YOUTH EXPEDITIONS

Upcoming South Florida Research Expedition - June 27th-July 1st, 2019

This expedition is SOLD OUT! Please check back with us for new upcoming expeditions. 

Ocean First Institute is offering an opportunity for students, ages 13-18, to participate in sea turtle and shark research in South Florida. Students will work alongside shark expert Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, and researchers from Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach and Field School in Miami. This is a fantastic way to get experience in the field to help prepare students for future study in marine science.

 

Click here for trip details. For more information or to register, please contact mikki(at)oceanfirstinstitute.org.

 

Testimonials 

"This trip changed my life. It was simply amazing.” Jack H. Middle School Student

 “Going to the Bahamas for school was truly an incredible experience. I was given the opportunity to dive with reef sharks and measure them. This was probably one of the coolest things I had ever done because before this trip I was not very fond of the idea of being with lots of sharks. But as I got in the water, I realized that the sharks were not out to get you, but really just go on with their lives. I now have no problem getting in the water with the sharks and just think of it as a normal part of diving.” Davis E. Middle School Student

“At first looking from the surface at a shark, I saw a deadly beast. This is the unfortunate stereotype that sharks have. Once I had the experience to dive with sharks, I realized they are very friendly, safe, curious and playful creatures. The best part about my trip was learning that sharks are not a threat, they are our friends.” Will M. Middle School Student

"Our program has greatly benefited from our partnership with Ocean First Institute. The Institute brings a wealth of experience and great passion to its interactions with students. Our students enjoyed learning about marine ecology through the lens of Dr. McComb-Kobza's research on shark physiology. Our partnership with Ocean First Institute culminated in a multi-day trip to Grand Cayman where our advanced students participated in fish surveys with REEFS.org under the guidance of Dr. Mikki. Not only did the trip provide our students with the opportunity to contribute their skills to a citizen science project, but it helped to foster our students' developing awareness of the perils facing the ocean today and their commitment to serving as ambassadors for our embattled ocean ecosystems." Chrissy Frederick, Kent Denver Science Teacher

 

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.