More reviews of Huntsman Marine Science Centre

Krista McGinn, Alum

Class Field Trip

Students have the wonderful opportunity to go explore the living ecosystem of the shore of the Bay of Fundy, collect samples for classification, observe and identify species of plankton under microscopes and conduct experiences by observing the habits of living creatures. Our visit to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre provides authentic and valuable learning experiences for our students. In fact, it would be very difficult, as a classroom teacher to meet most of the unit’s outcomes without the help from our friends at the Huntsman. Our students depend on their program and learn so much! Cherished memories are made during this visit ... Show More

Mary Savoie, Alum

High School Field Trip

Student gain tremendous insight into the field of marine biology and enjoy the opportunity of hands-on learning that creates experience they will not likely forget.

Maryanne Simard , Alum

Love of Science Cultivated at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre

Every September, our students eagerly count down the days until they are able to board the coach bus from Ottawa, Ontario to St. Andrews, New Brunswick to engage in one of the most anticipated trips of the year: The Marine Biology Trip at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. Our schools have benefited from the exceptionally enriching Huntsman Education programs for approximately 30 years. The impact of these programs does not fall short in bringing interactive science experiences to our young Canadians, cultivating deep levels of interest in the sciences, and encouraging students to continue to study and pursue careers in the sciences. Both the students and staff who attend this excursion gain a great deal through hands-on, experiential learning that enhances their understanding of the marine environment and the environmental challenges facing this ecosystem. From specimen collection to lab analysis, exhibit exploration to whale watching, presentations to on-foot adventures, there truly is no shortage of deep learning opportunities for our students. You cannot beat the smiles on students' faces and the wonder in their eyes as they participate in the amazing learning opportunities provided by the Huntsman Centre. Their deep interest continues to flourish even after the trip is over, as they eagerly share their new knowledge and experiences with their family, friends, and peers upon their return. The Huntsman’s youth-focused, interactive, hands-on programming has positively impacted so many of our students, as well as hundreds of students from before our time. We have been approached by parents at both of our schools who attended the Huntsman Centre as students, and have been eager to ensure that their children would have the same opportunity; many of these parents having pursued careers in the sciences themselves. I, Maryanne, am another example of this love for science that was cultivated by my experience at the Huntsman as a student roughly eleven years ago. Having now pursued a career in science education, I am now able to share this experience with my students, as well as with my brother, Jordan, as our schools collaborate on our journeys to the Huntsman each year. Since becoming involved in this trip as educators, we have had the privilege of keeping in contact with both current and former students as they have begun their journeys in pursuing careers in the sciences, as well as Marine Biology, specifically, as a direct result of their experience at the Huntsman Centre. The impact that the Huntsman programs have on their participants is deep, inspirational, and life-long. This Centre is truly dedicated to motivating and inspiring youth in the sciences, and deserves any and all support in continuing their phenomenal effort ... Show More

Esther Lee, Alum

Experiential Learning Opportunities for Students

The Huntsman education program has been an extremely valuable component of the science curriculum for over a decade. Since 2016, I have had the pleasure of participating in the annual trip to the Huntsman Center for a week of study and exploration. During these trips, our students participate in the type of hands-on learning that is impossible to replicate in the classroom. I have witnessed how this program sparks curiosity and passion in the sciences, and a lasting appreciation for the world we live in. Since 2016, my students and I have made the annual trip from Toronto to the Huntsman Marine Science Center in St. Andrews for the unique opportunity to study the incredibly diverse ecosystems that thrive in the Bay of Fundy. Excited students and teachers alike can be seen on the rocky beach gently parting and lifting seaweed and stones to discover a wide array of marine life including sea stars, urchins, and crabs. On the sandy beach, fascinated and wide-eyed learners extract, catalogue, and safely return a variety of marine worms. Students embark on a thrilling boat ride into deep waters where they sample an assortment of plankton, measure key physical variables of the marine environment, and survey diverse lifeforms from the ocean floor. It is these observations, data, and samples collected first-hand that become the foundation for many of the novel microscopy and behaviour labs that students subsequently engage in. These are but a few of the many experiential learning opportunities that students participate in. I hope from these examples, it is clear that they spark a great deal of curiosity and enthusiasm as students connect what they learn in the classroom to real life science. Our young girls in particular benefit immensely from participating in this program as they engage in meaningful science and are empowered in the presence of strong female role models such as Tracey Dean. After our trip, students continually reminisce about the unforgettable week at the Huntsman center that deepened their understanding of the biodiversity in Canada, and heightened their sense of stewardship towards the environment. ... Show More

