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Coastal Ocean Science Academy

The 2013 program will be held from Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 23.  Application and scholarship information can be downloaded here>>

Program Content
The COSA program is for students entering 9th-12th grades who have a strong interest in science and the marine environent. The Academy is based at the MSC in Nahant, although there are several field experiences that take students off-site during the program (e.g., whale watch, salt marsh survey, visit to a wastewater treatment plant, Boston Harbor oceanography cruise, etc.)  Program staff members are trained in environmental education and/or marine science, and material and skills covered are aligned with the Massachusetts Framework for Science and Technology. There are two programs offered in 2013:

• COSA Chondrus
  For first-time participants.  The Chondrus program provides an introduction to marine biology in local ecosystems.  Students will gain knowledge of coastal and marine habitats, including ecological and physical characteristics. They will develop skills such as identification and classification of local marine organisms, monitoring water quality, measuring species richness and diversity, and analyzing survey results. They will also begin to explore threats facing these coastal and marine resources.
• COSA Pagurus
  For students who completed the COSA Chondrus or an equivalent introductory marine science program. Building on knowledge learned in Chondrus, COSA Pagurus students will deepen their knowledge of rocky intertidal ecology and habitats. Emphasis is placed on student-led field investigation.  Staff will facilitate student inquiry and research in topics of their own choosing.  Ample access to field sites for data collection will be provided, as well as guidance in developing sound research questions, methodologies, analyzing data, and presenting results.

Program duration
The program runs Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 23, 2013. The hours are from 8:30am–3pm Monday to Friday. The exception to this is Thursday, August 22, when the program will end at 6:00pm following a reception during which time students will present a poster of some aspect of the research conducted (see below).

Family Reception
There will be a family reception on Thursday, August 22^nd from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, at which time students will present a poster of some aspect of the research conducted.  A family member is strongly encouraged to attend to support their child, and siblings are welcome.  This reception replaces the family BBQ that used to take place on the second Saturday of the program. 

Orientation
There will be two optional orientation and MSC tour sessions for COSA participants on Wednesday, June 26^th and Wednesday, August 7^th from 4:00 – 5:30pm. Students can opt to attend one of these sessions; there will be no mandatory orientation this year. 

Daily Shuttle Service to the MSC
We offer a daily shuttle from Ruggles, Wonderland, or Lynn-Central Square MBTA stations for an additional fee. 

Fees
Program fees for 2013 are $900 for the two-week program. A deposit of $300 is required upon acceptance into the program. The optional daily shuttle from Ruggles, Wonderland, or Lynn-Central Square MBTA stations costs an additional $100.  Fees include all equipment, transportation to offsite field locations, entry for all fee-based field experiences, as well as daily snacks and lunches.  PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY.

Scholarships
A limited number of full scholarships are available for students residing in the following communities: Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Revere, Salem, and Somerville. In addition to the complete application pack, scholarship applicants must submit a sealed or directly emailed letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult, non-family member who has known the applicant for at least one school year.  Scholarship materials must be received by May 15, 2013, and notification of scholarship awards will be made by June 1, 2013. 

Arrival/Departure Times
Drop off is by 8:30am at the MSC, 7:30am at the Ruggles T station, 7:55am at the Wonderland T station, or 8:05am at Lynn/Central Square station. Pick up is at 3:00pm at the MSC, 3:20pm at Lynn/Central Square, 3:30pm at Wonderland, or 4:00pm at the Boston campus. If someone other than a parent/guardian is to be picking up a student at any time, the parent/guardian must provide written notification in advance, including the person’s name, relationship to the student, and their daytime phone number. 

Transportation to and from Activities
COSA staff will escort students at all times. COSA students are transported to daily field sites in passenger vans driven by COSA staff who are cleared to drive University vehicles. For students commuting from Boston on the final day, Friday, August 23, activities will originate in Boston.  On that day only, a COSA staffer will escort those students from the main campus to their destination via public transit, and students will meet on campus at 8:30am instead of 7:30am. Permission to leave directly from the Aquarium or Ferry terminal at the end of the day can be given by a parent in writing, otherwise a COSA staff member will escort the student back to Northeastern’s main campus at the end of the day. 

Absences/Late Arrival
Many activities happen off-site. Many activities are time-dependent so the group may not be able to wait for a student who is running late.  All parents and students will receive COSA staff cell phone numbers in advance of the program. Please keep the staff aware of any changes in student’s schedules. If a student is not coming to the program due to illness or other reasons, please inform the staff by 7:30am.

Student Behavior
Disruptive, dangerous, or disrespectful behavior will result in dismissal from the COSA program.

What to bring

• Layers of clothing, a change of clothing, and/or rain gear is highly recommended.  The temperature in Nahant may differ from other communities, and it is often windy in Nahant.
• There is a good chance that feet will get wet, so rubber-soled shoes such as boots, water shoes, or old sneakers are recommended and can be left onsite for the duration of the program if desired. Tevas and other high-traction open-toed sandals that are completely fastened to the feet are allowed. Slip-on sandals, flip flops, Crocs, or heels are not allowed. 
• A hat is advisable.
• A change of clothes may be stored onsite during the program in case participants get very wet.
• Participants may bring their own sunscreen from home.  The staff of the Marine Science Center will not provide or apply sunscreen to minors.
• Each participant should bring a reusable water bottle.
• Participants not wishing to partake of the lunch provided are certainly able to bring their own lunch; however, prior notification should be made to MSC staff.

For more information, please contact Carole McCauley, Outreach Program Coordinator, at (781) 581-7370, x321 or email c.mccauley@neu.edu.