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There are many ways for homeschooling families to learn at the Hatfield Visitor Center. You can explore the Visitor Center's exhibits on your own, attend one of our public programs, arrange a private class for your homeschool group and attend Homeschool Day events in the fall and spring.
The Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education Program will be hosting several exciting, hands-on homeschool events at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon this Fall. We will be offering a variety of age-specific programs and we kindly ask that you review the options listed below and determine the program that works best for your family’s age-range (adults/guardians will register for the program as a family unit). Space is limited for each program, so be sure to register as soon as possible in order to participate in your preferred programming.
IMPORTANT LOGISTICS:
Wednesday, September 27th, 10 am - 2:30 pm
Registration closed
During this in-person homeschool program, families with predominantly younger children (note: children 3 years and under are free) will engage with Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education staff and explore the magnificent qualities of molluscs - from the incredible camouflage techniques of the giant pacific octopus to the burrowing strategies of clams.
Hands-on Activities Include:
Amazing Octopuses - Get an up-close view of our resident Giant Pacific Octopus on exhibit! Family groups will learn about octopus anatomy and track common behaviors through an engaging data collection activity. What are common octopus behaviors and how do they compare between octopuses in the wild versus in captivity? Join us and find out!
Clamming it Up - During this hands-on class, families will have the opportunity to explore a sandy environment in one of our wet labs as they dig for and discover a variety of clams and other bivalves. Participants will explore concepts such as classification, sampling, data, and the importance of clams for the local economy and coastal food webs.
Crafts and Visitor Center Exploration - All families will have the opportunity to engage in mollusc-themed crafts, including squid printing! Participants are encouraged to bring bags, pillowcases, and other household items for printing. Materials for other crafts will be provided for participants to use on-site or families are welcome to take all materials for continued fun and learning at home. Families will also have the option to explore the visitor center at the end of our program. All visitor center fees are included in the registration fee.
Thursday, October 5, 10 am - 2:30 pm
Registration closed
During this in-person homeschool program, families with mixed ages will engage with Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education staff and explore the magnificent world of marine mammals. Several marine mammals call the Oregon Coast home, and participants will spend time exploring the adaptations that enable them to survive.
Hands-on Activities Include:
Assemble a Whale - In this hands-on program, families will learn about the characteristics that define baleen and toothed whales as they work together to assemble a 16 foot long Cuvier’s beaked whale skeleton. Participants will investigate real whale teeth, baleen, and other exciting biofacts.
Insulation Inquiry - Swimming in the ocean can be c-c-cold! Find out how blubber, fat, fur, feathers, and other behaviors help marine mammals and seabirds stay at the right temperature. Participants will conduct an experiment and experience first “hand” the effects of marine mammal and seabird adaptations.
Crafts and Visitor Center Exploration - All families will have the opportunity to engage in marine mammal-themed crafts! Materials for other crafts will be provided for participants to use on-site or families are welcome to take all materials for continued fun and learning at home. Families will also have the option to explore the visitor center at the end of our program. All visitor center fees are included in the registration fee.
Monday, October 30th, 10 am - 2:30 pm
This program is full, add to waitlist!
Registration closes on Friday, October 20, 2023
During this in-person homeschool program, families with predominantly older children will engage with Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education staff and learn how researchers are using cutting edge technology and equipment to explore the ocean. This event will also include a LIVE ship-to-shore interaction with the crew of the Exploration Vessel Nautilus!
Hands-on Activities Include:
Nautilus LIVE - Participants will connect LIVE with crew aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. Families will hear about real-time research efforts, how E/V Nautilus is contributing to on-going seafloor mapping efforts, and be able to engage in a live Q&A with the ship’s crew!
Build a Hydraulic Arm - Learn about the technology and state-of-the-art equipment that research vessels have to assist researchers on oceanographic cruises, including hydraulic arms and lifts that help launch scientific equipment. Can you engineer a hydraulic arm to launch and recover
scientific packages found in our wet labs? Join us to find out.
Wet Maps - After hearing how E/V Nautilus and crew are contributing to seafloor mapping efforts across the globe, families will engage in a fun, hands-on mapping activity of their own! Participants will continue to learn about multibeam sonar as well as other seafloor mapping technologies as they make their own topographic maps.
Visitor Center Exploration - Families will also have the option to explore the visitor center at the end of our program. This will include a guided exploration of our Augmented Reality Sand Table on display in our center. Participants will be able to make a mountain out of sand and see how the topographical projection changes in real time. All visitor center fees are included in the registration fee.
We are looking forward to providing an exciting and safe learning experience for all participants. We kindly ask that you review and comply with all policies and expectations outlined below. You will offer consent during the registration process.
General Policies and Daily Expectations:
We are committed to providing fun in-person programming that maximizes safety for staff and participants. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
"The teachers are stellar, the experiments are fresh and new, and the curriculum appeals to all our family in different ways . . . Thank you for a high quality experience. We will be back again for sure!"
"The teachers were knowledgeable, organized, focused and made the learning fun. It was an excellent day! I would definitely recommend this to other home school families!"