Selected Resources in the Science of Water

Academic Competitions
Summer Programs | Outdoor Educations Programs
Leadership Programs
Websites
Books

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS

Action for Nature International Young Eco-Hero Awards
Students ages 8–16 complete individual projects concerning environmental advocacy, research, or protection. Cash prizes are awarded. (415) 421-2640; www.actionfornature.org/eco-hero

Brower Youth Awards
Activists ages 13–22 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on a project with a positive environmental or social impact may apply. Six winners receive a $3,000 cash prize, a trip to California for the Award ceremony and wilderness camping trip, and ongoing access to resources and opportunities to further their work at Earth Island Institute. (415) 788-3666 x144; http://broweryouthawards.org

Earthwatch Student Challenge Awards
High schools nominate gifted students aged 16–18 for this fellowship, which allows recipients to spend two or three weeks assisting scientists with natural science field research, ranging from botany and ecology to astronomy and microbiology. (800) 776-0188;
www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/education/studentopp/scap

Envirothon
Teams of students in grades 9–12 demonstrate their knowledge of soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. (2010: Protection of Groundwater.) Winning teams advance to the Canon Envirothon to compete for scholarships and prizes. First- through tenth-place winners receive scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $1,000, as well as trophies and Canon products. (800) 825-5547; www.envirothon.org

Global Challenge Award
International teams of four high school students (two U.S. and two from another country) ages 14–17 work together over the Internet to identify a solution that addresses some aspect of climate change and the future of energy. A total of $60,000 in prizes and scholarships will be awarded to winners. (802) 472-3200; www.globalchallengeaward.org

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Ten winners ages 8–18 who have worked on projects focused on helping their communities or protecting the health and sustainability of the environment receive $2,500 to apply to their higher education or their service project. Entrants must be nominated by an adult who has solid knowledge of the nominee’s project. www.barronprize.org

National Ocean Sciences Bowl
Teams of high school students from across the nation participate in a timed competition in which they answer questions about the marine sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Regional winners advance to the national finals, where first- through fourth-place teams win prizes and trips to places such as Costa Rica, Bermuda, and Hawaii. Participating students are also eligible to apply for internships and scholarships through the competition.
(202) 232-3900; www.nosb.org

Our World Underwater Competition
Entrants of any age are invited to submit still photographs or video in this highly competitive, international contest. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories, and include diving packages, equipment, books, and gift certificates.
http://underwatercompetition.com/Competitions/Our-World-Underwater-2010

River of Words Art and Poetry Contest
The largest youth poetry competition in the world, this contest encourages students ages 5–19 to explore the natural and cultural history of their local watersheds and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. Eight national grand prize winners and an international winner are awarded a trip to Washington, DC; other prizes include books, art supplies, and certificates.
(510) 548-7636; www.riverofwords.org

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Awards
Schools may apply for this award, which recognizes the efforts of students in grades K–12 who are working to protect and preserve the environment through an environmental project. Eight winning schools receive $10,000 and a trip for three students to one of the SeaWorld or Busch Gardens parks; students are also awarded trophies, certificates, and shirts. (877) 792-4332; www.seaworld.org/conservation-matters/eea/index.htm

Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Students in grades 9–12 conduct water-related projects and compete at the state, national, and then international level for cash prizes. (703) 684-2454; www.sjwp.org

SUMMER PROGRAMS

CTY Summer Programs (multiple sites)
Grades 7-11; 3 weeks; residential. Course offerings include Chesapeake Bay, Whales and Estuary Systems, and Writing by the Bay. (410) 735-6277; www.cty.jhu.edu/summer

Columbia University Summer Programs for High School Students (NY)
Grades 9–12; 4 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Issues in Biological Conservation. (212) 854-9666;
www.ce.columbia.edu/hs

Duke University TIP (multiple sites)
Grades 9–11; 3 weeks. At the Duke Marine Laboratory, qualifying students may study Coastal Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Zoology, and Oceanography. (919) 668-9100; www.tip.duke.edu/summer

Johns Hopkins University Precollege Program (MD)
Grades 10–12; 1–5 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Introduction to Biological Molecules and Introduction to Global Environmental Change. (800) 548-0548; www.jhu.edu/summer/precollege/summer

Michigan Tech Youth Programs (MI)
Grades 6–11; 1 week; residential and commuter. Through hands-on labs and classroom and field experiences, students in the Explorations Program explore Aquatic Ecology. Students in grades 9–11 may also take Great Lakes Biology. (906) 487-2219; http://youthprograms.mtu.edu/students-prospective-syp.php

