Coastal Ocean Science Academy
2012 COASTAL OCEAN SCIENCE ACADEMY (COSA)
- The general program application form may be downloaded here>>
- The scholarship application may be downloaded here>>
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.)
All program staff members are trained in marine and/or environmental sciences, and material and skills covered are aligned with the Massachusetts Framework for Science and Technology. There are two programs offered in 2012:
- 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, Pagurus students will deepen their knowledge of rocky intertidal ecology and habitats. Empahsis 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 Logistics
- PROGRAM DURATION - The two-week program runs Monday, August 13 through Saturday, August 25, 2012. The hours are generally from 8:30am - 3pm Monday through Friday, although there may be one or two early arrival/delayed departure days to accommodate field trips - details will be provided in advance. The program culminates with a family day on Saturday, August 25 from 10am-2pm.
- FAMILY DAY - Family members are invited and encouraged to attend a BBQ, awards, and student presentations on Saturday, August 25th (see above).
- ORIENTATION - Parents and students are invited to an orientation session on Wednesday, August 1st at 5:30pm, and pizza will be served.
- FEES - Program fees for 2012 are $900 for the two-week program. A deposit of $300 is required upon acceptance into the program. Fees include all equipment, transportation to off-site field locations, entry for all fee-based field experiences, daily lunch and snacks, and a family BBQ on the final day.
- SCHOLARSHIP - A limited number of scholarships are available to students demonstrating financial need. Information about how to apply for a scholarship can be found in separate scholarship form accessible from the top of this page.
- OPTIONAL SHUTTLE TO THE MSC - A daily shuttle van to the MSC will be available from 3 MBTA stations - Ruggles, Wonderland, or Lynn/Central Square for an additional cost of $100 per student. The shuttle will tentatively depart from Boston at 7:45am and return to Boston at 3:45pm, making stops at Lynn and Wonderland on the way to and from Nahant.
- APPLICATION PROCESS - Registration will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis to fill a limited number of slots. Starting this year, all applicants are required to submit a one-page statement of interest.
For more information, please contact Carole McCauley, Outreach Program Coordinator, at (781) 581-7370, x321 or email c.mccauley@neu.edu.