Waquoit Bay Summer Science School

Bayside Buddies

Half-day sessions for students entering grades 2-3 in the fall of 2024

Session 1 – July 15 – 19, 2024 (9:00am – 12:00pm)

Session 2 – July 15 – 19, 2024 (1:00pm – 4:00pm)

Session 3 – August 5 – 9, 2024 (9:00am – 12:00pm)

Cost: $225

Children will get wet, muddy, and inspired through games, crafts, and basic scientific investigations.  They will explore nature in various habitats around Waquoit Bay including forest, field, and marshes. The students will study wildlife from crabs in the bay to Osprey on our nesting platform, starting their journey to become estuary stewards.

Estuary Adventures

Full-day sessions for students entering grades 4-6 in the fall of 202

Session 1 – July 8 – 12, 2024 (9:00am – 3:00pm)
This session is full, click on the session to be placed on the waitlist.

Session 2 – July 22 – 26, 2024 (9:00am – 3:00pm)
This session is full, click on the session to be placed on the waitlist.

Cost: $400

Young scientists will conduct hands-on investigations based on research projects at the Reserve from water quality of the bay to wildlife observations. They will learn to use a variety of instruments to help with their discoveries and play games relating to the estuary. Students will wade into the marshes to find estuary creatures and learn about the wildlife around Waquoit Bay.

Women in Science

Full-day sessions for students entering grades 7-9 in the fall of 2024

Session 1 – July 29 – August 2, 2024 (9:00am – 3:00pm)

Cost: $400

Students will receive inspiration and support as they meet women scientists who will describe their career paths and research projects. They will conduct field research alongside Waquoit Bay staff and visiting scientists using a variety of instruments and technologies to gather and record data from the habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve. This hands-on session is sure to provide plenty of fun, build confidence, and offer a look at potential careers in science, technology, and engineering.

TIDAL Quest: Teens Investigating Diversity of Aquatic Life

Full-day session for students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2024

Session 1 – August 5 – 9, 2024 (9:00am – 3:00pm)
This session is full, click on the session to be placed on the waitlist.

Cost: $400

Do you love science, technology, and figuring out how things work? Join a small team of students spending a week in the field while conducting environmental monitoring projects with Waquoit Bay Reserve scientists. Students will discover the latest technologies used locally to study climate change and sea level rise, monitor wildlife, and examine plant communities. They will look for ways to solve environmental issues and developing questions to investigate. Participation in this session may help determine a career path or boost a college application.

To hear an audio clip of Waquoit Bay History and teens exploring the estuary click here. Narrated by Pam Briscoe, Waquoit resident, featured speaker Jim Rassman, Stewardship Coordinator, Waquoit Bay NERR and Science School Instructor, Gil Newton

Marine Life Investigations

Full-day session for students entering grades 6-8 in the fall of 2024

Session 1 – August 12 – 16, 2024 (9:00am – 3:00pm)

This session is full, please click on the session to be added to a waitlist.

Cost: $400

Each day we will take an in-depth look at an animal species found in the estuary.  Through observation we will learn its traits and adaptations. We will study its life cycle, population and research that has been done at Waquoit or on the Cape. We will have fun recreating some adaptations through biomimicry and use games as well as art to discover more about our animal.