"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
Click on the pictures below to learn more.
Enrollment is now closed.
Program summary: STaRS (Student Training as Research Scientists) is a year-long marine science field research training program culminating in an in-person project presentation of the research experience.
Depending on the project selected, students will conduct field work independently or with a small group. The field work will be discussed virtually as a small group with the project leader throughout the year, in preparation for the final project.
Students must be present for the final project poster presentation. This will be in person in Anacortes on a Sunday in January 2024, date/time TBD.
Student outcomes:
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Practice the scientific method,
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Obtain experience and exposure to field research tools, techniques, and marine science advisors/mentors,
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Understand how science and research can influence policy and action steps for conservation,
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Evaluate scientific literature, and
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Develop project presentation and science communication skills.
Qualifications to enroll for 2023:
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Ability to stay focused and attentive while observing in the field for 2-4 hours
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Experience in or willingness to learn public speaking
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Available for ~30 hours of at home work and ~ 50 hours of field work for the year (4-8 hours per month)
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Commitment to the in-person project presentation in Anacortes, on a Sunday in January, 2024
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Ages allowed to enroll vary based on the project (see below)
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Must be able to access a Discord channel for group communication
Timeline for STaRS 2023
January 10, 2023 @ 6:30PM - Virtual introductions
February to November 2022 Field work begins at various times depending on project, virtual check-ins throughout the year
January 2024, in-person poster presentation in Anacortes
Goals:
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Stimulate interest in a future career in the field of marine conservation science,
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Train future ocean advocates and informed citizens,
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Explore the field of science,
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Recruit and train the next generation of marine conservation scientists,
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Develop student comfort in an academic and professional setting, as well as provide resources that can ensure higher education success,
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Provide the opportunity for field research and data collection experience in marine science.
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STORMWATER STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Observing and tracking the effects of stormwater on the Salish Sea.
Students collect samples from a local Anacortes outfall or Mt. Vernon/Burlington outfall during rain events and send them to a lab.
Students evaluate results (looking for NPDES, Zinc, Lead, NWTPH-DWX-Semi Volatile Petroleum, and PAHs) and determine if there is a general correlation between vehicle numbers and water quality parameters.
Final in-person project presentation required.
Age: 13-18 years old, independent work, great for homeschool students/groups
Location: Anacortes and Mt. Vernon options
Cost: $150, scholarships available
Independent field work, land-based
These samples need to be collected during rain events and are subject to weather, so flexible schedule.
Project Leaders: Craig Olson and Amy Eberling
Program funding help from Department of Ecology
MARINE DEBRIS STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Work with a lead teacher to observe and analyze marine debris on a local beach in the Salish Sea for one year.
Students will "adopt a beach" and complete a marine debris survey once a month. These surveys help determine the types of marine debris and the rate of accumulation. Students will discuss ways to reduce the types of marine debris found during their beach surveys.
This work is an independent project that can be done on a student's own schedule, aside from the required virtual training and lessons.
Final in-person project presentation required.
Age: 6th grade and older, great for homeschool students/groups
Location: Independent field work from anywhere in the Salish Sea area, land-based
Cost: $150, scholarships available
Project Leader: Elizabeth Drozda
*If you are a student out of the area and would like to sign-up for this project/topic, we can turn this project into fresh water/marine debris study from your location.
If you are interested in completing a marine debris survey without the project commitment, we'd still love to have your help visit this page for the survey or this page to join us for our monthly survey!
FORAGE FISH STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Work with a lead teacher to observe forage fish egg patterns at a local beach on Fidalgo Island.
Students will complete a monthly 2 hour forage fish egg survey to analyze and determine the times of years and conditions that produce the greatest amount of eggs on the beach. Students determine how successful the eggs in their progression to hatching.
Students work in all weather conditions (unless a safety threat) so proper rain boots and gear is suggested.
Final in-person project presentation required.
