Whale Erupts in a Spray of Water: Spectacle Caused by Giant Marine Mammal
The TRIO Upward Bound Summer Learning program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography recently concluded, offering a unique and immersive experience for 22 high school seniors from northern San Diego County. This STEM-focused educational initiative is designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, tangible applications of what they learn.
The program, hosted by our organisation at UC San Diego, included science experiments, lab tours, and beach exploration. For a month, the students lived near the Scripps campus and engaged in STEM curricula, including chemistry, physics, and history.
The goal of the TRIO Upward Bound program at Scripps was to expose students to STEM careers and majors, particularly in marine and environmental sciences. To achieve this, the students interacted with Scripps graduate students who are pursuing careers in science. These interactions provided valuable insights into potential future careers in STEM fields.
One of the highlights of the program was an excursion to the rocky tide pools, led by Scripps graduate student Mike Navarro. Navarro, a research scientist, spoke about his career and encouraged the students to view themselves as scientists for the day.
Another memorable event was a simulated volcanic eruption led by Scripps graduate student Geoff Cromwell. Cromwell specializes in marine geology, with a focus on volcanoes and their history. The students had the opportunity to learn about deep-sea creatures, collect plankton samples, measure carbon in the lab, study ancient ice cores, and examine marine fossils.
These immersive experiences create a supportive learning environment that encourages academic growth and inspires interest in STEM careers. The partnerships with graduate students and the focus on real-world scientific collaboration are key aspects of the program.
The TRIO Upward Bound program at Scripps Oceanography supports low-income high school students in postsecondary education. By providing these students with opportunities to engage in STEM, the program is helping to prepare them for college and careers in STEM fields.
In conclusion, the TRIO Upward Bound Summer Learning program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers a valuable opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in STEM, gain real-world insights into potential careers, and foster a love for marine and environmental sciences.
The TRIO Upward Bound Summer Learning program, while focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), also provides an avenue for education and self-development through immersive experiences. These experiences, catered by Scripps graduate students, are designed to inspire learning and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM, particularly in marine and environmental sciences.
