Marine Science Consortium - 2012 Course Booklet

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2 Phone (757) 824-5636

Message from the Consortium’s Executive Director

We are proud to invite you to the Marine Science Consortium this year for a wide array of fascinating programs. Each year we welcome thousands of participants from all over the country to our campus to embark on a marine science adventure. Our mission is to educate folks about the unique mid-Atlantic coastal region and this year’s calendar is full of opportunities that will entice a broad range of interests. Whether you are a teacher looking for hands-on learning opportunities for your students, a college faculty member seeking the perfect field site, or someone with a personal interest in marine biology, birding, kayaking, photography, maritime history or more, we have it all right at our finger tips here on the Eastern Shore.

Our coastal location helps us give visitors the kind of experiences they’ll be talking about for years to come. We are located near a wealth of ecologically significant and environmentally rich habitats, such as productive saltmarshes, pristine barrier beaches, peaceful cypress swamps, and sheltering maritime forests. At the Marine Science Consortium we don’t just teach about the environment, we explore it. After all, we are all about being “hands-on, and feet-wet”.

The Eastern Shore is a treasure. Visitors to this isolated area are able to participate in a culture and lifestyle that has long been forgotten in other parts of the country. A day of biking here can take you clear across the peninsula, from ocean to bay, past century-old farms and Victorian style homes. In the evening, hear a lecture on local history, or relax to the maritime tunes of local musicians.

Our 30 acre campus is also a treasure with green buildings and sweeps of lawn punctuated by native hackberry trees. The Education Center, is a hub of activity where school children, college students, and adults of all ages create an exciting educational atmosphere in classrooms equipped with microscopes, aquaria, and touch tanks to get a closer look at organisms collected in the field.

We hope you will join us this year as we celebrate this region’s nature and stories through our educational programs. Whatever you do at The Marine Science Consortium you can be assured of an experience that connects you with the unique nature and culture on our mid-Atlantic coast and leaves you with a lasting sense of wonder.

