About the Course
Ninety-four percent of life on Earth is aquatic, yet we have only explored 5 percent of the planet's oceans. Marine ecologists aim to reduce this knowledge gap while using biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography, and meteorology to study oceans and the hundreds of thousands of known species that live below their surface. In this field science course, we'll learn the geography of ocean floors, and the physical and chemical properties of ocean water; visit local habitats to collect and test water samples and examine microscopic organisms; and explore how the slightest changes in salinity and temperature can impact entire species. We'll conduct field observations and dissections in the lab, and observe and analyze plants and animals and the adaptations that allow them to live underwater. Field experiences may include an aquarium trip, visits from marine life experts, or a boat excursion in local waters. The course ends with an analysis of human impact and how to protect marine ecosystems now and in the future.
Typical Class Size: 14-16
Learning Objectives
- Prove that marine ecosystems involve a synergistic physical system of interrelated phenomena governed by the physical sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, geography, meteorology) by providing evidence, and/or data
- Show the effects of the geography of ocean floors on ocean currents, marine life, and weather patterns
- Analyze environmental data to construct an argument demonstrating that ocean currents are driven by differences in temperature, density and atmospheric circulation that serve to regulate the temperature of the earth
- Test physical and chemical properties of water sources in the local community and report on the results, including background information of the water source, visual representations of the data, suggested future testing, and/or remediation of the water source
- Produce a short, high-impact public service announcement on the fragility of marine ecosystems as it pertains to salinity, temperature, and its impact on entire marine species, highlighting one specific species
- Maintain a laboratory notebook of scientific observations to include field observations with detailed, visual representations of the field location, questions to research about the location, proposed field research to address a question, data collection related to the question, analysis of the data, and other resources to draw conclusions about the questions
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 5, 2026
Filling up fast! 3 spots left
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab and field trip fee of $499.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Earth's Ocean, Lakes, Rivers & Wetlands, by Cathryn Berger Kaye and Philippe Cousteau
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 5, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab and field trip fee of $499.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Earth's Ocean, Lakes, Rivers & Wetlands, by Cathryn Berger Kaye and Philippe Cousteau
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid