NESS marine science labs and extensive fleet of watercraft support our unique, hands-on ocean adventure programs. We provide direct access to pristine brackish water ecosystems, including rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and salt marshes. Work with us to customize a field expedition program for up to 60 students with marine science, adventure sports, and/or sailing options that coordinate with your curriculum. Field expeditions can include any combination of classes as well as three rotating options. Our most popular rotation includes sailing, kayaking, and marine science (plankton lab, touch tanks, exploring local tide pools).

1. Plankton: Plankton play a vital role in life on Earth. Students discover the importance of plankton, use technology in real-time to observe plankton features, and use the engineering design process to build their own species and put it to the test.

2. Marine Mammals: Marine mammals live mysterious lives in the deepest and most remote parts of the Earth. They adapted to survive in the most extreme conditions. Experiment with the methods mammals use to keep warm in cold environments, communicate underwater, and dive deep to hunt for food. Compare mammal skulls to determine differences between marine and terrestrial species. For added adventure, explore the internal and external anatomy of Lucy, the 47′ life-size inflatable whale!

3. SONAR Sailing Sy-STEMs: Jump aboard one of our 23′ Sonar Sailboats and discover the science of sailing. Students learn to work as a team while a NESS educator teaches the basics about how a boat works, why we need wind, and what simple machines are involved in propulsion. Sail safely around our harbor while making keen observations during this wonderful sailing experience.