Naturally,

Amber L. Parker

Executive Director

2 Letter from the Director

4 Program Calendar

6 Summer Camps

9 Day Camps

10 Family Programs

14 Adult Workshops and Courses

18 School Programs

20 College Programs

22 About the MSC

23 Program Registration

23 Location

3 Visit www.msconsortium.org

MAY

9-11 Homeschoolers Marine Science Adventure

JUNE

6-8 Homeschoolers

Marine Science

Adventure

15-17 Daddy and Me Marine

Science Weekend

24-29 Grandparent /

Grandchild Summer

Camp

JULY 1-6 4th of July Weekend

Family Camp

6 Fintastic Fish Workshop

8-13 Grandparent /

Grandchild Summer

Camp

13 Marsh Mysteries Workshop

15-20 Grandparent /

Grandchild Summer

Camp

20 Incredible Inverts Workshop

29-3 Grandparent /

Grandchild Summer

Camp

AUGUST

13 Nature Journaling for Kids

5-10 Grandparent /

Grandchild Summer

Camp

31–Sept 3 Family Adventure

Camp

Youth Summer Camps and Day Camps

Family Programs and Adventure Camps

APRIL

5, 6, 9 Spring Break Day

Camp

JUNE

18-22 Sea Squirts Day Camp

24-29 Budding Marine

Biologist Camp

JULY

1-6 Dangerous Creatures

and Ocean Predators

Camp

1-6 Junior Naturalist

Camp

8-13 Budding Marine

Biologist Camp II

8-13 Budding Naturalist Summer Camp

9-13 Marine Adventure Science Day Camp

15-20 Beg. Kayaking Camp

15-20 Focus on Fishes Camp

15-20 Ichthyology Camp

22-27 Coastal Mammals

Camp

29– Aug 3 Intermediate Kayaking Coastal Oceanography Camp

29- Aug 3 Marine Invertebrates

Camp

30– Aug 3 Sea Squirts Day Camp

AUGUST

JULY

JULY SEPTEMBER 19-21 Homeschoolers

Marine Science

Adventure

OCTOBER 3-6 Homeschoolers

Returners Marine

Science Adventure

12-14 Boy Scout Merit

Badge Weekend

4 Phone (757) 824-5636

5-8 Budding Marine

Biologist Camp- 3 day

6-10 Marine Science Adventure Day Camp

Adult Courses and Workshops APRIL

27-29 Basketry Workshop

29– May4 Birding Virginia’s

Eastern Shore

MAY

4-7 Beginner to

Intermediate - Digital

Nature Photography

Workshop

7-10 Bicycling the Eastern

Shore of Virginia

21-24 Bicycling the Eastern

Shore of Virginia

26 Native American

Tools and Flint

Knapping Workshop

26 Birding Workshop

27–June 1 Adventures in Coastal

Kayaking

AUGUST

12-17 Kayaking the Eastern

Shore: The

Chesapeake and

Atlantic

29-Sept 3 Build Your Own Skin

on Frame Kayak

Workshop

SEPTEMBER 2-7 Kayaking the Eastern

Shore: The

Chesapeake and

Atlantic

8 Digital Photography

Day Workshop

9-14 Kayaking the Eastern

Shore: The

Chesapeake and

Atlantic

9-14 Discover the Islands of Virginia’s Eastern Shore

17-20 Wild Ponies, Culture and History of Virginia’s Eastern Shore

28-Oct 1 Eastern Shore Kayaking and Cycling Adventure

30-Oct 5 Kayaking the Eastern

Shore: The

Chesapeake and

Atlantic

OCTOBER

6 Nature Journaling Workshop

7-12 Discover the Islands of Virginia’s Eastern Shore

15-18 Bicycling the Eastern Shore of Virginia

19-21 Basketry Workshop

22-25 Wild Ponies, Culture and History of Virginia’s Eastern Shore

27 Native American Tools and Flint Knapping Workshop

NOVEMBER

5-8 Bicycling the Eastern Shore of Virginia

7-11 Intermediate to Advanced- Digital Nature Photography Workshop

DEC 7-9

Winter Birding Colloquium


6 Phone (757) 824-5636

Summer Programs at the Marine Science Consortium give campers the opportunity to

investigate beaches, marshes, and mud flats as they explore the amazing variety of life in and

around the Chesapeake Bay. We have great counselors with a low camper/staff ratio to assure

safety and personal attention. Along with educational marine-based lessons and activities,

campers participate in a variety of arts and crafts, games, and many other traditional camp

activities. Fees for weeklong summer camps are $599. Fees for 3-day summer camps are $299.

Camp fees include instruction, meals, lodging, research cruises, and materials.

Budding Marine Biologist Residential Camp Ages 10-12 These camps are for students who have completed grades 4-6 and are new to the worlds of biology and summer camp. Campers explore coastal habitats, interact with marine and terrestrial creatures and spend the evenings enjoying traditional summer camp activities.

Budding Marine Biologists I and II: June 24-29 and July 8-13 Explore the variety of barrier island environments, ranging from sandy beaches to protected wetlands. Come face-to-face with many of the wondrous marine organisms that call Chincoteague, Assateague, and Wallops Islands home. Collect plants and animals to observe and identify during interactive lab sessions aboard one of the Consortium's research vessels .

Budding Marine Biologists 3-Day: August 5-8 (fee is $299) Many of the same great camp experiences as our full week Budding Marine Biologist Camp, but for fewer nights! Great for first time campers who don’t want to spend a full week at camp.

Budding Naturalist Camp: July 8-July 13 Do you spend your days exploring the great outdoors, peering under rocks and logs looking for the cool organisms that call those places home? Explore the many habitats of the Eastern Shore, from inland cypress swamps to the beach. You'll take a cruise to collect organisms on one of our vessels, hike through the maritime forest, and more! Record it all in your own hand-made nature journal.


Junior Marine Biologist Residential Camps Ages 13-15 These courses are for students who have completed grades 7-9 and are interested in learning about selected topics in biology, ecology, and the natural world.

Focus on Fishes : July 15-20 There’s nothing fishy about this great opportunity! Ever wondered exactly how fish affect their ecosystems and how ecosystems impact fish? Or how people and fish influence each other? During this camp, participants answer these questions as they discover the world of fish through hands on activities like a collecting trip on our research vessel, seining and sieving for organisms in tidal creeks, and more!

Beginner’s Kayaking Camp July 15-20 See the Shore from a new perspective! Paddle through areas only accessible by kayak, visit our salt marshes, secluded beaches and more during this week-long adventure. Participants will split their time between campus classrooms and the great outdoor classrooms of Eastern Shore waterways. They also get to trade in their kayaks for a ½ day boat trip on one of our research vessels to collect marine plants and animals. Campers learn proper paddling instruction and nautical skills, so this course is perfect for beginners!

Dangerous Creatures and Ocean Predators: July 1-6 It all comes down to food! Whether self-protection is their main priority or outsmarting and overwhelming the defenses of others is more their style, most dangerous creatures are the way they are because of the food chain. Throughout the week, explore areas of Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology to determine what it takes to survive the jaws and talons of some of nature’s most finely tuned predators.

Junior Naturalist: July 1-6 Are you the type of kid who likes to turn over every rock and log to see what’s underneath? Then this is the camp for you! Explore the many habitats of the Eastern Shore and learn about the plants and animals that call this unique region home. Kayak in one of the northernmost Cyprus swamps, take a cruise on one of our research vessels, hike through the maritime forest, bird-watch at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and more! We’ll explore on a microscopic scale as well – have you ever seen a copepod? Do you even know what a copepod is? This is your chance to find out!

