This summer, we’re launching something new at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab’s Marine Education Center (MEC), and I couldn’t be more excited! Sea Tech Camp is a new summer camp experience for students in grades 9-12. It's all about how science and technology come together to discover, protect and restore our ocean and the habitats beneath the surface. The camp will run from June 2-6.
During the weeklong day camp, students will complete hands-on projects inspired by mesophotic and deep benthic communities (that’s a fancy way of saying cool deep-sea habitats that most people never get to see). But thanks to tech like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), virtual reality and custom-built tools, we’ll bring those places up close.
We’ll be using scientific tools and interactive activities designed by the MEC and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Trust me, it’s the kind of stuff that makes you feel like a true ocean explorer.
We’ll head out on a mini Blue Tech Field Day experience aboard the R/V Jim Franks, tour research vessels, and build and drive underwater robots.
At the end of the week, campers will team up to present their mission findings and compete with their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) at the Biloxi Natatorium. It's part science fair, part underwater showdown and all kinds of awesome!
But beyond the fun, Sea Tech is about something bigger. It’s about inspiring the next wave of ocean explorers and problem-solvers: young people who want to use their creativity, curiosity and brainpower to make a real impact on our coasts and ocean ecosystems.
If your child is curious about the ocean, technology or hands-on science, this camp is a fantastic opportunity to explore those interests in a meaningful (and really fun) way.
Registration is now open, and spots are limited. So, we encourage families to sign up early. We are offering a limited number of scholarships to help make this experience more accessible! If you’d like to be considered, indicate your interest when at registration, and our team will follow up with next steps.
This is the first time we’re offering Sea Tech, and I already know it’s going to be something special. See the MEC website for more information or to register. We are offering a limited number of scholarships to help make this experience more accessible. If you’d like to be considered, simply indicate your interest at registration, and our team will follow up with next steps.
Meet the author
Lacy Lindsey
Marine Education Specialist, USM Marine Education Center
Lacy Lindsey works as a marine educator at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine Education Center. She creates and implements educational programming that includes... Read more
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