ARCS Junior Scientist Education Programs

ARCS Junior Scientist Programs (grades 6 to 8)

Teens are the next generation of conservation leaders, that’s why we offer extraordinary experiences designed to connect them with aquatic science, better their understanding of conservation, and inspire them to take action for aquatic fisheries and their habitats. We provide hands-on activities and volunteer opportunities throughout the community to build knowledge of aquatic science and help foster personal connections to natural resources. Students interested in aquatic conservation and eager to make a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply for one of our programs.

Programs are offered May through September in a morning or afternoon session (typically 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, varies by age group). Participants should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and very dirty (wading/aqua shoes, no flip flops), bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, a towel, a drink and a snack, and a change of clothes. Prepare to get wet and dirty! We respectfully request that the adults bringing participants do not smoke or bring pets.

All participants will receive a t-shirt, educational handouts, a survey to complete upon completion of the program, and a Certificate of Participation.

These events are offered at various locations throughout the Twin Cities. You can request an event at a location near you. Please contact us at amy@aquaticresearch.org or 651-330-0330 for more information about our programs.

Participants must be pre-registered a week before the program date. Due to the extensive preparation to be ready for each program, we discourage on-site registration. All required program paperwork will be emailed to you upon receipt of your child’s registration. An Information and Consent Form will be emailed to you and must be completed for each child you are registering. Please REVIEW and COMPLETE THE FORM (which will need to be signed by the child’s parent/legal guardian). This form may be mailed to:

Aquatic Research & Conservation Society, Inc. Attn: Amy Waters, 2915 Payne Avenue, Little Canada, MN 55117, or scanned and emailed to amy@aquaticresearch.org

Required Registration Information needed is:

Name of program;
Name of Workshop
Name(s) of child(ren);
Parent/legal guardian’s name, email, address, and phone number;
Age of child(ren); and
T-shirt size for each child (t-shirts are 100% cotton and may shrink).

REGISTRATION: Registration is now closed. If you have any questions about registration please contact amy@aquaticresearch.org or 651-330-0330.

WAITING LIST: If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email amy@aquaticresearch.org. Include: your name, phone number and the program of interest. Should other participants cancel, we will contact those on the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis.

WEATHER POLICY: In the event of severe or inclement weather that interferes with scheduled programs, ARCS staff will contact the participants by phone the morning of the program to notify of program cancellation. If you are not contacted, please assume that the program will occur as scheduled. If you are unable to get to the ARCS program due to weather conditions, please call 651-330-0330 to notify us as soon as possible.

PROGRAMS

Exploring our Lakes Workshop (field work)– students will learn how ARCS scientists study rivers and lakes and why our research is important. Activities include pulling a seine, capturing, identifying, measuring, and documenting captured fish. Similar to the Aquatic MVP’s workshop but more advanced.

Fingerlings Workshop- students will learn about fish, their habitats, and aquatic food webs. Students will learn the many ways different fish eat and how all creatures keep the ecosystems in balance. Similar to the Old Fish, New Fish workshop but more advanced.

Careers in Aquatic Science Workshop–students will explore different careers in aquatic science, meet ARCS scientists and a former animal trainer.

Fish Prints Workshop- students will channel their artistic skills by learning about fish while creating fish prints. Similar to the Aquatic MVP’s workshop but more advanced.

Gar, Paddlefish, Sawfish and Sturgeon Workshop- students will learn about sawfish, gar, paddlefish and sturgeon through hands-on activities, crafts, and stories. Similar to the Water Sleuths Nosey Fish workshop but more advanced.

Due to high demand, all 2023 classes have been filled.

Please check back in the spring of 2024 for an

updated listing of our upcoming workshops.

If you have any questions, please email us at amy@aquaticresearch.org

PROGRAM FAQs:

What are the program hours? Typically 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

What is required to confirm registration? A signed and dated Information and Consent Form or a Volunteer Form, depending on the program and age of the participant.

What will we need to bring to the program? Participants should bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, a towel, a drink and a snack, and a change of clothes. Prepare to get wet and dirty! We respectfully request that the adults bringing participants do not smoke or bring pets.

Will my child need to bring drink & snack? Yes. Send a drink and snack that does not require refrigeration. Water will be available. Please label drinks and snacks in a bag (paper or zip lock) with the participant's name to avoid mix-ups and confusion.

What should my child wear? Participants should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and very dirty (wading/aqua shoes).

Can my child bring a friend? Yes, if space permits. Guests should be in the same age group as the participating child. Programs are geared to specific age groups to ensure the best experience for everyone. Please give instructors advance notice at least ONE day before the guest attends and be sure to fill out and sign the Information and Consent Form.

Where do I make further inquiries? You can contact the Outreach Coordinator, Amy Waters, at amy@aquaticresearch.org or by phone at 651-330-0330. You can also “like” us on Facebook.

*All information is subject to change.