James Greig, Alum

Hands-on Nature of the Educational Programs at Huntsman

Currently in education, one of the buzz words is “deeper dives.” The Huntsman program has been doing these “deeper dives” into educating young people about the marine ecosystem, or their impact on the environment for some time now. We often bring grade 12 students who have not spent any time at or near the ocean, and the Huntsman immerses them in many facets of the aquatic environment. It is wonderful to be able to bring my International Baccalaureate (IB) Environmental Systems and Society (ESS) students back every year. The hands-on nature of the educational programs at Huntsman allows students to immerse themselves in the marine ecosystem and learn about the adaptations the invertebrates of the inter-tidal zone have evolved. Saying that plankton are the basis of all the food chains in the ocean is one thing but taking them out on to the St. Croix river and collecting millions of plankton shows them how important these creatures are to the biodiversity of the Bay of Fundy. Recently, the Huntsman has done a great job of looking back at their own historical data and seeing how the temperatures of the Bay have changed, and how those changes are impacting the food chains and the individual animals that visit the Bay. The staff in the public education department are very knowledgeable and engaging. Tracey Dean and Laura Barrett are great at stimulating discussion and engaging students. The diversity of the teaching program shows both sides of marine issues, as most recently we heard from a Lobster fisherman and the challenges he faces with the new legislation surrounding right whales in the Bay of Fundy. One of the requirements in all lB science programs is lab hours, and our five days at the Huntsman allows us to complete 24 hours of lab work and enables our students to further develop their data collection and analysis skills necessary to produce creative and original scientific thought. Science in situ often brings out the best in our students, whether in the lab, at the touch tank, in the inter-tidal zone or out on the water. With the pandemic, and many students learning virtually, this opportunity to get back ‘into the science’ is even more important. The experience that the Huntsman provides my students helps them foster their connection to the marine environment, and further develops their scientific education. Many of them reflect on the Huntsman experience as “invaluable.� ... Show More

Vicki Aube, Parent

Ocean S.T.E.A.M.

I was fortunate that I could enable my son to attend two Ocean STEAM courses. He has really struggled with his career path and knew he loves the Ocean. One of the best outcomes was that he learned what he did not want to do. He also was exposed to other science concepts and came back talking about toxicology Engineering and lab work. As a parent, I saw a child who had gained new confidence in a very safe, fun environment. I highly recommend this program ... Show More

Naomi Macdonald, Parent

Ocean S.T.E.A.M.

This letter is in regard to the course which my son took at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in May of 2022, titled "Introduction to Marine Biodiversity". This course gave my son more than I could have possibly imagined. Not only was it a fantastic opportunity to meet other young people passionate about fish and marine life, but it also gave him the opportunity to be exposed to other areas involved with his passion. He was able to experience first-hand the collection of marine life, learned to identify and be informed about invasive species and was given a lab research experience like no other. He was given a view of the aquarium that he would otherwise have not seen and has come away with a much more enriched knowledge base from which to move forward. This experience was invaluable to him, and I am so grateful that it was offered this year. It is imperative for him to continue to experience other STEM courses offered by Huntsman over the remaining years he is in high school to further enrich his knowledge base in this specific area of which he has always show interest. ... Show More

Michael & Cherie Bryson, Parent

Ocean S.T.E.A.M.

Emma was delighted to receive your acceptance letter last spring after her application. She found her week with your organization very rewarding. She learned a great deal and we believe the week helped further her interest in STEM related activities as she enters high school. I'm hopeful that opportunities like this will help make her decisions going forward more informed and subsequently more successful. Most invaluable was the practical introduction to the natural world systems and the need for all of us all to pursue a course of conscientious care. We found the communication with us at home, both before and after, excellent and comforting. In these difficult times, we appreciate the great value of your program and hope to be involved in subsequent years. ... Show More

Charlene Buckley, Parent

Ocean S.T.E.A.M.

My son participated in one of Huntsman Marine's Ocean STEAM courses last Spring. It was an excellent week long learning opportunity and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. He is a grade 11 student and is very interested in math and sciences. Not only did this program offer unique hands on learning (the world is a classroom!) but the on campus environment also gave him a real sense of independence. With university on the horizon, this program offers students a glimpse of dorm life with like minded peers. The staff and instructors were kind, knowledgeable and engaging. A highlight of the week was a trip aboard the Huntsman research vessel to explore marine life in the Bay of Fundy. This experience was very positive and he hopes to take part in future programming. This worthwhile program deserves support and funding to continue to benefit our student’s learning and growth, and to kindle their passion for continuing education. ... Show More

Janice Chamberlain, Parent

Ocean S.T.E.A.M.

We are so appreciative that our son was able to take part in the Ocean S.T.E.A.M™ - Exploring Engineering Design for Ocean Applications course in Spring 2022. As he approaches the end of high school, he has begun to explore what interests he would like to pursue through his post-secondary education. We are from Ottawa so Ocean S.T.E.A.M offered William the opportunity to see engineering beyond the scope that he would interact with it in a city environment. The Ocean S.T.E.A.M course allowed him to connect with professionals and collaborate with other students of various backgrounds. Through these interactions, he was able to connect his interest in engineering and architecture to practical and innovative applications within the ocean economy. Without the opportunity that the Ocean S.T.E.A.M™ - Exploring Engineering Design for Ocean Applications course provided, these links would only have been possible by coincidence and in theory as he doesn’t have any personal connections to anyone already pursuing a career in this area. He really appreciated that he was able to have a glimpse of the process that is involved in engineering principles from concept to finished product delivered by an experienced professional in the field. The program delivered through the Huntsman, was reasonably priced which is a significant consideration for our family of six. Students need opportunity to explore areas of interest without it becoming a financial burden for their families before they engage in an even more costly journey of post-secondary education. We are so grateful that the Huntsman program provided this opportunity to our son. ... Show More

Molly, Camper

Grade 6 Field Trip

I love using the microscopes! I always see people using them and always wanted to see what it was like to use one. I thought it was really cool watching and timing the sea stars and sea urchins flip back over. Thank you so much for organizing this field trip! It was one of the best field trips I’ve gone on ... Show More

Grade 6 Student , Camper

Wet Lab Experience

My favourite part was when we got to look in the microscopes and play Plankton Bingo! I saw so many cool plankton creatures.