Going Where No Kids Have Gone Before

Every summer the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences’  BioNauts continue to boldy go where few kids have gone before.

Now entering its fifth year, BIOS’s Waterstart summer programme introduces young participants known as BioNauts to the many faces of oceanography — the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the oceans around Bermuda and why they are so important.

Student BioNauts and teachers alike work with BIOS scientists and staff as they learn about oceanography through field trips, lab experiments and lectures.

Topics covered include ocean circulation and currents, the composition of seawater and nutrient cycling, the relationship between marine organisms and the ocean environment, and how humans are changing the ocean.

Last summer’s theme was “Water Moves” and included a scientific outing to BIOS’ Hydrostation, 15 miles south east of Bermuda, aboard the East End research station’s research vessel “Atlantic Explorer” to collect water samples [shown above and in the video below] — as well as to witness first-hand the dramatic effects of deep sea water pressure.

Throughout the year members of BIOS’ Explorer programme – which coordinates Waterstart – and station scientists visit Bermuda schools to encourage Bermudian youngsters to become more aware of the sea around them and students and their teachers are encouraged to visit the Ferry Reach facility on field trips.

BIOS Explorer lessons include teaching children about everything from water density to graphing temperature, salinity, oxygen levels and chlorophyll amounts at various ocean depths to the environmental impact of humankind’s waste on the oceans and Bermuda’s beaches.

For more information and assistance regarding the Waterstart summer programme and BIOS educational programming please contact J.P. Skinner at 297-1880 x241 or at jp.skinner@bios.edu

#BermudaInstituteOfOceanSciences #BermudaMarine #BermudianChildren

Category: All, Environment