2022 Library Programs
The theme for the NJ State Library Summer reading program this year is “Ocean of Possibilities”. To help celebrate, the Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences here at Rutgers has partnered with the Department of Youth Development to provide several programs for the public. Programs will be taught by faculty, graduate students, and/or education professionals here at Rutgers.
Oceans of Possibilities Speakers Bureau
You can request a community presentation or talk from one of our faculty on a wide variety of topics. These talks are designed for community members and families. Once you fill out the inquiry form below, we will be in touch with which speakers are available based on your request.
Ocean Science Programs for Youth Grades K-4
- Limit 20 kids per program, designed for grades K-4
- $175/program, includes instruction and supplies
- Includes a 90 minute session
Ocean Waves & Currents
Learners will explore what makes the ocean move through hands on activities and demonstrations from a Rutgers University scientist. Youth will enjoy story time reading, 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 drift in the ocean at the mercy of the ocean currents. Whatever their size, they must avoid sinking too deep and must stay in the sunlit layers of the ocean. Youth will explore an incredible array of unique adaptations that help they avoid sinking and engage in a fun contest to design the slowest sinking plankton. Youth will enjoy story time reading Sea Soup: Phytoplankton and will explore pictures of real ocean drifters and will take home their plankton
Sand Laboratory
Learners explore sand from around the U.S. using hand lens and microscopes. Youth will enjoy a story time reading of the “The Sights that Sand has Seen” the story of Sandy the sand grain and her evolutionary journey from the mountains to the sea and take home their sand sample card.
Ocean Science Programs for Youth Grades 5-8
- Limit 20 kids per program, designed for grades 5-8
- $300/program, includes bus visit, instruction and supplies
- Options include up to 3 x 90-minute sessions or 4 x 75-minute sessions
Come Aboard the Rutgers Science Explorer
Why are there dead fish? Youth delve into an investigation of New Jersey marine ecology; understanding the animals, habitat and environmental issues of the Raritan Bay and surrounding areas. Join Rutgers scientists aboard our mobile and explore food webs, water quality and the human impact effects as students look into the causes of a hypothetical fish kill event and discuss solutions.