UD summer camp offers high school students jump start on marine science education

1:20 p.m., Feb. 16, 2016--The University of Delaware’s Taking an Interest in Delaware’s Estuary (TIDE) camp offers high school students with a passion for the ocean or coastal environments the opportunity to explore interests in marine science by providing them with hands-on experience in the field.

Hosted by UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and supported by the Delaware Sea Grant college program, TIDE camp covers a wide array of topics, ranging from sea breeze and tides to habitat loss, species adaptation and climate change.

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The 13-day residential program — scheduled for July 31 to Aug. 12 — is open to rising 10th through 12th graders. Applications as well as scholarships are now available. The priority application deadline is Sunday, March 20.

Students who attend will spend one week at UD’s Newark campus and one week at its Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. Students will gain exposure to marine science through coursework by interacting with faculty and staff in laboratory facilities, classrooms, residence halls and the beach.

Field excursions to the Delaware Bay and tours of UD’s research vessels, the R/V Sharp and R/V Daiber and 2 mega-watt wind turbine will allow students to explore and sample what they learn in the classroom and laboratory. Tours of these prestigious sites will provide students with firsthand experience of actual research laboratories, along with lessons in coastal research and renewable energy. 

UD faculty will guide students through this experience as they complete activities such as building their own underwater remotely operated vehicle. 

Although the program largely focuses on academics, students will also enjoy outdoor activities like volleyball, picnics, movies and game nights. 

High school students interested in the field or with a strong knack for science or math are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are available on the program’s website and include the completion of a form and submission of a grade transcript and a letter of recommendation, preferably from a science teacher. 

Tuition is $2,000 and includes room and board, lab and class materials, field excursions as well as other activities. Scholarships are available to students who qualify.

For more information about the camp or application process, visit the TIDE website or contact Nina Buchanan, CEOE assistant dean for student services, by calling 302-831-6295 or via email at jb@udel.edu.

Article by Laura Bilash

Photos courtesy of the University of Delaware and by Ambre Alexander