Summer Science School

The Reserve partners with the NC Maritime Museum, located in Beaufort, to offer Summer Science School for children. The goal of the program is to offer students the opportunity to learn about the natural and maritime history of coastal North Carolina through creative, hands-on experiences.

For more detailed information about all the programs offered, or to register, download the Summer Science School brochure.

Preschool Story Time & Crafts (entering preschool) 

June 12, July 10, August 7 @ 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. 

Includes a story, estuarine critter observation and a related craft. Free admission. Advance registration required.

Seashore Life 1 (entering grades 1 & 2) 

July 8-9, August 8-9 @ 9:00 a.m. - noon

Investigate coastal marine life of the tidal flats, salt marshes and sounds on local islands on this 2-day class. Field-based classes include ferry ride, barrier island hiking and animal identification.

Seashore Life 2 (entering grades 5 & 6)

June 26-28, July 29- 31 @ 9:00 a.m. - noon

Investigate estuarine habitats, plants and animals through field and lab studies. This 3-day course includes a field trip to the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve, water quality testing, using microscopes for plankton identification and many more activities.

Maritime Adventures (entering grades 7-10)

July 22-26 @ 9:00 a.m. - noon

The staff of the NC Maritime Museum and the Rachel Carson Reserve are pairing up to create this unique camp that combines history and science to understand the local maritime environment, culture, legends and history of the coast. Topics covered will include sea monsters, plankton, cetaceans, pirates and more! Students will be asked to participate in field trips to local sites such as Beaufort’s Old Burying Ground and participate in hands-on experiments including small creature dissections and chocolate chip excavations.