Environmental Research
provides the basis for all of the Academy's educational initiatives, and many Academy scientists are known for their ability to share their insights and expertise with the public at large. Many aquatic research projects, such as the Manatawney Dam Removal, involve a wide range of stakeholders with different opinions about what should be done. In such cases, researchers try to offer an unbiased look at the science behind the issue through public meetings, media interviews, and non-technical research reports. Such efforts often help dispell misconceptions and myths.

When it comes to higher education, the Academy's library and collections have been essential resources to thousands of students over the years. A long tradition of Academy scientists as adjunct professors at nearby universities such as the University of Pennsyvania, Drexel University, and Philadelphia University continues today. A ten week summer program of undergraduate internships offers students the opportunity to work on a project with a senior scientist and experience a broad array of research activities, including field trips, workshops, and seminars.

The Academy
also offers unique opportunities for underserved high school students to learn about the scientific method and work on specific projects under the supervision of research staff. SEEC (Science Enrichment Expansion Curriculum, based in Philadelphia) and SEINE (Student Experiences in the Natural Sciences, based at the Estuarine Research Center in Maryland), are Department of Education funded outgrowths of the highly successful WINS (Women in Natural Sciences) programs.

Click on the image below to hear about the SEEC program and some of the research projects involving students and staff.

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The George Washington Carver Summer Scholars Camp is a three-week summer program focussed on water quality and watershed issues. It features field trips, activities, and the chance to work on real research projects with Academy staff. More information on all of these programs is available here.

Besides the SEINE program, the Estuarine Research Center offers a wide variety of hands-on educational experiences for the general public and students At the Chesapeake Bay. Amongst the classes and experiences offered are the opportunity to get involved in seeding oyster beds, studying how land use affects water quality, and measuring water quality from the Center's research vessel.

We're Training the Next Generation of Scientists.
Shouldn't You be Getting Involved?