Coastal Mammals: July 22-27 Dolphins, ponies, squirrels, oh my! The Eastern Shore is home to a unique collection of mammals, including bottle-nosed dolphins, the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel, and the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island. During this camp, participants will learn the basics of mammalogy and how mammals survive and interact in the coastal and marine habitats of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Set live-traps for small mammals on the MSC campus, learn how to identify dolphins for dolphin research, and take home your very own mammal skull.

Intermediate Kayaking Camp: July 29 - August 3 Embark on a week of kayaking that will put you up close and personal with the diverse ecology of the Atlantic coastal shore, including flora and fauna of the salt marshes, brackish bays, cypress swamps, and secluded beaches. Use field guides to identify animals and plants in the field and create your own coastal field journal to take home. Using scientific sampling and observation equipment, you will engage in remote, hands-on science like never before. This camp is for the more advanced kayaker. If you have been kayaking before, know the basics and are comfortable being in a kayak for most of the day, then this camp is perfect for you!

Aspiring Marine Biologist Residential Camps Ages 16-18 These courses are designed for high school students who have completed grades 10-12 and are looking for in-depth exposure to an area within the field of marine biology. Participants in these programs are engaged in educational activities throughout most of the day and evenings. During each in-depth course, students will have the opportunity to meet with a college professor and college students taking classes on the MSC campus.

Ichthyology: July 15-20 Fascinated by fishes? Then this is the program for you! Participants will spend an entire week studying fish and attempting to answer all the “How DO they do that?” questions about fishes. Use seines to collect fish from various habitats, and then try your hand at using an otter trawl aboard the research vessels. Using the local fishes we’ve collected as an example, we will then illustrate the morphological adaptations, anatomy, physiology, and systems of this major vertebrate group. Field collections will also provide an opportunity to observe the relationships of these animals to their biotic and physical environment.

Marine Invertebrates: July 29-August 3 Attention Vertebrates! A stunning 97% of the world's organisms lack a backbone! If you are interested in spineless marine creatures, such as squid, blue crabs, and sea stars, then this program is perfect for you. Participants will discover the remarkable life history, behavior, development, physiology, and anatomy of the main phyla of invertebrates. We place special emphasis on coastal Atlantic marine species. Fieldwork and laboratory time will focus on collection and identification of local invertebrates, with opportunities for behavioral experimentation.

Intermediate Kayaking Camp: July 29 - August 3 Embark on a week of kayaking that will put you up close and personal with the diverse ecology that the Atlantic coastal shore has to offer, including flora and fauna of the salt marshes, brackish bays, cypress swamps, and secluded beaches. Using scientific sampling and observation equipment, you will engage in remote, hands-on science like never before. This camp is for the more advanced kayaker. If you have been kayaking before and know the basics then this camp is perfect for you!

8 Phone (757) 824-5636

It was really fun! I learned a ton and the counselors were AWESOME!! I’m going to come back next year.

- Summer Camper ‘11

Spring Break Camp

5-11 yrs old - Cost: $25– $30 per day

Dates: April 5th, 6th, and 9th

Spring Break Camp is a great way to ramp up

the fun during the mid-semester break! The

Marine Science Consortium is offering Spring

Break Camps for students ages 5-11 years old.

Sea Squirts Summer Day Camp

5-8 yrs old - Cost: $195.00

Dates: June 18-22 and July 30—August 3

A week of Fun with Nature! This camp focuses

on hands-on nature education. Kids will learn,

laugh and play games during this unforgettable

week! This camp will increase your child's

understanding of the natural world through well

supervised, fun & engaging environmental

education programs and dynamic outdoor

activities.

Marine Science Summer Day Camp

9-11 yrs old - Cost: $240

Dates: July 9-13 and August 6-10

Science was never this much fun! These camps

focus on getting kids excited about marine

science and coastal ecosystems and emphasize

hands-on exploration! Campers will get their

feet wet dip netting and seining in Tom’s Cove

estuary, collect tiny plankton and observe them

under the microscope, investigate the beach,

and learn about sand and sea shells. Venture

into our coastal ecosystems during this week of

exciting, hands-on scientific discovery!

Camp Activities Include

• Seining/dip netting

• Nature trail hikes

• Scientific field journals

• Marine Science Boat Trip

• Field trips to discover coastal

environments

• Live animal interactions

• Beach exploration

• Camp-themed crafts


The Marine Science Consortium offers Day Camps for children ages 5-11. Camps are held

during spring and summer school breaks. These camps are fun and interactive marine science

based classes. Each camp day has a different coastal theme. Kids play games, do crafts, take

field trips and do activities based around the theme of the day. Day camp weeks are divided

by age range. Lunch and snacks are included. Space is limited.

10 Phone (757) 824-5636

Marine Science

Boat Trips

(ages 9 and Up)

Kayaking and

Canoeing

Arts and Crafts

Nature Hikes

Fun Field Trips

Visit to Wallops

NASA Facility

Games and

activities

Marsh ecology

field trip

Beach Trip

Holiday grill out

Bonding together

as a family

And Much Much

More!

