Awaken the scientist within you!  Starting in September, you will be asked to think and act like an oceanographer. Scientists observe the world around them, they take notice, are curious, ask questions, and look for deeper understanding.  More generally, as you learn about how the oceans work, you will also engage with the scientific process, and through your endeavors you will contribute to our understanding of the oceans.  

Though the scientific process must remain objective, every scientist takes notice and is curious about something that is of personal interest.  When it comes to the natural world, what are you curious about, what do you care about?  What kind of scientist will you be?  

The main point is this: the content of the collection is up to you. This modern take on an old idea of a Cabinet of Curiosities can be a ‘collection’ of news articles or screenshots of social media posts from your favorite non-profit, conservation organization. This ‘collection’ could be photos taken during a summer camping trip or you could actually collect items while visiting a beach.   Handmade elements, painting, and drawing by hand are all encouraged! 

NOTE:  If you do physically collect some natural items, be certain you collect these items in an environmentally, ethically, and socially responsible way.  Leave paradise in its place if you are visiting a protected or culturally sensitive area.  

For example, if you participate in a beach clean-up, then keep track of what you found and what you notice about the item and surroundings.  If you like birds, keep a list of your observations over the summer.   Working on a garden this summer?  You could write down what grows well under certain conditions.   Did you watch a documentary about climate change or deep ocean creatures this summer? Keep track of the questions you have afterwards and how you went about answering them.   Attach artifacts from all of these types of experiences to your poster to create your Collection of Scientific Curiosities.