Michigan Sea Grant: Summer Science Education Program

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September 2003

BIG RAPIDS TEEN PARTICIPATES IN CALIFORNIA’S SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN

Leopard sharks, sea cucumbers and barracuda fish are among the ocean creatures that 16-year-old Mary Sims of Big Rapids experienced recently during a unique, week-long educational program on Catalina Island off the coast of southern California.

Sims was one of two Michigan students who attended the annual Summer Science Program for High School Women June 29 through July 8 with financial support and assistance from Michigan Sea Grant and the University of Southern California (USC) Sea Grant college programs. Sims is a junior at Big Rapids High School and a student at the Math/Science/Technology Center of the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District based at Ferris State University.

"It was absolutely amazing," said Sims about the educational experience, which included field data collection, snorkeling, kayaking, fish dissection and a daily emphasis on women in science. "The night snorkel was really cool," said Sims, "because a lot of different things come out at night. The bioluminescence was really cool to see—you don’t think of something that small producing that amount of light."

Twenty-one students from several states participated in the USC program, which provides the opportunity to explore the field of oceanography through an interactive series of activities and research. Participants have the opportunity to see women mentors in a variety of marine related careers such as marine policy, research science, education and diving safety.

"The program is a fantastic opportunity for young women to learn about science in a unique environment that may even influence their choice of careers," says Michigan Sea Grant Extension Agent Steve Stewart. He worked with Elizabeth LaPorte and Phyllis Grifman to coordinate the students’ participation.

The Michigan students were chosen from a pool of students, many of whom participated in the 2003 Midwest regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a quiz bowl event held each year in Ann Arbor. To learn more about the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, see: www.nosb.org

See: USC science programs

Contacts

Steve Stewart
(586) 469-7431

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