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    Boston Leadership Institute: Marine Biology Summer Program

    Boston Leadership Institute: Marine Biology Summer Program CalenderRecently Updated

    Details

    • Listing Type: Summer Programs
    • Program Delivery: Day, Residential
    • Destination: United States
    • Provided By: Independent Provider
    • Session Start: July
    • Session Length: Three Weeks
    • Entering Grade: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, PG
    • Gender: Coed
    • Category: STEM
    • Sub-Categories: Marine Biology
    • Selective: No
    • Ages: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
    • Minimum Cost: $1,500 - $2,999
    • Career Clusters: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
    • Credit Awarded: No
    • Call: (781) 431-2514
    • Location:Needham, Massachusetts
    • Last Updated:December 2024
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    Overview

    This program takes full advantage of our location on the coast in Boston. Wellesley is only a commuter rail ride away from ships departing for the Boston Harbor Islands. Students study high and low tides, venture into rivers and streams, and explore the various New England habitats.

    A trained marine biologist leads our program and creates a custom aquarium with discoveries from his SCUBA dives on campus in Wellesley, so bad weather conditions never hold the class back. Students engage in proprietary activities that other marine biology programs for high school students rarely include. This is the perfect option for students who have outgrown the typical summer camp but don’t want to spend the summer in a lab.

    This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens.

    Marine Biology students measure the impact of ocean temperature and ocean acidification on the growth of seaweed and marine animals while on the Boston Harbor Islands. They will venture out to survey the rocky shores of Georges Island, and document the invasive species fouling the dock pilings.

    This program is going fast – apply today. You can receive updates by joining our mailing list.

    First-hand research opportunities start with exploration of a saltwater aquarium in the classroom.  Our instructor, Steve Smith, is a certified SCUBA diver packs the aquarium with saltwater plants and sea creatures that he collects on dives (and releases after the program is over).  The aquarium is definitely worth the effort, as it provides an endless source of entertainment and education for the students.  Steve has been known to drop by Quincy Market to collect rare and unusual fish. Students first make images of the fish on butcher paper and on t-shirts using Gyotaku, a Japanese art form. Students then dissect the fish, comparing and contrasting the anatomy of fish that are bottom dwellers versus not and so on.

    Cost and Session Information

    July 14 - August 1, 2025Olin College, Needham, MA

    Testimonials(11)

    • "I loved all of the field trips we went on. The hands on experience is something I have never had before. Steve was an amazing teacher and counselor and his passion and knowledge made me love marine biology more. I liked that we got to take notes on something and then be able to experience it on our next field trip."

      - Student Comment - July 26, 2019
    • "I thought this class was an incredible opportunity, I love that we had both in class and in the field learning experiences. The teacher was nice and gave great lectures and balanced his class time so it was never repetitive or boring. I enjoyed being able to learn without worrying about grades and being able to physically experience each habitat."

      - Student Comment - July 26, 2019
    • "I liked that we had interesting activities planned out each day and I really enjoyed the field research. Steve was really chill and encouraged us to improve. This program also allowed me to meet many new friends. Overall, it was a great hands-on program."

      - Student Comment - July 27, 2018
    • "I liked the field trips, since we got to do our own data collecting. I liked the aquarium (in the classroom) that we had also, since we got to touch the animals there."

      - Student Comment - July 27, 2018
    • "I really enjoyed going on the field trips and doing activities in the classroom. Mr. Smith was a really good teacher and I learned a lot from his lessons and activities."

      - Student Comment - July 27, 2018
    • 'For the second time doing a marine life class this program offered the best hands-on activity, discussion and activities. I felt like I learned a lot and I had a lot of fun.'

      - Student Comment - July 21, 2017
    • 'My favorite part of the program was the field trips, the hands-on element was unique to the program and an experience that would not be easily found elsewhere. I bonded with other students in the program, and the knowledge I gained over the course of the three weeks is invaluable.'

      - Student Comment - July 21, 2017
    • 'Steve was an amazing teacher...He made sure he incorporated many interests and overall was very clear. The program itself was just as enjoyable with all its field trips and lectures.'

      - Student Comment - July 29, 2016
    • 'Steve was an amazing teacher...He made sure he incorporated many interests and overall was very clear. The program itself was just as enjoyable with all its field trips and lectures.'

      - Student Comment - July 29, 2016
    • 'Steve was an amazing teacher...He made sure he incorporated many interests and overall was very clear. The program itself was just as enjoyable with all its field trips and lectures.'

      - Student Comment - July 29, 2016
    • 'I really enjoyed taking this Marine Biology class because I was able to learn a lot about endangered species and habitats, as well as how one can save these from extinction.'

      - Student Comment - July 29, 2016