Age: 6th grade and older, great for homeschool students/groups
Location: Fidalgo Island
Cost: $150, scholarships available
Group or independent field work, land-based
Project Leader: Trevor Derie
Assistant(s): Amy Eberling and FBAR Volunteers
Program funding help from Skagit MRC
HARBOR PORPOISE STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Work with Dr. Cindy Elliser from Pacific Mammal Research (PACMAM) to conduct an independent land-based project on harbor porpoises.
Through a combination of virtual lectures and in-person field work at the Burrows Bay field site, students will learn about the thought processes and considerations for scientific projects; from the initial question through field work to analysis and presentation. PACMAM scientists guide the scientific research process of collecting, analyzing and presenting your data.
Final in-person project presentation required.
*need a minimum of 2 students enrolled
Age: 14-17 years old, independent work, great for homeschool students/groups
Location: Virtual and Burrows Bay/WA Park
Cost: $900, scholarships available
Group and independent field work available, 2 boat-based field trips
Project Leader: Dr. Cindy Elliser, Pacific Mammal Research
Assistant: Kat MacIver, Pacific Mammal Research
Boat-based Leader(s): Amy Eberling, Amanda Colbert, Trevor Derie
ELEPHANT SEALS STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Work with a lead teacher to
learn about the local elephant seal population and observe an elephant seal that is a frequent visitor to beaches on Fidalgo Island.
Students will learn about the natural history of the Salish Sea elephant seal population, understand the importance of species conservation, and collect behavior and sightings data, and learn the importance of communicating to beach visitors when an elephant seal is present.
Final in-person project presentation required.
*need a minimum of 2 students enrolled
Age: 13-17 years old, great for homeschool students/groups
Location: Virtual + Skyline Marina/Tugboat Beach/Bowman Bay
Cost: $500, scholarships available
Independent field work after proper training, reliable opportunities to observe elephant seals on Fidalgo are during the annual molt from April-June.
Virtual Project Leader: Elizabeth Drozda
TUFTED PUFFIN STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Work with Dr. Hodum from University of Puget Sound and Oikonos in developing and implementing a boat-based marine bird survey. Dr. Hodum guides the scientific research process of collecting, analyzing and presenting student data.
Through a combination of virtual lectures and in-person field work launching from Cap Sante Marina, students learn about the thought processes and considerations that go into taking a scientific project from the initial question through field work to analysis and presentation.
Schedule is weather/water condition dependent.
*need a minimum of 3 students enrolled
Age: 14-17 years old
Location: Virtual, launch out of Cap Sante
Cost: $1800, scholarships or payment plan available @ $150 per month
Group or Independent fieldwork available
Virtual Project Leader: Dr. Peter Hodum, University of Puget Sound
Boat-based Leader(s): Amy Eberling, Amanda Colbert, Trevor Derie
Requirements: must be available after school or on Saturdays for boat-based surveys unless doing an independent project from another location.**
**If you are a student out of the area, we can turn this project into an independent land-based bird study from your location.
BIGG'S ORCA STaRS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Work with Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute, in investigating the seasonal movement patterns of Bigg’s killer whales in the Salish Sea utilizing existing data sets while also practicing data collection of your own.
This program is designed for high school students who have an interest in whales and want to explore the potential of a future career as a marine scientist. Through this year-long course, we will help you take an independent project from start to finish as you learn about reading and understanding scientific research, methods of data collection, field work, visualizing data, and presenting results.
This year-long course features monthly virtual group instruction and discussions, 5 field excursions on the water, and one-on-one mentorship and feedback as you are supported through a year-long independent project.
Age: 14-17 years old
Location: Virtual + launch out of Cap Sante Marina, 1 San Juan Island Visit (as a group using Ferry)
Cost: $1800, scholarships or payment plan available @ $150 per month
Group fieldwork + independent data analysis
5 boat trips
Virtual Project Leader: Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
Boat-based Leader(s): Amy Eberling, Amanda Colbert, Trevor Derie
*need a minimum of 3 participants enrolled
BIGG'S ORCA
