This year-round program will enable 150 middle school students in Dare County to engage in hands-on activities related to scientific disciplines that involve coastal processes, such as saltwater intrusion, sand movement, andprotection of maritime forests. Preference will be given to disadvantaged, at-risk, female students. Working with local teachers, the aquarium staff will develop a series of "traveling kits" that contain instructional guides and materials for studying coastal processes, and they will recruit and train teachers throughout the county on how to use the kits in their classrooms. The staff also will conduct follow-up activities in the schools to further familiarize students with a range of investigative skills, often working with federal, state, and county scientists who study the waters and shorelines of the Outer Banks. To put into practice what they have learned, the students will be partnered with a scientist or other expert to develop and pursue a research project involving a coastal process. The students will present their results to other students and adults involved in the program, and the presentations will be videotaped for broadcast on the local educational television channel.

Quickfacts Format: hands-on activities Area Served: Dare County Program dates: year-round Open to: eighth graders Application: n/a Number of Students: approx. 366 Requirements: preference given to "at-risk" students Other info: "traveling kits" with instructional guides and material for studying topics available, mentor program for students Contact:Ann White Special Activities Coordinator PO Box 967 Manteo, NC 27954-0967 252/473-3494 ex. 254 e-mail Links:North Carolina Aquarium

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