Natural Resources Careers Camp (WI)
Students ages 15–18 spend six days at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point learning about careers in natural resources, including opportunities in the fields of fisheries, waters, soils, land use planning, and environmental education. Also available for students ages 15–17 is a Sea Kayak Trip to explore the beaches, wildlife, and sea caves of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. (715) 824-2428; www.uwsp.edu/cnr/cwes/summer.aspx#summer%20camp

Nature Camp (VA)
Grades 5–12; 2 weeks. In this academic camp, students choose classes on topics such as botany, ecology, entomology, and limnology. Assignments require field work in surrounding forested mountains and streams and directed research using the many resources available in the Nature Camp library. (540) 460-7897; www.naturecamp.net

North Carolina State University High School Summer Workshops (NC)
Grades 11–12; 1 week; residential. Students participate in hands-on labs, lectures, and field visits. A biological workshop is available with an Environmental emphasis. www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/high-school

Northwestern University CTD (IL)
Grades 9–12; 1 or 3 weeks; residential and commuter. Courses for qualifying students include Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Needs and Finite Resources: Environmental Policy.
(847) 491-3782; www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer

Project SMART (NH)
Grades 10 & 11; 4 weeks. In the Marine and Environmental Science Program, students learn techniques (including GPS and satellite remote sensing) to investigate environmental issues in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Under the guidance of UNH faculty, students also develop their own research projects, take a 5-day trip through the White Mountains, and participate in a poster presentation at the end of the program. (603) 862-3840; www.smart.unh.edu

Stanford University Summer Session (CA)
Grades 11 & 12; 8 or 10 weeks; residential and commuter. Course offerings include Oceanography: An Introduction to the Marine Environment. (650) 723-3109; http://summersession.stanford.edu

Stream Scholars Summer Camp (WV)
Middle and high school students; 5 days. Students explore the Appalachian watershed, conduct stream habitat assessments, measure water quality, and study bioindicators on the lower Potomac River. (304) 856-1385; www.CacaponInstitute.com

Summer at Brown Precollege Program (RI)
Grades 9–12; 1–7 weeks. Course offerings for high school students include Environmental Ethics and America and the World in the 21st Century: Challenges and Challengers. (401) 863-7900; www.brown.edu/scs/pre-college

Summer Programs at Georgetown University (DC)
Grades 10–12; 1 week; residential and commuter. Using the Anacostia River as a laboratory, students in the Environmental Studies Program study the threats to a tidal wetland ecosystem and then participate in restoration activities. (202) 687-5992; http://scs.georgetown.edu/sphs

University of California Irvine Summer Session (CA)
Grade 12; 6 weeks; commuter. Eligible students may take courses in Climate Change and Policy, Conservation Biology, Environmental Ethics, or Introduction to Ecology. (949) 824-5493; www.summer.uci.edu/services/students/highschool.aspx

University of Connecticut Mentor Connection (CT)
Grades 11 & 12; 3 weeks. Qualifying students choose a mentorship site and work closely with university mentors on research projects. 2010 projects include Environmental Data Collection and Analysis Using Geospatial Technologies. (860) 486-0283;
www.gifted.uconn.edu/mentor

University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (IA)
Grades 11 & 12; 6 weeks. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students spend approximately 40 hours per week conducting research in a discipline of interest. Research topics typically are available in Hydro-science and Environmental Engineering, among others. (800) 553-4692 x53876; http://continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/SSTP

University of Miami Summer Scholars Program (FL)
Grades 11–12; 3 weeks. Students in the Marine Science Program attend lectures, labs, and field trips in the study of Ecology of Fishes, Aquaculture, and Marine Environments of South Florida. Students must have completed high school biology and one other high school lab science course to be eligible. The Engineering Program also offers an environmental component. (800) 788-3986;
http://www6.miami.edu/summerscholar

University of Virginia Summer Session (VA)
Grades 11–12; 4 weeks; commuter. Courses for qualified students include Introduction to Oceanography, Beaches, Coasts, and Rivers, and Topics in Oceanography. (434) 924-3371;
www.virginia.edu/summer

Water Pioneers Program (KY)
Grade 10; 5 days; commuter. Eligible students study water quality issues at the University of Kentucky and then implement community service projects related to water quality. (859) 257-5874;
www.uky.edu/WaterResources/WaterPioneers.html

Water Technology and Education Camp (IL)
Grades 9–12; 1 week. Students are immersed in the engineering, science, and technology of water purification, studying river systems to nanotechnology. Activities include field testing, projects, and a week-long Water Works competition. (217) 333-2633;
http://www.watercampws.uiuc.edu/index.php?menu_item_id=44

