World of Water Courses

Do you want to dive deeper into the world of marine science? Explore science at the New England Aquarium! From studying fish, jellies and fur seals, to becoming a better scientist as you contribute to a global research project, you will join researchers and educators as we investigate the world around us in a bid to better understand and protect our Blue Planet.

World of Water (WOW) courses are challenging opportunities for students in grades 9 and 10 to learn about marine science through the New England Aquarium and build skills for problem solving, leadership and environmental stewardship. There are currently two WOW Courses offered during the year.

Spring 2012— WOW: Fish

Discover the diversity and importance of the ocean’s most recognizable creatures as we study fish behavior and biology. Participants will use their new-found knowledge and skills providing hands-on help to local fish populations.

In this program, you will…
• Study fish biolog

• Investigate fish behavior
• Learn about local marine and freshwater habitats
• Gain familiarity with real issues facing local fish populations, and explore the solutions
• Get outside and assist migrating fish
• Discover what a fish needs in an Aquarium, and out in the stream

• Meet other teens and have fun!

Schedule
Application Deadline: February 22, 2012
Class Schedule: Classes are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6 Saturdays: March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 6, 14, 2012

Fall 2012— WOW: Scientist

During WoW: Scientist, participants will spend six intensive days using the New England Aquarium and nearby habitats as living laboratories to conduct research projects and discover how research is done by real marine biologists at the Aquarium and around the world. Participants lead a research team as you design and perform research studies to answer questions about the ocean’s inhabitants.

In this program, you will…
• Learn scientific methods and design

• Practice project management
• Gain familiarity with real field and laboratory biology techniques
• Promote collaboration, build leadership and teamwork skills
• Gain confidence with your public speaking abilities as you communicate your research to an audience

Schedule
Application Deadline: September 26, 2012
Class Schedule: Classes are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6 Saturdays: October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 2012

Tuition and Expenses

Upon acceptance to WOW, tuition is $375 per participant. Snacks are provided, but participants must bring their own lunch. Lunch may also be purchased at the Aquarium Café. Needs-based financial aid may be available. Inquire with the WOW office at 617-973-0250.

How to Sign Up

Download and complete the application that applies to the course(s) you are interested in.
Spring WOW—WOW: Fish Application deadline is February 22, 2012
Fall WOW—WOW: Scientist Application will be available here by July 1, 2012

Return the application to
Camp Programs Office — WOW
New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
OR
Fax it to 617-973-0251, attn: Camp Programs Office — WOW

OR
Email it to dbadger@neaq.org, Subject Line: WOW Application

OK, if I do WOW, what then?

Some youth do WOW as a stand-alone experience, to participate in a marine-oriented program at the Aquarium because it fits into their interests and adds to their tool belt of knowledge and experiences. But if you choose, WOW can be so much more! Our goal is to provide opportunities for youth to gain the knowledge to fully appreciate and steward the ocean, along with skills that will serve our students for life in whatever path they choose. WOW is but a rung along a ladder of learning at the Aquarium, with subsequent potential opportunities including:
• Participation in a burgeoning service-learning program, Live Blue Ambassadors (LBA)
• Assist in data collection with LBA or the Advanced level of Harbor Discoveries Camps
• Potential to be a WOW Assistant Instructor
• Be a leader in LBA
• Eligibility to apply to be a Counselor in Training (CIT) for the Junior/Senior level of Harbor Discoveries Camps
• WOW is one path to gain eligibility for the Sea TURTLE dive certification program

• You will build the expertise to take a leadership role on in any science or environmental project you do inside and outside of the Aquarium

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know I got in?
Applicants will be informed either by email or phone by the date mentioned in the application. If you are accepted, you will be mailed forms to fill out, sign and return along with payment.

If I do WOW, can I become a volunteer at the New England Aquarium?
Successful completion of the WOW program does not guarantee a volunteer opportunity at the Aquarium. Please visit the volunteer website for details about volunteer opportunities.

What do I get with my tuition?
Tangible benefits for program participation include:

• Six days of instruction by Aquarium educators, with backgrounds in research science, ocean education and fish biology
• An Aquarium water bottle and T-shirt
• Free access to the Aquarium when the Aquarium is open for the six weeks of the program
• Discount at the Aquarium Café while class is in session
• Meet students from other schools with a similar passion for the ocean
• Eligibility (and a leg up in the application process) for several other Aquarium programming options (i.e. Camp CIT, Sea TURTLE)

What do I need to bring the first day?
On the first day you should have:
• Closed-toed shoes that can get wet
• Layers of comfortable clothing; be ready for an active classroom
• A positive attitude and a willingness to work and learn!

Is the whole program at the Aquarium?
Most of the time will be spent in classrooms adjacent to the Aquarium, along the Harborwalk around the Aquarium or in the Aquarium itself. There is, however, one day with a planned field trip (weather dependent) to a local coastal area.