OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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School and other groups are invited to participate in one or more of our hands-on programs conducted in our wet labs, classrooms, or in the field. We offer a variety of one- or two-hour classes on a variety of marine science topics, including marine technology, animal adaptations, field sampling and data collection, and more! Consider incorporating one of our interactive programs to your coastal trip!
= live animals; = boots and rain gear recommended; = low tide required; (PDF) = previsit materials
In the Lab |
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Build a Habitat
50 Minutes |
Grades Pre-K - 2: Students will learn about a variety of marine organisms and their needs for survival as they create miniature ocean habitats complete with algae, snails, crabs, barnacles, food and shelter (PDF). |
Sticky Science
50 minutes |
Grades Pre-K - 2: Through hands-on exploration, students discover the sticky parts of live sea anemones, sea urchins and other marine organisms. Find out what causes the stickiness, and learn how being adhesive helps animals defend themselves, capture food or maintain their position in tide pools. |
Animal Adaptations
50 Minutes |
Grade 3 - Adult: Observe a variety of marine animals from sandy beaches, estuaries and rocky shores. Investigate the adaptations they have for surviving in these marine environments (PDF). |
Speedy Science:
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Grade 3 - Adult: Through hands-on exploration, students discover the sticky parts of live sea anemones, sea urchins and other marine organisms. Find out what causes the stickiness, and learn how being adhesive helps animals defend themselves, capture food or maintain their position in tide pools (PDF). |
Squid Dissection50 Minutes |
Grade 4 - Adult: Investigate the external and internal anatomy of squid while studying how these invertebrates are adapted for life in the sea. Students will also learn how to use dissection tools and proper dissection techniques (PDF). |
Fish Dissection50 minutes |
Grade 5 - Adult: Learn about the external and internal anatomy of bony fish species while gaining an understanding of the purpose of various organs. Discover how data is collected by researchers and used to manage fish populations. |
Assemble a Whale50 Minutes |
Grade 5 - Adult: Work together as a class to assemble the skeleton of a 16-foot-long Cuvier’s beaked whale. Students will also learn about the differences and similarities of toothed and baleen whales using real whale teeth, baleen and other biofacts. |
Rocky Intertidal
50 Minutes |
Grade 5 - Adult: Discover the rocky intertidal habitat and the diverse creatures that live there, all in the lab. Learn about the environmental forces that make this ever-changing habitat a challenging place to live, while investigating the relationships among living things and the interactions between them (PDF). |
ROV Design Challenge
50 Minutes |
Grade 6 - Adult: In this hands-on program, students are introduced to Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and challenged to work in teams to design mini-ROVs that will be used to complete a mission. This engaging class meets Engineering Design science standards while promoting teamwork and critical thinking skills. This program is partially outdoors - rain gear recommended! (PDF) |
In the Field |
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Plankton Lab
50 Minutes |
Grade 5 - Adult: Use plankton nets to collect samples from the Yaquina Bay, then identify plankton using microscopes in this combination field and lab program. Students will learn about the importance of plankton to the survival of all marine organisms and observe filter feeders consuming plankton in this hands-on program. Boots are required for this program, as students need to wade into the estuary to collect plankton samples. Rain gear recommended (PDF). |
Estuary Investigations
50 Minutes |
All Ages: Discover estuaries and the critical habitat they provide as we explore plant and animal life along the Yaquina Bay. Collect and observe a variety of organisms found in the unique environment of mudflats, and learn about their adaptations. Boots and rain gear are highly recommended for this program - no flip flops! (PDF) |
Extended Estuary Investigations
50 Minutes |
Grade 6 - Adult: Discover estuaries and the critical habitat they provide as we explore plant and animal life along the Yaquina Bay. Collect and observe a variety of organisms found in the unique environment of mudflats, and learn about their adaptations. Examine collected specimens further in our wet lab. Learn about current research being conducted and help collect data for use by researchers. |
If your students wish to explore the Visitor Center, please register ahead of time to let us know you are coming! If visiting during normal public hours, we suggest a $1.75 per person donation.
The Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between Labor Day and Memorial Day. If your visit occurs when the Center is closed to the public, you may arrange in advance for your students to explore the exhibits for a fee of $1.75 per person per hour ($50 per hour minimum).
Consider doing a Quest while at Hatfield! Review and downloaded our two-onsite Quests and be sure to also read "Tips for Questing with School Groups" before you arrive.
Upon making your reservation, you will receive a confirmation message and cost estimate. Please check your confirmation message when it arrives, to ensure the information and dates are correct. Cost is based on the number of students and chaperones reported during registration.
Headcount may be adjusted without penalty up to 48 hours prior to the visit. Bringing fewer students the day of the program due to illness or other absence will not result in a fee reduction or refund. Fees will also be charged for additional students or chaperones brought the day of your visit.
Credit card payments can be made at anytime before or after your program, through the online registration system. If paying on the day of your trip, we only accept checks or purchase orders, payable to "HMSC Sea Grant."
