Students Experience a Day of Science at the Beach

On May 17th and 18th, Clean Ocean Action welcomed 28 middle schools from central and northern New Jersey to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook for the 35th Annual Spring Student Summit! Over 700 middle school students, teachers, and chaperones experienced hands-on marine environmental education by participating in environmental roundtables and interactive field trips. Some of the environmental learning activities included identifying invertebrates, exploring the impact of debris on marine life, properly handling horseshoe crabs, and more! 

A student picks up a horseshoe crab for the first time!

High school students from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) served as peer teachers at workstations and on field trips, passing along what they’ve learned in the classroom to younger students. In addition, local naturalists and marine education professionals led students in field activities throughout the park. Field trips included river seining, coastal scavenger hunts, birding, and many more!
Clean Ocean Action’s Student Summits have expanded learning beyond the classroom for thousands of middle school students across New Jersey for 35 years. We extend waves of thanks to our sponsors at John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, and to Eloise & John Pound in memory of Anne Inman Webster.