This program takes full advantage of our location on the coast in Boston. Wellesley is only a commuter rail ride away from ships departing for the Boston Harbor Islands. Students study high and low tides, venture into rivers and streams, and explore the various New England habitats.
A trained marine biologist leads our program and creates a custom aquarium with discoveries from his SCUBA dives on campus in Wellesley, so bad weather conditions never hold the class back. Students engage in proprietary activities that other marine biology programs for high school students rarely include. This is the perfect option for students who have outgrown the typical summer camp but don’t want to spend the summer in a lab.
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens.
Marine Biology students measure the impact of ocean temperature and ocean acidification on the growth of seaweed and marine animals while on the Boston Harbor Islands. They will venture out to survey the rocky shores of Georges Island, and document the invasive species fouling the dock pilings.
This program is going fast – apply today. You can receive updates by joining our mailing list.
First-hand research opportunities start with exploration of a saltwater aquarium in the classroom. Our instructor, Steve Smith, is a certified SCUBA diver packs the aquarium with saltwater plants and sea creatures that he collects on dives (and releases after the program is over). The aquarium is definitely worth the effort, as it provides an endless source of entertainment and education for the students. Steve has been known to drop by Quincy Market to collect rare and unusual fish. Students first make images of the fish on butcher paper and on t-shirts using Gyotaku, a Japanese art form. Students then dissect the fish, comparing and contrasting the anatomy of fish that are bottom dwellers versus not and so on.
July 14 - August 1, 2025 | Olin College, Needham, MA