Highlights of Family Camp

" This has been one of the best family vacations we have ever had! The activities are so diverse and the staff so friendly that the kids are already talking about coming back next year." - Family camp 2011 participant

Spend time with the family, explore new environments, and learn about our amazing

natural world while The Marine Science Consortium does the organization and planning for

you! The Marine Science Consortium offers a variety of family programs and camps that explore

the natural history of our coastal and marine environments through hands-on learning.

Families can throw a trawl net and collect marine creatures on an ocean research vessel,

explore marine habitats, kayak through tidal creeks, walk knee deep in marsh mud and enjoy

the sun on a barrier island beach. Wild Ponies, egrets and horseshoe crabs await you!


Family Adventure Camp

Family Camps at The Marine Science Consortium are an ideal way for your family to get away,

unwind, and enjoy a holiday weekend on the beautiful coastal islands of the Eastern Shore of Virginia!

Spend time with your family discovering and learning about the world of marine science. We currently

offer two Family Camps over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends and one week long

extended option during the first week of August. This could be the perfect opportunity for a mid-

summer or end of the summer getaway for your family. We provide the meals and activities, so your

family can focus on new experiences, share stories and laugh together in a relaxed outdoor

atmosphere. You will not regret the decision, and your family will thank you over and over again!

Fees are per person and all-inclusive. This includes all Activities, Housing, Meals, Seafood Feast,

Family Portrait and Camp T-shirt

July 4th Week Long Family Camp

Ages 9 and up

WEEK LONG FAMILY CAMP TUITION PRICE $ 399 per person

WEEKLONG SESSION: 4th of July

July 1-6, 2012

WEEKEND SESSION : Labor Day

August 31 - September 3, 2012

Labor Day Weekend Family Camp

All Ages

WEEKEND FAMILY CAMP TUITION PRICE Adult (19+) $275 per person

Teen (13-18) $250 per person Youth (9-12) $225 per person

Child (5-8) $175per person Young Child (3-4) $75 per person

Infant (0-2) Free

12 Phone (757) 824-5636

Boy Scout Merit Badge Weekend This is a weekend-long course to give Scouts all the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the requirements for the 1 of 3 offered merit badges. Badges offered this weekend are Oceanography, Environmental Science and Nature. Program cost covers lodging , instruction, meals and materials.

Program Cost : $105 per person Program Dates : 10/12/2012-10/14/2012

Family Fun Fridays in July These day workshops are for curious children and their inquisitive guardians. Kids will discover the unique marine habitats of the Eastern Shore and the interesting creatures that live in them. Classes include hands-on activities, games, fieldwork and active observation of Marine Animals!

Please visit our website or call for program cost and additional information.

07/06/2012 - Fintastic Fish

07/13/2012- Marsh Mysteries

07/20/2012- Incredible Inverts

08/03/2012- Nature Journaling for Kids

Daddy and Me Weekend Do something different with the family this year. Celebrate Father’s Day with the MSC! Spend time with the family and learn about amazing and unique coastal environments. This weekend will include fun activities such as trawling on the boat, a marsh fieldtrip, intertidal seining, NASA visit, nature hikes and a range of fun family activities.

Program Cost : $140 per person Program Dates : 06/15/2012-06/17/2012

Share a Marine Science Adventure with your Grandchild - Family Camp

Road Scholar® (Elderhostel ) Program # 2579 Why is the ocean blue? Is a sponge actually alive? Have questions like these and others answered when you come spend a week of fun exploration and learning with your grandchild.

This course offers a chance for hands-on excitement as together you analyze creek water, pull in a net full of wriggling creatures or examine the life in a drop of sea water. Visit picturesque Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, learn about local history and legends and experience first hand the delicacy and beauty of these coastal environments. Whether it’s learning how to identify a Pig Fish or smelling productive salt marshes, you’ll learn something about local marine ecology and even more about each other. This programs is for those ages 9 or Better.

This is a Road Scholar® (Elderhostel) course held at the Marine Science Consortium. In order to register Call 1-800-454-5768 or 1-(877)-426-8056 or go to http://www.roadscholar.org/ and choose Registration Info to register online.

Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations, the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Program Cost: starts at $399.

Program Dates

06/24/2012-06/29/2012

07/08/2012-07/13/2012

07/15/2012-07/20/2012

07/29/2012-08/03/2012

08/05/2012-08/10/2012


Programs Dates:

05/09/2012-05/11/2012

06/06/2012-06/08/2012

09/19/2012-09/21/2012

Returning Homeschoolers Course

10/03/2012- 10/06/2012 (Visit website for

pricing)

Program Cost:

$130 per child age 9-15

$110 first parent/chaperone

$130 additional parent/chaperones

$130- siblings age 3-8

Free- siblings age 2 and under

Homeschooler Marine Adventure

Don't have a laboratory in your

basement or an oceanic research vessel in

your backyard? Don’t worry, here at the

Marine Science Consortium we understand the

challenges parents face when they teach

science in the home. The Marine Science

Consortium is your resource for bridging the

gap between marine science curriculum and

student understanding. Our Homeschoolers

Workshops are tailored for the budding

Marine Biologist in your home. Our workshops

provide hands-on observation of marine

environments and life forms as well as time to

socialize with other young marine biologists.

