High School Marine Ecology
Hurricane Island programs embed students in experiences that leverage the art and practices of science as tools for leadership and social change. Through personal and group explorations, students explore their own strengths as transformative leaders who can address the sustainability challenges facing our world today.
At-A-Glance
Dates: July 7 - 13, 2024
Ages: Rising 9th - 12th graders
Cost: $1700 - All inclusive of transportation between Rockland and Hurricane Island, housing, meals, snacks, and all programming
In this program, students entering grades 9-12 take the next step in expanding their natural curiosity of the world with the opportunity to carry out their own research projects during their time on Hurricane. Throughout this program students will study all aspects of oceanography; biological, geological, physical, and chemical. Students will also explore our sustainable energy, water, food, and waste systems which minimize our impact on the island ecosystem. Guided by our educators, students will learn about our inextricable connection to the ocean, examine the marine food web at all trophic levels, and begin their journey as environmental stewards, exploring how human activity can impact the natural world. Our unique curriculum will help students hone their observation, critical thinking, and communication skills as they design and implement their research. Adventurous team building activities such as rock climbing, rowing, lobstering, and pier jumping help to round out the week on Hurricane. As students learn to live together in this dynamic environment, each member of the group will have opportunities to explore their own role as a leader and celebrate their achievements with each other.
High School Marine Ecology activities may include:
Using the scientific process to come up with and answer their own questions
Working with the research team to get hands-on with Hurricane’s aquaculture projects
Exploring the intertidal zone using field research methods to collect data
Investigating marine debris from microplastics to large scale shoreline cleanups
Using various sampling methods to collect oceanographic data both onshore and on the water
Hauling lobster traps and learning about the biggest economic industry in Maine
“I didn’t believe before coming to Hurricane that I had the potential to design and carry out a scientific experiment from my own experimental question. However, after exploring the intertidal zone and conducting research, I learned that I did have the potential, which inspires confidence.”