Whale Camp (ME)
Ages 10–17; 1–3 weeks. Through field experiences, hikes, eco-tours, and classroom activities, students learn about the biology, ecology, and history of Grand Manan and the Bay of Fundy. Other available programs include Introduction to the Bay of Fundy, Authors and Artists of the Sea, and kayaking excursions. (888) 549-4425; www.whalecamp.com

Wolf Ridge Summer Academic Camp (MN)
Grades 10–12; 1, 2, 5 weeks. Students in the Freshwater Academy spend 5 weeks studying freshwater ecology and environmental ethics through projects, field research, and trips. Those in the Junior Naturalist program spend either 1 week exploring Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, or 2 weeks exploring Lake Superior’s Apostle Island National Lakeshore in this theme-based program that varies each year (2011: Lake Superior). (218) 353-7414;
www.wolf-ridge.org/programs/summer_camp

OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Earthwatch Teen Teams (multiple sites)
Volunteers aged 16 and 17 participate in these ongoing research projects run by scientists in 45 countries. Topics span a wide range of scientific study including biodiversity, endangered ecosystems, world health, and zoology. Most projects are 10–14 days long, but one-week, three-week, and weekend opportunities are also available. Sample programs include Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge, Trinidad’s Leatherback Sea Turtles, and Restoring Belize’s Reef Ecosystem. (800) 776-0188; www.earthwatch.org

Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Camps (CA)
This University of California program allows students ages 8–12 to explore coastal ecology in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains. For students in grades 9–12, the Marine Biology Research Camp on Sonoma County’s coast offers the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most richly diverse marine environments.
(510) 642-5132; www.lawrencehallofscience.org/classes/camps

National Audubon Society Camps (multiple sites)
From ornithology and herpetology research to large mammal tracking and backpacking trips, students at these camps explore the natural environments of 21 states. Programs vary by site; many programs include water studies; see website for more information. www.audubon.org/educate/cw

National Geographic Student Expeditions (multiple sites)
Students completing grades 9–12 spend from 10–20 days studying wildlife and conservation in Ecuador and the Galopagos, Costa Rica, Beliz, Tanzania, or Australia; climate and geology in Iceland; or marine biology and conservation in Monterey Bay or Bar Harbor. Participants follow a sustainable travel philosophy. (877) 877-8759; www.ngstudentexpeditions.com

Odyssey Expeditions (multiple sites)
Open to high school and college students, Odyssey’s two-, three-, and four-week voyages emphasize a detailed marine science curriculum and underwater activities designed to teach methods of collecting ecological data. Students participate in ongoing underwater ecology and coral reef research in the British Virgin Islands and also have opportunities to work on independent projects. (800) 929-7749; www.odysseyexpeditions.org

Outward Bound (multiple sites)
Courses emphasize self-reliance and teamwork on adventures such as sailing in the Florida Keys or whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Courses range in length from one week to an entire semester for students ages 12 and up. (866) 467-7651; www.outwardbound.org

Trailside Discovery (AK)
Students ages 4–16 slog through bogs, taste-test wild edible plants, and explore a watershed or a forest as they learn about Alaska’s wilderness. Those ages 14–16 choose a 1-week eco-challenge adventure, either backpacking across Denali State Park or kayaking in Kachemak Bay. (907) 274-5437); www.akcenter.org

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (RI)
Grades 9–12; 2 weeks. Students live outdoors on Narragansett Bay as they study sustainable development and field ecology. Focal issues change each year. Past topics include Large-scale Energy Issues in the US, and Impacts of Aquaculture on the Bay.
(401)863-7900; www.brown.edu/scs/pre-college/leadership

Green River Expeditions (NC)
Grades 9–12; 14 or 18 days. Students with an interest in low-impact camping, wilderness safety, and natural science may choose from expeditions in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where they focus on Earth living skills, nature crafts, and primitive outdoor cooking; or the Outer Banks, to focus on fishing, clamming, and shell hunting. Leadership skills are emphasized. (828)698-8828; www.greenriverpreserve.org

Northland College’s High School Environmental Leadership Program (WI)
Students in grades 11–12 spend one or two weeks exploring Lake Superior estuaries and sea caves, interacting with Ojibwe tribal elders, and camping on a weekend expedition. (800) 753-1840; www.northland.edu/wildcareers.htm

WEB SITES

All About Water
Learn about water treatment alternatives, bottled water, water facts, the perils of chlorine, and more.
www.allaboutwater.org

American Rivers
Find out which are America’s most endangered rivers, investigate rivers in your region, and learn how to help the rivers in your community.
www.americanrivers.org

Bureau of Reclamation: Lower Colorado Region-Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam: the story; the questions; the answers; the website.
www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam

Census of Marine Life
Here you’ll find a consuming array of information on the earth’s oceans, including photographs taken during the 10-year-long Census of Marine Life. Stunning!
www.coml.org