This is a 2-day Marine Science

Adventure course just for Homeschoolers held

at the Marine Science Consortium campus.

The bays, marshes, beaches, and maritime

forests of Virginia's Eastern Shore are The

Marine Science Consortium's classroom. The

course is all inclusive and includes meals,

lodging, supplies, activities and fieldtrips. This

program is for students ages 9-15 and their

families. Both parents are welcome to attend

with their homeschooled student(s). Younger

siblings may also attend and participate in all

program pieces except the research cruise

field trip because of age restrictions.

The Marine Science Consortium offers a variety of adult day classes and weekend

workshops that explore the natural history of our coastal and marine environments through

hands-on learning. Whether you choose to peddle and paddle your way across the bucolic

landscape of the Eastern Shore, build your own kayak, or photograph the natural wonders of the

area, you are sure to have an experience that will inform your life and instill a lasting sense of

wonder.

One Day Photography Workshop These one day courses are led by nature photographer Nikhil Bahl. Nikhil is an educator, author, lecturer and workshop instructor. His goal is to inspire people to appreciate the splendor of nature by becoming aware of that which is easily overlooked and by transforming the mundane into the exciting through contemplative and artistic interpretation. While his primary aim is to create art with his photographs, he also strives to document the natural world with an eye toward conservation and education. Nikhil’s instruction is focused on in-camera interpretation and developing personal vision. The hands-on instruction is targeted to improve your photographic vision and technique while the instant feedback accelerates the learning process. Program Date: 09/08/2012 Program Cost: $199 per person

Eastern Shore Kayaking and Cycling Adventure Get ready for an active adventure as you cycle and paddle your way across the beautiful landscape of the Eastern Shore! Explore the Eastern Shore by bicycle and by kayak. This weekend adventure will take you along beautiful back-country roads and gorgeous wild rivers. A day long bike ride will take participants onto the barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague. Spend the second day exploring the magnificent Pocomoke River by kayak! The last morning will be spent taking a research cruise through one of the most productive ecosystems on earth. Participants will trawl to sample the myriad organisms found in the estuaries surrounding Chincoteague. Participants are encouraged to bring their own hybrid or road bike, helmet and rain gear. Rentals are available for an additional fee by contacting the MSC.

Program Date: 09/28/2012 - 10/01/2012

Program Cost: $335 per person

14 Phone (757) 824-5636

Digital Nature & Wildlife Photography Workshop The Digital Nature and Wildlife Photography Workshops offered through the Marine Science Consortium are tailored for the beginner through advanced level photographer. These courses are for those with an interest in unique ecosystems and in creating inspiring imagery with particular consideration for conservation and the environment. Workshops are small and are therefore tailored to the unique skill set of each individual. Workshop cost includes all instruction, transportation to field sites, meals and lodging.

Workshops are led by photographer Jim Clark. A contributing editor for Outdoor Photographer Magazine, Jim’s articles and images have also appeared in magazines such as Nature’s Best, Defenders, Wildlife Refuge, Wonderful West Virginia, Birder’s World, Country, Photo Media, and Wild Bird. In addition Jim has written several books and is the past President of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). For more than thirty-six years, Jim has used his photography, writing, speaking, and teaching to inspire and motivate others. A naturalist first and foremost, Jim’s workshops always include a bit of natural history. He believes the more you know about your subject, the more your photography will stand out from the others. Both in the field and the classroom, Jim is a knowledgeable teacher and workshop leader. He works on a personal level to develop an artistic, informative, and enjoyable learning environment.

Beginner to Intermediate Course

Program Date: 05/04/2012-05/07/2012

Program Cost: $695/person

Intermediate to Advanced

Program Date: 11/07/2012-11/11/2012

Program Cost: $845/person


16 Phone (757) 824-5636

Skin-on-Frame Kayak Building Workshop

Have you been captivated by the historical roots of the kayak? Ever consider building one of your own? When you build a skin-on-frame kayak you are recreating a piece of history and forming a personal story. Building a skin-on-frame kayak will mean more to you than you could ever envision.

You get a boat you can be proud of, a kayak you will love, and the knowledge and confidence to build one on your own.

This workshop is designed for individuals with an interest in creating a seaworthy craft with their own hands. Skin-on-frame kayak building is one of the most exciting, skill enhancing and satisfying projects you can undertake. This workshop is perfect for beginner boat builders. The steps are simple, and you will learn the skills needed as you go. Building a skin-on-frame kayak through this workshop is enjoyable, relaxing, and cost effective. In addition, this 6-day boat building vacation allows you time to relax and explore the natural beauty of the remote Eastern Shore of VA.

