BEAUFORT — Youngsters can spend their summer break learning about the natural and maritime history of coastal North Carolina through hands-on experiences during the 2018 Summer Science School.
Hosted by the North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, the courses are offered from June through August.
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The Summer Science School program has educated children about the maritime environment for more than five decades.
“Summer Science School programs are my favorite programs of the year. It is awesome to watch the children’s passion and curiosity blossom as they encounter new experiences as pirates, explorers, fishermen and scientists,” Christine Brin, School and Group Coordinator for the North Carolina Maritime Museum, said in a release from the museum.
“These museum programs give students a chance to explore the maritime world and develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the maritime environment,” Brin added.
There is an emphasis on small class sizes to encourage active participation. Advance registration is required as space is limited.
Parents are encouraged to register children for any or all of the sessions by contacting the museum program registrar Frances Hayden at 252-504-7758 or email frances.hayden@ncdcr.gov. Early registration is encouraged to ensure participation.
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2018 Summer Science Program
Entering Preschool
- Preschool Story Time and Crafts 9 a.m. June 13, July 3 and Aug. 1. Admission is free and advance registration is required.
Entering First and Second Grades
- Pirates 9 a.m.-noon June 19-20, June 28-29, July 17-18, and July 26-27. Students become part of a pirate crew during this two-day class and choose how best to prepare for work, ready for battle and divide any prizes that come their way. Fee: $60.
- Seashore Life 1 9 a.m.-noon July 5-6 and Aug. 2-3. Students will investigate coastal marine life of the tidal flats, salt marshes and sounds on area islands on this two-day class. The field-based class includes a ferry ride, barrier island hiking and animal identification. Fee: $60.
Entering Third and Fourth Grade
- Boats & Models 9 a.m.-noon June 25-27 and July 23-25. Students will build a model of a pirate ship at the museum’s Watercraft Center. They will use museum exhibits and field trips to learn about coastal waterways, local boats and the skills needed to work on and around the water. Fee: $95.
- Fish & Fishing 9 a.m.-noon June 21-22. This course is an introduction to coastal fish and fishing methods. Cane poles, bait and tackle are provided for dock fishing for this two-day class. Students also use nets to catch and identify marine life in nearshore waters. Fee: $75.
Entering Fifth and Sixth Grades
- Science of Surfboards 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 7-8. Students will use museum exhibits and field trips to learn how surfboards have evolved through the years. They will also learn about various methods used to fabricate surfboards. Fee: $75.
- Seashore Life 2 9 a.m.-noon July 18-20. This three-day course includes a field trip to the Rachel Carson Reserve, water quality testing, using microscopes for plankton identification and many more activities. Fee: $60.
Entering Seventh- 10th Grades
- Maritime Adventures 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 9-13. Museum and reserve staff pair up to create this camp that combines history and science to understand the local maritime environment, culture, legends and history of the coast. Students will be asked to participate in field trips to area sites such as Beaufort’s Old Burying Ground and participate in experiments including small creature dissections and chocolate chip excavations. Fee: $100.
