The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Animal Discovery Zone 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
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Registration is closed for this program. Please view our Teen Research Programs page for current offerings.
Entering Grades 10-11-12
06/05/2022 - 06/10/2022
10:00 a.m. Sunday - 4:00 p.m Friday
0:00 a.m. Sunday - 4:00 p.m Friday
Residential, UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratories
Financial Aid Applications Now Closed
This program starts on Sunday and transportation will be provided.
Are you curious about what it takes to be a Marine Biologist? In this Teen Research Program, you will experience firsthand the investigative work, exciting discovery, and fun of ocean science. Days are jam-packed with scientific observations of marine organisms, tidepooling, and your own lab-based research in biology. This program includes beach time, hikes, and other social activities to make new friends. Join us to gain skills, knowledge, and insight into the marine biology field while adding valuable experience to your college application or even your career path.
SOLD OUT
Our days begin early, since the tides dictate much of our fieldwork. The morning may find us out in the field, at the nearby rocky shore and tidepools, or exploring the local mudflats or sandy beaches. Over the course of 6 days we will come to understand these ecosystems better: by observing connections between organisms and their habitat; and by sampling organism populations, then comparing our data to those from long-term monitoring projects to tell us about change over time. Weather permitting, we will take our lunch breaks outdoors at sites along the varied coastline around Bodega Bay. In the afternoons we head to our own lab space at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratories, to tour the research aquarium and facilities, or to take a closer look at the water samples we collected, or perhaps to begin our own investigations. During the program we will meet some of the graduate students to learn from them about their journey into ocean sciences. Over the course of our time together, teams will design and carry out experiments that try to answer some of the questions that have come up in the field about how marine organisms interact with their environment. In the evenings, after dinner at the dorms, we may head to the beach for a volleyball game or a sunset stroll, or take a hike out to Bodega Head. And then it’s lights-out, to allow for a well-earned rest and prepare us for an early start the next day.
Dr. Pedemonte is a science-learning specialist at the Lawrence Hall of Science. She has been an educator for over 25 years, has gained experience teaching both high school and undergraduate science, and has led environmental research camps since 2010.
She studied marine biology at University College of North Wales; received her master’s from the University of Stirling, Scotland, in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management; and has gained ten years of experience working in marine biology-related fields.
Dr. Pedemonte has developed curriculum for grades K–12, undergraduate, and both pre- and in-service teachers, with materials covering ocean sciences, climate, and climate data-related content. She currently directs a project seeking to broaden participation in the geosciences among communities that are underrepresented in the STEM fields.
We provide transportation to and from the site. Parents or legal guardians can arrange to drop off or pick up their teens at BML if preferred. We will not be able to arrange special pickups or drop-offs midweek. A mode of transportation will stay with us for the entire length of the program, for any needed travel or evacuation needs.
Each day includes various activities and starts with morning opening, breakfast, and science activities and investigations, followed by lunch, downtime, social time, and special activities. See the section “A day in the life” for more info.
Teens need to be able to walk to and from investigation sites, near the ocean and over sand and rocks. The weather can change from one day to the next, so be prepared for a range of clothing needs. It’s always a good idea to have clothing that can get dirty when we are out and about.
Accommodations at Bodega Bay are student dorm-style rooms that are double-occupancy with private baths. Our program instructors are housed in the same building. Meals are served in the large dining room.
BML Housing kitchen staff provide 2 cooked meals daily, plus supplies for a packed lunch each day. With prior notice they can also accommodate most dietary requirements. Meals are served in the style of a student dining hall.
We plan for 12 to 16 teens in each program: just the right amount for great social dynamics and a meaningful science experience.
Yes, absolutely. We plan the week with plenty of teen social time throughout the day and every evening.
Cell coverage is unpredictable at all the sites visited during this camp. That said, we will have Wi-Fi access at certain times, based on location and activities.
You will receive a packing list once registered for the program, along with the name of a contact person to answer any other questions you have.