You will spend the week assembling your boat: a week of enjoyable work combined with kayaking adventures. Each day includes a workshop portion where you will work on assembling your kayak, and a field trip to a local site or a kayak paddle. Students are encouraged to bring a partner to assist them as this course can be a great family project. Participants should be 12 years or older. Once the kayaks are completed, the morning of workshop will be spent paddling on Chincoteague Bay in your newly constructed kayak!

Program Date: 08/29/2012 - 09/03/2012

Course Tuition -$1575.00 - includes 6 nights lodging, all meals, guided kayak tours, field excursions, tools, instruction, materials, a Greenland paddle and choice of a 15ft Ravenswood kayak or 17ft Vardo kayak.

Course Tuition - Wingman Option $550.00 – Bring a partner along to assist in building your kayak and enjoy the shore!

Commuter Options

$1450.00 and

$425.00

Winter Waterfowl Weekend Experience the beauty of the Eastern Shore’s islands while birding in this renowned destination for birders. This workshop emphasizes learning identification methods, understanding bird behavior, habitat, and conservation. We will bird at several hot spots on the Eastern Shore, including Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Wallops Island. See the birds from a different perspective on a boat trip through the marshes and tidal creeks surrounding Chincoteague. Though we will focus on winter waterfowl ID, we’ll also add lots of other passerines and raptors to our list. Great for beginners and intermediate birders.

Program Date: 12/07/2012 - 12/09/2012

Program Cost: $230/participant (includes instruction, boat trip, meals and lodging)

Basket Weaving Workshop Participants will use locally gathered marsh grass, mainly spartina or cordgrass, and other materials to create a coiled basket. The technique used is similar to that used to construct pine needle baskets, a Native American basketry form. Students will receive hands-on personal instruction from a skilled artisan to create a basket to take home.

Program Dates

04/27/2012 - 04/29/2012

10/19/2012 - 10/21/2012

Program Cost: $244/person (includes meals, lodging, instruction, transportation and

materials)

Native American Tools and Flint Knapping Workshop During the flint knapping workshop students will take a voyage back in time, learning the ancient skill of stone tool making. Tools and materials will be provided and each student will receive a flint knapping tool kit to take home. This workshop is perfect for beginner to intermediate knappers. It is sure to take you to the next level in your knapping ability.

Program Dates

05/26/2012

10/27/2012

Program Cost: $98 per person


Nature Journaling Workshop

Interested in honing your observation skills and seeing the world in new ways? Learn the techniques of keeping a Nature Journal! Nature journaling connects us with our surroundings in a new way and encourages us to make room in our lives for observation of the natural world. Nature Journaling is a great way to develop observation abilities and creative techniques while learning about our natural surroundings. Through a series of drawing and writing exercises we will practice journaling techniques by recording our feelings, questions and observations. The focus of this nature journaling workshop is to relax, enjoy the moment and have fun with natural subjects. No previous art experience is needed! Program cost includes instruction, lunch, transportation to field sites and all nature journaling materials.

Program Date: 10/06/2012 Program Cost: $65/person

The School Program For over 40 years, MSC has offered students the chance to connect with their marine and coastal environments through hands-on exploration and inquiry based science. The mission of each experience is to instill an understanding and appreciation of interrelated marine habitats through scientific observation.

The 3-day Coastal Ecology program is MSC's signature experience for school students.

This program includes the following half day field trips: an oceanography research cruise, intertidal beach exploration, sand dune ecology, salt marsh trip, and maritime forest walk. Evening activities include oceanographic equipment discussion, macro-organism lab and micro-organism lab. One evening is left free for that all-important trip to the ice cream parlor or beach.

We also offer additional options for teachers in the form of hour and a half classes. Teachers can choose two of these classes in place of one of the traditional field trips. We are glad to work with teachers to choose the classes that they think will most benefit their students.

Although the Consortium staff conduct all field trips and labs, teachers are encouraged to take an active part by working with instructors to individualize the program in advance. Teachers may request changes in certain elements of instruction with the School Programs Coordinator in order to develop a program that best suits their curriculum and student needs. Instruction is geared to grade level and science background, and while it is most effective for middle and high school students it may be modified easily for 4th grade and lower.

What if your classroom included acres of pristine salt marsh, windswept coastal dunes, towering maritime forests, intertidal coves, and wild ponies? What if your lessons included a research cruise along tidal creeks and trips to a national park and national wildlife refuge? What if every discovery was met with wonder and a desire to know more? You experience all of this and more when you attend the unique and dynamic educational field trips of the Marine Science Consortium.

" Thank you for showing us the beauty under the mud." - student participant

18 Phone (757) 824-5636

Why should your students participate in programs at MSC?

