Oregon Sea Grant creates curriculum, provides educator professional development, and leads student events.
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Student Competitions
This annual event is the regional competition for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), an academic competition for high school students which engages them in ocean science, prepares them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helps them become knowledgeable citizens and environmental stewards. Teams compete for supremacy through a combination of quiz-style buzzer answers and written responses. The most recent event was held February 6 and 7, 2026 in Corvallis.
In this annual challenge, students in grade 3-12 from Oregon Coast school districts show off devices they build which are powered by water, wind or light. Winners of the Wind and Solar categories are invited to the national KidWind Challenge event. The most recent event was held March 12, 2026 at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.
MATE ROV Oregon Regional Competition
In this annual challenge, students from upper elementary to college age build remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and use them to complete underwater missions. Three classes compete in this Regional: RANGER, NAVIGATOR, and SCOUT. The next event will take place in Newport, OR on May 9, 2026.
- Team registration is open March 16 to April 22.
- Many volunteers are needed to help run this event! Sign up to volunteer
- Prospective volunteers are invited to join an optional 1 hour overview of this year's event on April 14th.
Questions? Visit the Oregon Regional FAQ page or contact [email protected].
MATE ROV OREGON REGIONAL COMPETITION
In this annual challenge, students from upper elementary to college age build remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and use them to complete underwater missions. Three classes compete in this Regional: RANGER, NAVIGATOR, and SCOUT. The 2024 Oregon Regional event was held in Newport, Oregon. Watch the recorded livestream of the 2024 competition
The next event will take place in Newport, OR on May 10, 2025.
Oregon Coalition to Combat Marine Debris
The Oregon Coalition to Combat Marine Debris (OCCMD) project builds local partnerships to identify key issues and actively address marine debris prevention in Oregon at the community level, with a focus on coastal communities. Supported by National Sea Grant Marine Debris Community Action Coalition funding, this Oregon Sea Grant project 1) increases student, educator, and public awareness about marine debris sources and impacts, 2) facilitates collaboration among those working to prevent marine debris, and 3) empowers youth and adults to develop and implement marine debris prevention solutions.
Four project components are described below:
OCCMD Activities
Teachers, check out the Marine Debris Interruptions lessons developed by Oregon Sea Grant! In these 5E lessons, students in grades 4-12 focus on one marine debris object commonly found on Oregon beaches, research its original purpose, user, and life cycle, and then propose targeted solutions to prevent this particular item from becoming marine debris. For more information, contact Cait Goodwin.
In spring 2026, another cohort of students from Newport High School will work with community members to identify keys issues around marine debris. They will design, prototype, and present their engineering solutions. For more information, contact Cait Goodwin.
See a short video about the 2023 group:
The Oregon Applied Sustainability Internship is an 11-week internship for post secondary students. The college students are matched with an Oregon business to create sustainability solutions for industry practices. Interns help businesses improve efficiency, save money and reduce waste through projects based on preventing pollution. The interns are PAID, and the program is FREE for first-time businesses.
In 2026, one OASIS intern will be selected to focus on activities related to the prevention of marine debris at the City of Yachats.
Community Repair Fairs
Oregon Sea Grant led Community Repair Fairs at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport on July 20, 2024 and on October 4, 2025. Community members brought their broken household items to be fixed, and to learn repair skills. These free events also featured short skill workshops, demos, and displays from community partners who shared strategies for waste prevention.
More Opportunities
Educators, are you interested in:
- Implementing a Marine Debris Interruptions lesson in your classroom or program?
- Making a Tsunami Quest or another type of Quest with youth?
- Playing The Watershed Game with youth or educators?
Contact Cait Goodwin at Oregon Sea Grant for help.