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Academic Year Programs

Academic Year Programs Academic Year Programs

Join the MarineQuest team for some weekend and after school fun! Throughout the year, we host and participate in programs and events for children, teens and families so you can continue making waves in environmental science beyond summer programs.

Events

Engineering Discovery Workshop: Underwater Turbines

Saturday, January 10th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM

UNCW Main Campus

Ages 14+

Join us for a hands-on coastal and ocean engineering exploration. During this workshop, we will explore the ocean as an energy source. Participants 14+ will build and test model turbines. We encourage high school students and teachers to attend. This workshop will inspire you to develop an engineering team for the NC regional KidWind competition.

*No previous experience necessary.

*All supplies provided.

UNCW STEM Expo

Saturday, April 25th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: UNCW Sayed Hall - Free parking in the parking deck

Dive into discovery at the Coastal & Marine STEM Expo hosted by the University of North Carolina Wilmington as part of North Carolina Science Festival! This free, family-friendly event brings science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life through interactive, hands-on activities inspired by our coast, oceans, and marine environments.

Students, families, and community members can explore marine science, coastal engineering, environmental technology, and ocean conservation through interactive exhibits, meaningful hands-on activities, and creative challenges led by university faculty, students, and community partners. Build ocean-friendly engineering solutions, drive a remotely operated vehicle, learn about marine organisms, explore coastal ecosystems, discover how STEM helps protect our shores, and so much more.

Science matters to everyone. This inclusive event welcomes participants of all abilities and learning styles. Our goal is to create a supportive, engaging environment where everyone can explore, learn, and feel comfortable being themselves.

Come celebrate North Carolina’s coast, spark your curiosity, and experience why “Science Matters”!

Email marinequest@uncw.edu for more information!

Academic Year Programs

Marine Explorers (1st - 3rd Graders) Explore marine science topics and fascinating facts, get messy with hands-on science activities, and enjoy yummy pizza! Marine Explorers (1st - 3rd Graders)

Family Kayak Trips (Student age 7 - 14 and parent) Want to learn about the coastal environment together as a family? Plus learn and practice kayaking skills. Family Kayak Trips (Student age 7 - 14 and parent)

Science Fair Skill Builder Series (4th - 5th Graders) Get ready for the science fair with MarineQuest! From question development to experimental setup and poster presentation, we will cover it all! Science Fair Skill Builder Series (4th - 5th Graders)

Scouts Is your troop working a specific badge or merit badge? MarineQuest offers established dates and programs but also customizes programming for your troop. Scouts

Blue Heron Bowl 2026 The Blue Heron Bowl is North Carolina’s regional event for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. UNCW will host the 2026 and 2027 competitions, where high school teams test their marine science knowledge to qualify for nationals. Blue Heron Bowl

Registration Closes and Refund Policy

Last Minute Registrations

Registration for Academic Year Programs closes the Tuesday before each program date. We cannot accommodate last minute additions to Academic Year Programs, as materials and content are prepped in advance based on registration numbers.

Cancellations and Refunds

We are unable to provide refunds in any circumstance for Academic Year Programs. Again, this is due to advance planning and preparations. We apologize for any inconvenience.