The opening of the Coastal Studies Institute’s state-of-the-art research and education campus on Roanoke Island in December of 2012 has provided many new opportunities for science education on the Outer Banks. The K-12 programs utilize the location of the campus on the Croatan Sound, and students work in the science labs and teaching spaces within the facility.  Students will use some of the same scientific processes and equipment that our researchers and scientists use while studying the coastal processes of northeastern North Carolina.

CSI currently has program offerings for upper elementary through high school-age students. Many of the programs can also be adapted for additional ages. Please email Lauren Kerlin or call 252-475-5451 with any questions or to schedule a program.  There is a $12 (lab/classroom program) $24 (boat program) per person programmatic fee for each program which must be paid in advance of the program.

Changing Shorelines

This program, which aligns with NC science standards CX.2.2, 8.P.1, I.1.5, I.1.6, I.1.7, I.1.8, I.1.9, I.1.10, and EC.8.G.1.4, allows students to critically engage with the costs and benefits of shoreline stabilization. Students will investigate what makes certain areas more suited to certain stabilization techniques, as well as think about the potential impacts of implementation on the surrounding ecosystem.

Oyster Ecosystems

This program meets NC science standards 2.1, Bio.2.2, Bio.3.5, EEn.2.2, and EEn.2.4, and it highlights the important role oysters play in the Albemarle-Pamlico. Students will explore an oyster clump straight from the Croatan Sound to identify microorganisms, measure oyster growth, and better understand the biological relationships on an oyster reef.

Electric Currents & Energizing Waves

This program demonstrates the potential sources of renewable energy in the ocean and meets NC science standards PSc.3.1, PSc.3.2, PSc.3.3, EEn.2.8, Phy.2.1, Phy.2.2, Phy.2.3, and Phy.3.2. Students will learn about basic oceanography and electricity principles before crafting their own model wave energy converter.

Sustainable Coastal Communities

In this program, students will design their own communities, giving attention to the importance of preserving fragile natural resources and valuable cultural heritage, all while promoting economic growth on the Outer Banks. The program meets NC science standards L.2, 5.E.1, 6.E.2, 8.E.1, Bio.2.1, Bio.2.2, EEn.2.2, EEn.2.4, EEn.2.7, and EEn.2.8.

On-The-Water Boat Program

Board the USCG-certified Discovery for a two-hour program in which students will explore the estuary and learn first-hand about its habitats and their importance. The trip includes a visit to a nearby island where students will collect marine organisms and explore diverse estuarine habitats while learning about water quality and ways to protect these valuable nurseries.