Student Day

Although the general public is welcomed, this day is specifically designed for educators and organizations to bring students to talk to scientists, operate an ROV, learn about ocean mapping, ocean acoustics and check out the 3D visualization lab. Students will get their hands wet while exploring our ecosytems and touching live sea creatures. This event is FREE. 

Ocean Discovery Day Volunte with student and horseshoe crab

 

When

Friday, October 4, 2024

Where

UNH Jere A. Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory*
24 Colovos Road
Durham, NH 03824

*Parking is not available at the event location on Oct 20. Parking information will be updated below when it becomes available.

Registration is now CLOSED

Thank you for your interest in Student Day. This year's waitlist is so extensive that we can no longer accept waitlist requests.
Feel free to visit us for our  Public Open House when we will repeat the program to the general public. We look forward to seeing you!

Event Information

Please note some of the information reflects information for Ocean Discovery Day 2023. This is for reference only and will be updated when new information is received. 

     
  3-D Topography Sandbox - Possibly the coolest sandbox ever! You can "move mountains" with our 3D topography sandbox. Every hill, valley, or mountain you create in the sand will automatically change color to match its new "elevation" – and it's all projected on the screen!  
  Aquaculture – Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is a self-contained aquaculture system that allows multiple species to grow at the same time within a single floating structure. “Multi-trophic” refers to levels of a food web. Each of the different species in the IMTA system provides a benefit to the others: Steelhead trout, blue mussels, kelp and dulse. Find out why aquaculture is important to the local economy  
 

Autonomous Surface Vehicles – These unmanned surface vehicles play a vital role in collecting data for our researchers.

 
  Blue Ocean Society – Come meet Ladder the life size inflatable whale and learn about local efforts to collect marine debris and protect our marine mammals.  
  Character Corner – You and your friends can take a selfie with Will the Krill in our Character Corner. Post #UNHOCEAN  
  Coastal Bathymetry Survey System (CBASS) – This modified jet ski is used to help measure our coastal shores.  
  Deep Ocean Exploration SeaPerch Program – Drive a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV).  
  Does it Float – Buoyancy – What makes some objects floats and others sink?  
 

Estuaries - Estuaries occur where "rivers meet the sea." They provide critical wildlife habitat, nurseries for many marine species, buffering from coastal flooding, recreational enjoyment, and safe harbor for marine commerce and the maritime industry. New Hampshire is home to two major estuaries: the Great Bay Estuary and the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary.

 
  Fish Printing – Creating art with fish!  
  Lobsters! Have you ever measured a lobster? How about banding a lobster? Give both a try at this exhibit!  
  Knot Tying - Proper knot tying it critical for research vessel safety. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at knot tying.  
  Mapping the Sea Floor – Over 70% of the earth is covered by water, yet on 10% of it is mapped. Find out how UNH scientists are mapping the ocean floors and why.  
  Marine Careers - Thinking about a career in marine science and ocean engineering? Visit this tent to learn about educational and career opportunities.  
  Marine Genomics - Using household items, extract DNA from strawberries!  
  Marine Mammals Program – Ever wonder how a whale stays warm in the fridge ocean waters or how long is a humpback whale? Visit the Marine Mammals table to find the answers to both questions and more!  
  Ocean Acoustics - Participants will have an opportunity to hear the different sounds of animals as they interact in their underwater environment.  
  Ocean Exploration through Telepresence – Find out how researchers are remotely exploring the ocean.  
  Ocean Visualization – Researchers collect and data this data is transferred into advanced visualization tools through the “VisLab”.  
  Oil Flume Demonstrations - See live demonstrations on how oil is dispersed in the water column and learn how UNH researchers help with oil spill recovery.  
  Oyster and Green Crab Behaviors - How do oysters and green crabs interact together?  
  Plate Tectonics – Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of seven large plates and the movements of smaller plates. What happens when these plates move?  
  Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) – PREP is working to help keep our estuaries healthy. Learn how.  
  Rocky Shore/Marine Touch Tank - What creatures might you find in the inter tidal zones? Have an opportunity to see and touch those creatures.  
  Salt Marsh Restoration - With sea levels rising and storm activities on the rise, protecting our coastal salt marshes is more important than ever.  
  SCUBA – SCUBA equipment demos.  
  Seacoast Science Center - What should you do if you spot a seal or other marine mammal on the beach? Our partners from The Seacoast Science Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team know the answers and will share with you at Ocean Discovery Day!  
  Shoals Marine Laboratory – Educational opportunities on Appledore Island!  
  Squid Dissection – Dissect a squid! This is a popular activity that takes approximately 30 minutes. Dissections will take place every 40 minutes beginning at 8:45 a.m. and will continue until we run out of squid! Participants can expect to wait in line for the activity. Place holding is not allowed.  
  Tagging and Decoding Animal Movements - The Furey Fish and Movement Ecology Lab will demonstrate methods for tracking animal movement, both underwater (fish) and in the air (birds) with telemetry tags and receivers.  
  Tidal Engery and Machine Design - Learn how large turbines are used to create tidal energy.  
  Underwater Robotics w/UNH's ROV and ASV Teams – UNH students design and construct their own underwater remotely operated vehicles.  
  UNH Research Vessels – R/V Challenger and R/V Gulf Surveyor – Research vessels are an important tool to marine scientists. Learn the different ways vessels are to conduct marine research.  
  Weather Forecasting/Visualization – Check out the interactive weather forecasting map.  
  Water Characteristics  
  Wine Turbines - Floating wind turbines are used offshore to generate electricity. These turbines are enormous! We have a scaled model for you to see as you learn more about offshore wind energy.  

