Just 4 Students

 

Students, this page is all yours. If you've got a thing for marine biology, you've come to the right place. You can learn more about becoming a marine biologist, get involved with the Aquarium as a volunteer or disembark on one of our Web Ed-Ventures to investigate the Case of the Disappearing Frogs or discover how sharks have been scientifically proven cooler than dolphins. It's all here to explore.

Don't forget to check out the Education Event Calendar for upcoming marine biological happenings. You might find something right up your alley.

Careers in Marine Biology

   

What do you have to do to become a marine biologist? It's a tricky question. There isn't just one kind of marine biologist. Some might do research, some might work for state or federal fish and wildlife departments or an environmental organization. Others write or teach about marine biology. Still others take photographs or make nature documentaries. What kind of marine biologist do you want to be? How do you find out?

Job Shadows

Third Wednesday of the month October- end of May
Animal husbandry job shadow opportunities to high school juniors and seniors are offered third Wednesday of each month. Available areas include: marine mammal keeper, seabird keeper, fish and invertebrate keeper and life support technician (water systems). Each area offers one student a chance to spend a morning to see how Aquarium keepers take care of our animals and what their jobs are like. Free, but availability is very limited.

Call (541) 867-3474 ext. 5312 or email Youth Program Coordinator for more information.

Download our updated job shadow flyer

 

Youth Volunteer Program

 

     Youth Volunteer Kyle Krumsick

Year around
Teens 14-17 years old can join the youth volunteer program and further their love for marine life. Youth volunteers teach Aquarium visitors about marine mammals, sharks and their relatives, seabirds and those fantastic, spineless wonders called invertebrates. Further opportunities in the program include animal care responsibilities, Aquarium membership, team projects and fun activities. Training is offered twice a year, at the beginning of summer and during the fall. Join the team and wow visitors with the wet and wild wonders of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

“A great place where I’ve met and talked to good people. It’s a great place to learn about marine life. The Aquarium is a cool place!” – Mike Waite (age 14)

“It’s so fun to see the little kids light up when you teach them something. Sometimes they pull their parents over to show them what they learned.” – Martha Smith (age 15)

“The Aquarium is a wonderful place. Volunteering here has taught me a lot!” – Sarai Forson (age 15)

Call (541) 867-3474 ext. 5312 or email Youth Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Web Ed-ventures

The more you learn about marine biology, the more you realize how little you know. There's always something new and fascinating to discover just over the next wave. Disembark on one of our Web Ed-Ventures and discover what you can learn on a variety of aquatic and marine topics. Click on the graphic to head for our disembarkation port or just hop directly aboard one of the Ed-Ventures listed below.

Seahorse Surreal
Central Shark
Anadromy in 6 Easy Step
Those That Sting
Case of the Disappearing Frogs
Seals and Sea Lions

Ask the Aquarium

If you've got questions about marine biology, we can help. We get questions everyday from curious visitors and students just like you. We get so many that sometimes we can't answer every one. We also don't want to rob you of the exhilarating experience of research and discovery. So to give your question the best possible chance of being answered, keep in mind the following guidelines:

Be specific! We get a lot of inquiries that go like this, "Hi, I'm doing a report on ____. Please send me everything you have about _____." Make sure you've already been to the library and done as much research as you can. Send us those tricky questions you just can't seem to find the answer for. That's our specialty.

Be early! If your report is due the day after tomorrow, it's unlikely the busy education staff will be able to get back to you in time. Feel free to let us know when you need the information, though. Questions with no deadline might end up on the back burner. If you need to schedule an interview with a marine biologist, it's a good idea to contact us first to set up an appointment. One of our staff might be able to talk to you the same day, but we can't guarantee it.

Be salty! Your questions should be on marine (or at least watery) subjects. Questions about antelope or the Oregon state bird are probably better directed elsewhere.

If your questions meet the guidelines...bring 'em on! Just try and stump us. If you do, you'll win coveted chump-stumpin' points--redeemable for high self-esteem and/or unrestricted bragging rights.