MISSION: to engage motivated teenagers in an advanced program of marine science and restoration work that teaches the scientific process and develops skills valuable for higher education.
INTRODUCTION: Waterstart Ltd. is a Bermudian not-for-profit company and registered charity. Since inception in 2000, Waterstart has run more than 20 outdoor educational programs for teenagers, providing opportunities for ecological education, the development of aquatic skills and the building of bridges between diverse sectors of the community. A scholarship fund has ensured that the program is accessible for Bermudian students regardless of their financial means.
The Marine Science Internship was introduced in Summer 2005 as a joint project of Waterstart and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. This program provides the opportunity for participants to spend one or two weeks working with scientists on research and monitoring projects of significant importance to the local environment.
CURRICULUM and PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Students are engaged in inquiry-based activities requiring collaboration within teams, the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, and the use of computers for reporting. The programs emphasize the development of aquatic skills, an increase in understanding about natural processes and the scientific method, and the necessity of teamwork and cooperation to achieve a common goal.
- Through hands-on activities, students increase their understanding about the scientific method, their knowledge of ecological research techniques and their ability to identify marine species.
- Students conduct their own mini research project to investigate an aspect of a near-shore or deep-ocean ecosystem, and present their project to the group.
- Students have the opportunity to advance their PADI diving qualifications.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: To ensure a diverse student body, we have a scholarship program that provides financial aid to local (Bermudian) students. This program has been very successful at building positive bridges between sectors of the local community, and we encourage any families that are able to contribute to a full or partial scholarship for a needy family.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: U.S. and other international students are welcomed and it is our goal to ensure that there is a diverse student body at each program. It is possible for international students to arrive the evening before their program and leave the day after (i.e.: arrive on Sunday and leave the following Saturday). It is also possible for international students to take two programs back to back, and we will arrange a home-stay with a local family for the weekend between programs. There is a charge of $135 per night for any extra nights, which includes accommodation, all meals, facilities fees and supervision. There is no charge for a home-stay if a student signs up for two programs back to back.
2008 THEME:
"Island Invasion: 400 Years of Change"
This year the "BioNauts" (Marine Science Interns) will be working with Host Researchers to study the way Bermuda has changed since colonization, addressing issues including:
- Invasive plants and animals
- The "Lionfish Explosion"
- Shipwrecks and coral damage
- Fish and bird population changes
Our host researchers will include coral biologists and ecologists investigating the fate of the ecosystems on our oceanic island home.
PROGRAM DATES and DETAILS:
July 21 - 25
Aug 18 - 22
Aug 25 - 29
Programs run from Monday to Friday, with 4 nights in residence at BIOS. Drop off is at BIOS reception area at 9:00am on the Monday. Pick up is at 4:00pm at the same location. There is 24-hour supervision by trained staff who lead the science activities, teach labs and supervise students during evening activities. Accommodation is in BIOS's dormitories (two or three to a room, single sex) and meals are at BIOS' cafeteria.
TUITION AND APPLICATION: Tuition for a one-week Marine Science Internship in 2008 is $1,510.00. This includes room and board for 4 nights / 5 days, all supervision and instruction, all equipment and scuba materials, boat trips, and transportation during the program. Not included is airfare (if necessary), additional nights accommodation and transfers to BIOS from the airport.
Please contact JP Skinner (Program Director) for more details, or see our webpage at:
http://www.bios.edu/education/k_12/waterstart.html
