Oregon Sea Grant

Marine education: The coast as classroom

Based at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, on the central Oregon Coast, Oregon Sea Grant's marine education program offers kits, classes, day-long learning events, summer camps, family learing programs and other opportunities for k-12 and home-schooled students, as well as other groups.

All programs are built around marine science, tied to state and national standards, and offer opportunities for learning, experimentation and fun. Classes take place in the HMSC Learning Labs, the HMSC Visitor Center and aquarium, or outdoors, on the nearby Yaquina Estuary.

Marine educators alsopartner with the free-choice learning staff to offer professional development opportunities in teaching marine sciences for formal educators, informal educators and scientists.

Together, these programs serve some 150,000 visitors and 11,000 school-aged children each year.

Programs for young and old

Popular youth and family programs include:

• Career Days, introducing high school students to a variety of marine science careers through hands-on learning. Twice yearly, spring and fall.
• K-12 Programs, designed for school field trips and similar groups.
• Summer Day Camps - four days of age-appropriate fun and science exploration for youngsters 8-18 years old.
• Spring and autumn Homeschool Programs.
• Oregon Coast Quests - Fun, free-chioce learning adventures that send participants rambling the central coast in search of clues about natural, cultural and historical treasures.

For information about upcoming classes and programs, visit the HMSC Visitor Center's Education Programs page.