And so much more!

Color map of ODD 2023.

Color program of ODD 2023 Student Day.

  • Ocean Discovery is designed as a self-guided tour. Plan on approximately 2 ½-3 hours to complete. This event takes place both inside and outside. Please be prepared for the weather.

  • A program list is available on the website. Please note, the program is accurate at the time of posting, but may change prior to the event. Programs and maps will be available at the information tent the day of the event.

  • Most activities are open activities without scheduled times.
  • Upon arrival, a school representative should proceed to the information tent to check-in. Each school will be asked to provide an on-site emergency contact name and phone number. Programs and maps will be distributed to the representative.

  • Larger groups should be divided into groups of eight or less.

  • We recommend that students arrive with name tags containing both the student’s name and the school’s name.

  • The Jere A. Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory is a working research facility. Therefore it is important that students are accompanied by an adult at all times. Unaccompanied students will be accompanied to the information tent.

  • The Laboratory houses two large tanks. Under no circumstances are individuals allowed to sit or stand upon the walls of the tanks. Individuals are not allowed on the pool deck without a life jacket. Life jackets are available at the tank. Individuals violating these rules will be asked to leave the premises. 

  • A note about squid dissecting - this activity takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. The activity will be offered on the half hour and limited space is available at each session. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • This is a rain or shine event, so please dress accordingly.

  • Ample restroom facilities will be available.

  • A concession stand will be available with light snacks and beverages. Cash only. Food will be available within walking distance. For more information, please visit the UNH Dining website.

  • An unsecured area will be provided with limited storage of back packs. This is an unsecured location and will not be monitored by event staff. UNH will not be held responsible for items left in this area. 

Special Accommodations and ADA Parking

Those needing reasonable accommodations including ADA parking should contact the Marine School office at marine.information@unh.edu or (603) 862-2959.

Instructions for schools arriving by bus

The Bus drop-off and pick-up location is at the corner of South Drive and Colovos Road. Bus parking information will be available soon.

  • From Route 4 take Main Street to rotary. Take the second exit off rotary and continue onto Main Street. At next light take right onto College Road. Take right onto South Drive (past fire station and F lot). At next stop sign, proceed straight into Gregg Hall Parking lot. Registration table will be on your left.
  • From downtown Durham, go east on Main Street to College Road. Take left onto College Road. Take right onto South Drive (past fire station and F Lot). At next stop sign, proceed straight into Gregg Hall Parking lot. Registration table will be on your left.
  • Buses can park in the Moiles Lot located on Mast Road. From the drop off location, proceed through the parking lot. At the stop sign go left onto Colovos Road. Take the next left onto Stadium Drive. Proceed behind the stadium. At the rotary take third exit onto Main Street. Take next right onto Mast Road. Moiles Lot will be on your right.

  •  Volunteers will be available at the drop off location to provide assistance as needed. Individuals with mobility concerns should contact marine.information@unh.edu or (603) 862-2959.

Parking instructions for those arriving by car 

Please note that parking at the event site is not available. All participants must park in visitor parking located throughout the campus. We recommend that participants park in the Campus Crossing lot where 200 parking spaces are available. Please reference the Visiting Parking website for locations and lot specific restrictions. The parking fee is $1.75 per hour. Please use the Pay & Display kiosks located at the Parking and Transit Center. A parking permit must be displayed on your vehicle’s dash board. Vehicles not displaying a permit on the dash will be ticketed. Credit cards or coin accepted, no bills.

Those needing reasonable accommodations including ADA parking should contact the Marine School office at marine.information@unh.edu or (603) 862-2959.

Registration for this event is full. Please visit us at Public Open House 2023 when we host the same event for the public.

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