Youth Programs at Local Libraries Across New Jersey!
The Department of Marine and Coastal Science is proud to partner with the Department of Youth Development to bring engaging and educational programs to youth in grades K–8 at public libraries throughout New Jersey.
These programs are designed to spark curiosity, foster learning, and connect young minds with the wonders of marine and coastal science—all in a fun and accessible way. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, we invite you to explore these enriching opportunities for the children in your life.
If you’re interested in learning more, hosting a program, or have questions about upcoming events, please fill out our inquiry form. We’d love to hear from you and help bring these experiences to your community!
Program Offerings
For Youth Grades 5-8
- Engineering and Design Ocean Robot Test Tank
- Host an Ocean Expedition Board Game Night
- Ocean Communicator Matching Game
For Youth Grades K-4
- Ocean Waves & Currents
- The Great Plankton Race
- Sand Laboratory
Engineering and Design Ocean Robot Test Tank
Learn how to “ballast” their ocean robot by adding weights to replicate the sinking and floating behavior of a real ocean robot. Youth will investigate data collected by ocean robots and learn about the value of ocean exploration.
Host an Ocean Expedition Board Game Night
Ocean Expedition is a board game where youth navigate their ocean robot around the world while learning key ocean concepts. Topics include aquaculture, climate change, innovation, human impact and the ocean ecosystem. The game also includes Augmented Reality (AR) components!
Ocean Communicator Matching Game
Young people investigate challenges that ocean scientists, engineers and technologists are currently addressing. They will design and advocate for innovations and technical solutions that inspire public action.
Ocean Waves & Currents
Learners will explore what makes the ocean move through hands-on activities and demonstrations from a Rutgers University scientist. They will also enjoy story time reading with My Life with the Wave by Catherine Cowen and receive instructions on how to create a wave in a bottle to do at home.
The Great Plankton Race
Learners will explore the tiny plants and animals that must drift in the ocean at just the right depth to survive, all while being at the mercy of the ocean currents. Youth will explore an incredible array of unique adaptations that help them avoid sinking and engage in a fun contest to design the slowest sinking plankton in this program’s hands-on activity. Youth will also enjoy story time reading Sea Soup: Phytoplankton and will explore pictures of real ocean drifters.
Sand Laboratory
Learners explore sand from around the U.S. using hand lens and microscopes, creating their own sand sample card they can keep. Youth will also enjoy a story time reading of The Sights that Sand has Seen, the story of Sandy the sand grain and her evolutionary journey from the mountains to the sea.