SEA Summer Seminar - Science at SEA

  United States

• Other Cities in United States: 
Cape Cod

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Session I: July 9 - 27, 2009; Session II: July 21 - August 8, 2009; Session III: August 2 - 20, 2009

Description: Science at SEA (SAS) is a 20-day program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors offered by Sea Education Association and focusing on the coastal and offshore marine environment around Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The program includes a Shore Component on the SEA campus in Woods Hole, MA, and a Sea Component aboard one of SEA's sailing research vessels, the SSV Corwith Cramer. During the Shore Component, students study the marine environment from a variety of perspectives: scientific, historical, literary, and nautical. This is an academic program complete with written assignments and tests. During the Sea Component, students study offshore oceanography, nautical science, and act as members of the ship's crew. Students are evaluated on achievement and effort.

SHORE COMPONENT - SEA CAMPUS IN WOODS HOLE
Academic programming is scheduled throughout each day of the ten-day Shore Component, including weekends. Course work includes lectures, discussions, laboratory activities, and field trips, all introducing students to the study of history and literature of the sea, marine sciences, and nautical science in an historic and modern context.

SHORE COMPONENT - ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Introduction to Oceanography: Students study marine organisms, the structure of the earth, marine geology and sediments, wind-driven circulation, thermohaline circulation, and the chemistry of seawater. As students of SEA, there are opportunities to take advantage of the exceptional local research facilities (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, and National Marine Fisheries).

Introduction to Nautical Science: Students learn about piloting and chartwork, ship handling, sail theory, life at sea, safety, seamanship, ship stability, aerodynamics, and hydrodynamics.

Introduction to Maritime Studies: Students are introduced to the American maritime heritage during the Age of Sail, with emphasis on the local New England region.

SAS students live in three cottages on SEA's campus, each accommodating up to 9 individuals, and each closely supervised by an adult house leader. The house leaders also serve as Teaching Assistants on shore, and go to sea with students during the Sea Component. Life in each cottage revolves around its common dining area, where students help prepare and clean up meals and share ideas and excitement with each other. After dinner, there is an evening activity, followed by quiet time for study and using the library, student lounge, and computer facilities. This environment is conducive to the underlying goals of teamwork and community building.

The house leaders lead evening and weekend activities. These activities may include a day trip to Martha's Vineyard, special evening musical entertainment, and movie and popcorn nights. Students often join together to play volleyball, soccer and Frisbee, and explore the local bike path, walking trails, and beaches.

SEA COMPONENT - SSV CORWITH CRAMER
Upon successful completion of the Shore Component, students join the SSV Corwith Cramer, a 134' brigantine, for the remainder of the program. The ship holds up to 24 students and 14 professional crew and faculty. Daily activities at sea immerse students in all operations of a modern research sailing vessel: collecting scientific data, setting and striking sails, helping in the ship's galley and more. Each day, students participate in directed activities and lectures in both Oceanography and Nautical Science. This program component encourages practical application of the knowledge students have acquired while on shore.

Life at sea is fast-paced, as all watch activities continue on a 24-hour basis throughout the oceanographic voyage. In addition to routine watch-standing duties that will be a part of each student's experience at sea, lectures are also presented daily. There is always something new to see, learn, or do. Accommodations are comfortable, but cozy. The food is excellent and plentiful: three meals plus three snacks each day. At least once during the cruise, students join in a general cleaning of the ship. Everyone has enough free time to make friends with the rest of the crew on board, to keep a journal, to climb aloft, to make music (bringing instruments is encouraged!), and to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and the night sky.

Highlights: SEA provides students with access to a level of ocean exploration unavailable anywhere else in the world. We balance on-shore research and team building with real oceanographic research aboard a traditional sailing vessel. Most importantly, teamwork, leadership, and sense of community are the underlying values of SEA's academic curriculum. Participants will not only grow as students, but as global citizens and individuals.

Cost in US$: $3,690.00

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1971