Our hands-on, field-oriented program offers students age 10-18 a comprehensive introduction to the science of oceanography. The edge of the sea is our classroom. While one group of students finishes a transect of the beach, another group collects specimens for the cold water tanks each student will design and maintain. From our research boat, other students focus their binoculars on off shore seabirds and cetaceans. Each evening, our staff or visiting speakers present special lectures that provide background information, and mini-seminars are offered before dinner. The whale watch and other boat trips compliment the land-based activities. The busy academic schedule allows time each day for recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, group games, and visits to local laboratories and museums. Successful participants in the summer programs may apply for our winter tropical program in Belize and our Florida Careers Seminar.