Circle of Blue
This site provides the latest water news, from water-borne illness status to water-related technological advances and worldwide water issues.
www.circleofblue.org/waternews

Drop in the Bucket
The goal of this organization is to provide water and sanitation to children in Africa. Learn the facts and find out how you can help.
www.dropinthebucket.org/Content/water-facts

Earthguide
Check your EQ with an environmental quiz, explore careers in the environment, and read the latest news accounts on environmental issues at this educational site from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
http://earthguide.ucsd.edu

Environmental Literacy Council
Read all about it—water, that is—at this site that features online resources, water-related laws and treaties, and information for students and teachers.
www.enviroliteracy.org/category.php/14.html

Environmental Protection Agency
Here you can explore a wide range of water-related topics, including lakes, beaches, technologies, wastewater, wetlands, and much more.
http://water.epa.gov

International Rivers
International Rivers is an organization that opposes the construction of destructive dams on rivers and supports communities affected by dams. Explore dams and hydroelectricity through slideshows, videos or other resources to learn about why there is opposition to large dams, the expense of hydroelectricity, the lack of local jobs produced when a dam is being built in a developing country, and the number of people displaced by dams.
www.internationalrivers.org

International Water Management Institute
This international research center focuses on improving water resources for food, work, and the environment. Their site contains lists of research projects and publications, as well as water maps, databases, and more.
www.iwmi.cgiar.org

Lesotho Highlands Water Project
Lesotho is a tiny landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. Its most significant natural resource is water, and its economy is based on providing water and electricity to South Africa. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project website is a window into the effects such a large water project can have on a community.
www.lhwp.org.ls/default.htm

NOAA Education Resources
Here you’ll find a two-minute animation of surface oil on the Gulf from the day the now infamous Deepwater Horizon rig caught fire, exploded and sank, to the day the leak was stopped, in "Surface Oil Movement in Gulf Animation" in the "Multimedia" menu.
www.education.noaa.gov

Ocean Leadership Institute
Check out this site for an extensive list of scholarship and internship opportunities available to students interested in the marine and ocean sciences.
www.oceanleadership.org/link/nosb/intern

OzCoasts
Here you can explore Australia’s impressive coasts and all they entail in incredible detail.
www.ozcoasts.org.au

Quintana Roo Underwater Cave Project
This site is filled with fascinating facts on over 550 miles of underwater caves off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including information on water chemistry, cave life, and environmental observations.
www.caves.org/project/qrss/qrss.htm

Smithsonian Ocean Portal
This site invites you to be the navigator as you investigate ocean science, life, and ecosystems, examine the ocean over time, and view photo essays. Breathtaking.
http://ocean.si.edu

USGS Water
Learn about the water cycle, water quality, water sampling, and much more at this site of the US Geological Survey.
http://water.usgs.gov

The UVA Bay Game
In this large-scale simulation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, you can be a farmer, policymaker, waterman, or developer, and make decisions that impact the watershed and its people.
www.virginia.edu/vpr/sustain/BayGame

Water.org
At this site you’ll find information on issues relating to accessibility of clean drinking water.
www.water.org/facts

Water for Sudan
This organization’s motto is “Drilling Wells, Transforming Lives.” Find out how you can help.
www.waterforSudan.org

Water Stories
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars created this site, which contains a graphic, up-close perspective on worldwide water challenges and solutions.
www.wilsoncenter.org/waterstories

Wetlands: Doing Your Part
The Environmental Protection Agency created this site to inform the public about their role in wetland preservation and restoration.
www.epa.gov/wetlands

What Do You Know About Water?
You might be surprised. Check out this site for a myriad of fascinating water facts.
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/water/waterfacts.html

Wild & Scenic Rivers
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress to preserve rivers with outstanding wild, scenic, or recreational value. The website includes a plethora of detailed information on River and Water Facts, a state-by-state list of rivers in the system, links to help preserve rivers in communities, and more.
www.rivers.gov

BOOKS

The Atlas of Water by Maggie Black and Jannet King (University of California Press, 2009).

Citizens of the Sea  by Nancy Knowlton (National Geographic Society, 2010).

The Hudson: America’s River by Frances F. Dunwell (Columbia University Press, 2008).

Journey into the Deep: Discovering New Ocean Creatures by Rebecca L. Johnson (Millbrook Press, 2010).

World Ocean Census: A Global Survey of Marine Life by Darlene Trew Crist, et al (Firefly Books, 2009).

Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power, & Civilization by Steven Solomon (Harper, 2010).

When the Rivers Run Dry: Water-The Defining Crisis of the Twenty-First Century, by Fred Pearce (Beacon Press, 2006).