In-depth, hands-on science taught by experienced staff

Great food and comfortable facilities

Reasonable rates which cover all costs

Support throughout the year to make planning easy

Close to many major cities and airports, 3 hour drive from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and 2 hours from Virginia Beach

Our program is Correlated to Virginia State Education Standards

Planning your Trip to Wallops Island The school program is offered throughout the school year. Special arrangements can be made for a limited number of students during the summer. Teachers may schedule their groups to arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Wednesday after lunch or to arrive Wednesday afternoon and depart Saturday after lunch. Programs longer or shorter than the 3-day option will be scheduled according to facility availability. Groups are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so reservations should be made early.

Program Options

MSC offers the following programs for schools.

Contact us for information regarding curriculum

correlation.

Oceanography Lab and Research Cruise

Includes water sampling, salinity,

temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, currents,

turbidity, benthic sample, and trawl. Students

analyze collected data during the evening lab.

Intertidal Beaches Students begin by learning

how tides work and interact with the coast. This

class also involves sampling for various

environmental parameters, species diversity and

distribution, and adaptations.

Organism Labs Students use dichotomous keys,

field guides and microscopes to examine plants

and organisms, as well as plankton collected in

the field.

Salt Marsh Identification of flora and fauna, food

webs, trophic levels, nutrient cycles, marsh

formation and tidal zonation. Students will also

do a “productivity plunge” where they will get to

experience the marsh in true full immersion style.

Dune Ecology Explanation of littoral currents,

wave energy, beach formation, sediment

deposition, distribution of flora and fauna, and

ecological succession. This class also includes

beach exploration and shell collection and

identification.

Maritime Forest Students will walk through the

Maritime Forest on Assateague Island to learn

more about forest ecology and the flora and fauna

of the upland areas.

Sand During this class, students will learn where

sand comes from and what it is made of,

properties of sand, and make their own sand

sample cards to look at under magnification.

Orienteering This class is a way for students to

become familiar with using a compass, reading

maps, and orienting themselves to landmarks.

Watersheds Students will learn about the

characteristics of watersheds, how water moves

through them and how people impact their

watershed.

Special Topics - Interested in other topics? Our education staff can develop specialized topics to

meet your curricular needs. Contact our School Programs Coordinator at

[email protected] or 757-824-5636 X 110 to discuss what we can do for you!


The College Program

MSC offers field-based, hands-on, intensive learning opportunities for university students. Unmatched biological diversity, pristine habitats, and hundreds of years of history and culture are just a sampling of what the shore has to offer! Access to largely untouched habitats and extensive marine and terrestrial biodiversity make the area ideal for ecology, biology and marine courses. The social sciences and arts can take advantage of the cultural richness and natural beauty.

Field Experiences Year round, MSC provides a fully operational

field station for college faculty and program coordinators. University groups typically spend 2-4 days experiencing the wonders of barrier islands as a piece of their regular course curriculum.

Facilities and Equipment The MSC owns and operates a 50' research vessel for offshore work, two 40' barge-style vessels, small boats and kayaks. The campus boasts wet and dry laboratories, classrooms, field equipment, and dormitory space for up to 150 university students, a dining hall, indoor and outdoor recreational space and a book store. Consortium staff are available to assist groups on vessels, field trips or in the lab.

Possible Field Trip Components

Research Cruise – inshore or offshore

Birding

Barrier Island Transect

Salt Marsh Expedition

Dune Exploration

Coastal Forest Hike

Beach Profiling

Water Sampling

Organism Investigations

Plankton Lab

Sediment sampling

Cypress Swamp Hike or Paddle

Guest Lectures

Kayaking

And more!

Seeking an unforgettable educational experience? The Virginia’s barrier islands leave impressions that last a lifetime! Our field station features coastal ecosystems, state of the art facilities , reasonable pricing and phenomenal staff. Unmatched biological diversity, pristine habitats, and hundreds of years of history and culture are just a sampling of what you can share with your students during a trip to the shore!

20 Phone (757) 824-5636

Summer Courses Want to spend your summer days baking on a beach, balancing on a boat and trekking

through the marsh? You’ll emerge from a season of field work with experiences, knowledge and friendships that last a lifetime!

The college summer program at MSC consists of five 3-week sessions taught by faculty from member universities. Each course is worth 3

credits. Students may take 1 course each session.

Session 1 (May 21- June 8)

Marine Biology

Pre-calculus

Marine Invertebrates

Coral Reef Ecology

Seascapes

Session 2 (June 11- June 29)

Field Methods in Oceanography

Marine Ecology

Marine Ichthyology

Coastal Ornithology

Natural Science Drawing

Introduction to Ecology

Introduction to Coastal Literature

Session 3 (July 2 – July 20)

Coastal Environmental Oceanography

Wetlands Ecology

Coastal Field Studies for Teachers

Intro to Molecular Biotechnology

Session 4 (July 23- August 10)

Coastal Zone Resource Management

Estuarine Ecology

Biological Oceanography

Marine Geology and Geophysics

Session 5 (August 5- August 17)

Marine Ichthyology

Marine Ecology

Volunteers and Interns Other opportunities that exist for college students include alternative spring break activities, volunteer positions, internships and jobs. Check our website or contact the college coordinator for more information.

