SEARCH KELLER BLOOM
SDC PARTNERSHIPS
 
 
High school students at sea
An original COSEE-OS partner, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences (BLOS) hosts the long-established Keller BLOOM Program for high school juniors each year. The BLOOM (Bigelow Laboratory Orders Of Magnitude) Program allows 16 high school juniors to conduct laboratory and field studies, including a one-day research cruise. COSEE-OS sponsors two students per year from School District Collaboration schools to participate, including Zachary Caruso (Waterville High School) and Annie Schide (Gardiner Area High School) in 2011.

The BLOOM Program was begun by Bigelow researcher Maureen Keller and Trustee Emeritus James McLoughlin to provide students with a real world ocean research experience. BLOOM offers Maine students with demonstrated aptitude in science the opportunity to participate in an inquiry-based marine science program.

BLOOM participants learn field sampling on a cruise of the local Sheepscot River and perform subsequent data analysis using state-of-the-art instrumentation in the lab; on the final day of the program students give a public presentation on their discoveries. Students also participate in formal and informal discussions on topics such as public policy and scientific ethics, and attend a Marine Science Career Night, where they learn about undergraduate marine science programs in Maine and related career possibilities. Students who participate in BLOOM will leave equipped with a better understanding of oceanography and the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the marine sciences.