We focus on youth experiential learning and education because we recognize that young people are our future. Our core mission is to impart knowledge and provide experiences for youth to engage in meaningful marine science. We accomplish this through our local hands-on programming, international virtual outreach, as well as our youth expeditions. Our programs are built around students working alongside passionate marine scientists and educators in both the classroom and the field.
By bringing the ocean to the classroom through in-person education programs, OFI is able to showcase unique opportunities for students and expose them to the incredibly diverse ocean world. Our In-School Programs have been expanding student's knowledge in the areas of ocean literacy, marine biology, and conservation biology within the Boulder and St. Vrain Valley School Districts, and throughout the Front Range. Our lessons involve interactive inquiry-based experiments that help motivate and support students for success in the advancement of their education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The outreach team engages students in fun activities that demonstrate how we are all connected to the ocean, no matter where we live, while helping to inspire future leaders in marine science and conservation.
Ocean First Institute provides virtual field trip experiences all over the world. Through our many topics, including Careers in Marine Science, Sharks and Their Amazing Adaptations, Why do Hammerhead Sharks Have The Weird Head?, and Ocean Stories, we have traveled over 1 million virtual miles - reaching over 100,000 students in 4,000 classrooms, in 25 countries and 37 US states! We share the thrill of ocean discovery, and educate students about the role the ocean plays in our everyday lives and the simple things each of us can do to protect it.
Ocean First Institute works with local schools to provide an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). We provide an exciting and fun opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics. Our students build the ROVs from kits, using creativity and innovation to solve design challenges faced by real-life researchers. Previous groups have created camera attachments, collecting arms, and even new designs for the frame of the robot! Throughout the project, students learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications, as well as the importance of studying our marine ecosystems. The program culminates in an underwater pool competition, where teams compete in obstacle courses and times races.
Have an interest in marine science or exploration of the natural world? Then check out our unique summer camps for hands-on ocean adventure, right in the mountains of Colorado! Available for ages 9-14, each camp is run by staff scientists who will share their knowledge of the marine world, while instilling a sense of wonder for the ocean through interactive learning and fun!
Our youth expedition program focuses on exposing young people to the rigors of field science and the adventures of meaningful research in marine biology. Our students work alongside our marine scientist mentors in the field collecting data and experiencing some of the most majestic places and iconic wildlife possible. From kayaking with Orca, tagging turtles, to conducting photo identification on wild dolphins, our youth travel programs obliterate classroom walls and create positive experiences for young people to participate in unscripted education and adventure. Students learn life lessons and make deep friendships. We help students discover some of the greatest outdoor classrooms in the world, overcome the obstacles to reach these places, and prepare students for future study and potential science careers.
"We would like to thank you for sharing your time with us during our Marine Science class. It was a privilege and a treat to learn about sharks from an expert. Among the general public there is so much misinformation about these amazing animals, and we are grateful you were willing to share some of your knowledge with us."
Joe La Magna | New Covenant Schools, Lynchburg, Virgina.
"Thank you. My students could not stop talking about this lesson."
Lisa Dorsey | Stockbridge Elementary, Stockbridge, Georgia.
"FANTASTIC job! I will call this afternoon for our final session. I am going to record this session for future reference and promotion of your impressive program of educating students."
Cristal Bookhamer | RC Loflin Middle School, Joshua, Texas.
"Thank you again so much for talking to my class in New Zealand. They were buzzing the whole day and went home talking about everything they learnt about sharks. The city we live in is very small and so we don't have many under the sea related trips we can go on so this was just perfect."
Mel White | Hampden Street SchoolNelson, New Zealand.
"Wonderful Skype! Dr. Mikki was extremely prepared and engaging. We had over 100 third grade students, each one was actively listening to Dr. Mikki talk about how sharks survive in their habitat. I cannot wait to do this again with next years class. Thank you so much!"
Mrs. Hughes | Hilliard City School, Columbus, Ohio.
"Thank you for the amazing lesson, the girls were fascinated. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to talk and learn from a researcher, and see first-hand how exciting a career in science can actually be. I am looking forward to showing the recording of your lesson to our other biology classes and hopefully inspiring them to appreciate the biology of these amazing creatures."
Jillian Smith-White | Brigidine College St Ives, Sydney, Australia.
"Thank you so much for taking the time to Skype with us today! My students really valued your information and were thrilled to have a virtual field trip. I am already planning my next one! Thank you so much for making this a very exciting experience for my students and I do so hope we get to speak with you soon!"
Ms. Sam Westerlind | McGinnis Woods Country Day School, Alpharetta, Georgia.
