instructor explains in detail the internal and external anatomy of the mussel. The instructor stresses scientific drawings and proper dissection techniques.

SUMMER OPPORTUNIES

For Teachers

The outreach program offers a 5-day summer workshop to science teachers interested in professional development (Surveys of New England Coastal Ecosystems).   The program offers lesson plans, topics and resources that later can be applied to student learning.

www.spcs.neu.edu