Location Our campus is ideally located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The region is biologically diverse, geologically dynamic and culturally rich. Unique maritime and upland forests, as well as bald cypress swamps, comprise the terrestrial ecosystems. Additional resources nearby include Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague National Seashore, and NASA Wallops Flight Facility.


22 Phone (757) 824-5636

Board of Directors

Dr. Francine McNairy - Board Chairperson

President Millersville University

Dr. Robert J. Dillman

President East Stroudsburg University

Dr. Javier Cevallos

President Kutztown University

Dr. William Ruud

President Shippensburg University

Dr. Robert M. Smith

President Slippery Rock University

Staff

Amber Parker

Executive Director

Education Staff

Anne Armstrong

Education Program Manager

Ali Redman

College Coordinator

Parker McMullen-Bushman

Special Programs Coordinator

Alex Vandermeys

School Programs Coordinator

Office and Support Staff

Mark Baylis - Sr. Boat Captain

John Besecker - Operations Manager

Kennie Godwin - Groundskeeper

Eunice Handy - Cook

Levolia Handy - Cafeteria Shift Leader

Clifton Johnson - Dishwasher

Phyllis Johnson - Cook

Diane Lynch - Registrar

Teshie Moore - Dishwasher

Adell Payton - Housekeeper

Francine Payton - Head Housekeeper

Cynthia Sheppard - Treasurer

Tony Smith - Maintenance Assistant

Robin Townsend - Cafeteria Shift Leader

Linda Wallop - Food Service Manager

Jimmy Whealton - Boat Captain

About Us The Marine Science Consortium is a residential field and research station located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. In 1968, The Marine Science Consortium was founded by a consortium of three Pennsylvania state colleges. First located in Cape May, NJ, and then Lewes, DE, The Marine Science Consortium moved to its permanent site in the area of Wallops Island, VA. in the spring 1971. The campus, located next door to NASA’s Goddard Flight Facility, was named the “Wallops Island Marine Science Center”.

For the last four decades the Marine Science Consortium has taught thousands of school age, college, and adult students the wonders of what lies beneath the waters of the bays, marshes, and ocean surrounding Chincoteague and Assateague islands as well as what thrives on top, such as maritime forests and dunes. The MSC educates and inspires program participants about the ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Region through place-based, hands-on experiences. University membership has changed over the years and now consists of 13 member universities and colleges.

To accomplish its mission MSC offers a unique set of educational and research experiences, and collaborates closely with community partners such as NASA Wallops Flight Facility, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and other public and private partners.

Mission Statement

The Marine Science Consortium provides outstanding multi-disciplinary, educational and research opportunities that celebrate the rich natural, cultural, economic, and technological resources of the mid-Atlantic Coastal region through field-based and hands-on learning, often in affiliation with multiple public and private partners.

The Marine Science Consortium is an independent 501©(3) private non-profit Equal Opportunity/

Affirmative Action institution affiliated with Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. All

donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

Current Members

Bloomsburg University

East Stroudsburg University

Kutztown University

Lock Haven University

Millersville University

Saint Francis University

Shippensburg University

Slippery Rock University

West Virginia University

Wilkes University

York College


Designed by C. Parker McMullen Bushman

MB Photography and Design

www.mbphotographyanddesign.com

Photography Jim Clark

C. Parker McMullen Bushman

Amber Parker

Henley Middle School

MSC Staff

The Marine Science Consortium

34001 Mill Dam Road

Wallops Island VA 23337

Phone: (757) 824-5636

Fax: (757) 824-5638

[email protected]

www.msconsortium.org

Location

The Marine Science Consortium is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia near the Island of Chincoteague. It is about three hours south of Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C. and about two hours north of Norfolk, VA.

To get to the Marine Science Consortium, follow Route 13 (also called Ocean Highway or Lankford Highway). Route 13 is the prominent hwy on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Follow Route 13 to the traffic light at VA 175E (T’s Corner and Chincoteague Road). There will be a sign for Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. This is approximately 4 miles south of the Maryland-Virginia border on the Delmarva Peninsula. Take VA 175 E toward Chincoteague for approximately 3 miles. At the traffic light take a left onto Atlantic Road. At the end of Atlantic Road (approx. 0.5 miles) bear left onto Mill Dam Road. The Consortium is located on your right.

Program Registration Registering for a program at the MSC is easy! You can download registration forms for many of our

programs on our Website. Fax your completed form or mail it in with your payment. You can also call to register by phone with a credit card. Program fees are all-inclusive and include meals, lodging, instruction,

and materials unless otherwise noted. Please call for commuter rates if you will not be lodging on site.

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Marine Science Consortium - 2012 Course Booklet

Documents

Transcript of Marine Science Consortium - 2012 Course Booklet