K-12 Science Education

The Horn Point Laboratory provides education programs focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subject areas which provide both K-12 student learning experiences and teacher professional development. Many of our programs feature the current research of Horn Point scientists and are led by the scientists themselves, as well as graduate students and support staff. Our Environmental Science Education (ESE) Center is located on the Horn Point Laboratory campus and includes computer, microscope, and wet lab rooms, trails that wind through woods, marsh, and the shoreline of the Choptank River, dorms for summer students, and canoe facilities.

The Kids' Bay Adventure Program will no longer be offered as such at Horn Point. There are several new adventures for students and teachers to participate in at the ESE Center.

Oyster Biologist for a Day

June 20; July 11; July 25; August 8; August 17 ~ 8:30am-3:45pm
Ages: 13-16 years Fee: $40

Help the Bay the oyster way and become a scientist for a day!

Spend the day at Horn Point Laboratory’s Oyster Hatchery! Tour the facility and learn how baby oysters are raised, join the hatchery team and help with daily tasks, and participate in a hands-on research experience. Preregistration required by June 1. Due to the hands-on nature of this program, we limit each session to 6 participants, minimum 4. Limit one day per participant. Please call Melissa Grant at 410-221-8423 or e-mail mgrant@umces.edu for availability of specific dates listed. The program is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Program details can be found online at
http://www.hpl.umces.edu/hatchery.

CSI: Chesapeake Science Investigators

August 6-9; 4-days, 3-nights
Highly motivated students going into 7th, 8th, or 9th

Horn Point Laboratory is offering a 4-day, 3-night science adventure. Your students’ CSI (Chesapeake Science Investigator) journey will be jam-packed with exciting experiments, field trips, projects, and more and include many fun-filled camp experiences such as canoeing, hiking, campfires, good food and great new friends. We’ll explore the Chesapeake Bay! If you are excited for your students to learn more about the science of the Bay and have an amazing adventure, please contact Nicole Barth at nbarth@umces.edu. We will be accepting applications until June 1 and will be notifying 20 campers of their acceptance by June 15. Click here to download application form (pdf).

STEM Institute for Biology and Environmental Science Teachers

July 2-3 (2days), July 9-12 or July 16-19 (3 days) ~ 8:30am-4:00pm   Participants will receive $150 per day stipend.

Sharpen your STEM discipline teaching skills with an experience in scientific research! With the goal of providing teachers with resources and learning opportunities in environmental
science, the Horn Point Laboratory will offer a five-day institute for Biology and Environmental Science STEM teachers to learn the process of scientific research for implementation in their classrooms. The “scientific method or process” brings rigor to investigative learning and is essential to stimulating the desired increase in students pursuing degrees and careers in STEM disciplines. Participants will learn directly from research faculty, participate in field and lab activities and conduct research projects that are designed for the classroom. For additonal information contact Laura Murray at murray@umces.edu. For online application please go to the "Teacher PD" tab at http://www.teachoceanscience.net.