BLUE WORKS PROGRAMS

With constantly changing needs within the STEM careers, LUMCON is committed to help define the STEM workforce by enriching learners through high quality education program activities, opportunities, and training for any learner interested in coastal and marine science.  Programs are still currently under development.  More programs and activities are on the way.  We will post program opportunities and more details as we roll out the programs.

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

Field Trips · Summer Programs · Academic-Year Programs · Training & Workshops

FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS

Field trips to LUMCON’s Maritime Campus are fully customizable and tailored to fit the needs of any group no matter their academic or experience level. Field trips can be arranged from September to May in any academic year. The activities and topics featured in this program are interdisciplinary and use hands-on problem-based approaches to learning because understanding the ocean and coastal environments is interdisciplinary. LUMCON educators emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics all help us to learn more about Louisiana’s coast and the Gulf of Mexico.

Our Blue Works Field Trip Guide is coming soon.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

We are busy designing summer programs for everyone.  No matter what their interest or academic level is. We will be adding more options throughout 2025. Keep checking back to see updates and information about new summer programs at Blue Works!

Summer Marine Science Summit

  • Date/Times: Wednesday, July 16
    Session 1: 10 am-12 pm, Ages 5-8
    Session 2: 1 pm-3 pm, Ages 9-10
  • Location: Blue Works on the Houma Maritime Campus
  • Intended Audience: Young learners ages 5-10
  • Event Description:  LUMCON is inviting learners and parents to Blue Works for our Summer Marine Science Summit, a day of scientific exploration designed for small hands! Activities will be centered on topics like navigation and wayfinding, using microscopes, practicing laboratory skills, and exploring engineering and robotics. This event is entirely free and open to all students ages 5-10. Register your student now for a day of discovery in marine science!
  • Program Type: In-person. Learners must be accompanied by an adult family member who is willing to participate in activities. Because of the type of programming and activities only students within the intended ages are eligible for each session.
  • Pre-registration is required.  https://forms.gle/9KidjiJacGVXnJfb9
  • Program Contact: education@lumcon.edu

Currently, no summer programs at Blue Works for middle school students are planned for this coming summer. Check back or watch for announcements on our social media.

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Camp Information
Marine Environmental Science Our goal is to ensure students can shape the future of our understanding of the complex environmental issues that face Louisiana by being highly skilled, think more creatively, and view the world around them broadly as an integrated system. LUMCON achieves this by letting students become scientists as they investigate and gain capacity in the technological methods behind current scientific research and explore and imagine emerging technologies. Students will . . .  

    • compare research technologies and methods across disciplines and marine science topics
    • investigate the impacts of human activities and how we use technology to study coastal and marine environments
    • develop proficiencies and skills in scientific research methods
    • use the scientific process to answer their own questions

Camp will be offered for one week (5 days, Monday-Friday) from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Skills Camp in Marine Science and Biotechnology We know Louisiana’s talented student population will shape the future of our understanding of the complexities of our coastal and marine environments. We also know that the future will need a highly skilled and prepared workforce.  LUMCON helps students explore potential careers, develop new skills, and build the confidence they need to be the next generation of STEM professionals. At our camps, students become scientists as they investigate and gain capacity in the technological methods behind current scientific research and explore and imagine emerging technologies. Students will . . .  

    • compare research technologies and methods across disciplines and marine science topics
    • learn important field and lab techniques and build skill sets
    • understand how lab techniques strengthen experimental designs and datasets
    • use the scientific process to answer their own questions

Camp will be offered for one week (5 days, Monday-Friday) from 9 AM to 3 PM.


ACADEMIC-YEAR PROGRAMS

  • Audience: Homeschool Students in grades 7th -12th (This is a drop-off student program)
  • Description: This program is a weekly homeschool class designed to enrich student science learning and engagement with Louisiana focused marine/coastal science topics.  During each session, students will learn the science behind current and emerging topics that our communities come across every day.  Each week introduces a new theme and topic that makes relevant Louisiana connections to their science curriculum through hands-on investigative exploration and skill-building activities.  The program also includes the requirement for independent research projects so students can apply STEAM skills to answer questions and imagine the future of marine science innovation.
  • Program Duration:   There are seven sessions per semester (1 session each week).  The fall semester programs are offered from September through November. The Spring semester program is offered from January through mid-April.

Student Learning Outcomes:

    • Increase student ocean literacy and awareness through experiential learning and activities designed to build STEAM skills
    • Network with LUMCON scientists and educators in an academic research facility
    • Increase their problem-solving skills, ability to understand how science works, science communication, and collaboration skills through daily and project-based activities
    • Complete independent research projects to develop science and communication skills, gain confidence in answering complex questions, explore possible career paths, and find inspiration in topics relevant to their communities

Upcoming Semester Information (Spring 2025)
Dates: Spring 2025  – Tuesdays from March 11th to April 22nd
Times: Each session is from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Sessions will take place at the Blue Works Facility on the Houma Maritime Campus. 335 Dickson Road, Houma LA
Space availability: 20 students/semester. Pre- registration is required. ONLY registered participants are allowed to attend Homeschool Days (no younger or older non-registered siblings).
Cost: $150/student.  Lunch and all program activities and materials are provided. No additional costs will apply to the program. Payment must be received before or on the first day of the semester.
Semester Themes: Coastal Geology, Coastal Ecology, Oceanography, Ocean Technology, Biotech Skills, Research Methods, Engineering, Teamwork, Computer Skills and Data Processing, Science Communication
Program contact: education@lumcon.edu
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/XabNu1482Xiw8C3n8

  • Audience: Middle School (grades 6-8) to High School (grades 9-12) students
  • Program Type: In-person
  • Description: LUMCON seeks to support students through program activities that develop learner skills, academic and professional development, and mentor networks. The type of activities will vary from session to session based on student interests and available programming. Sessions will include time for students to independently explore their interests in science with LUMCON staff and community partners.
  • Program Duration: Students will register for the program by semester. There are 2 sessions a week per semester. The fall semester program begins in September and runs through mid-November. The Spring semester program runs from February through mid-April.
  • Upcoming Program Activity: We’ll begin our after-school program in Fall of 2025.

TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS

Intended Audience: General Public – adults 18 y.o. or older

Description: Gulf Lagniappe Workshops are designed to help Louisiana residents learn more about the scientific research being conducted on Louisiana’s coast and the Gulf of Mexico.  These workshops are an opportunity for people to interact with a LUMCON science staff and marine educators in a relaxed environment and format.  These workshops usually include short presentations, active discussions, hands-on activities, and demonstrations of research methods and/or equipment.  

Workshop Length: 2-4 hours (weekends, evenings)

SCIENCE FAIR SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

  • Intended Audience: Any student needing support for their science fair project
  • Description: LUMCON staff are here to help support students who are interested in completing a science fair project. We will offer multiple sessions to provide our spaces, resources, and mentorship to students who are interested in completing projects related to coastal and marine science topics.  Support ranges from project idea feedback, project mentorship, research project resources, experimental design feedback, data analysis tools, skills, and feedback, project board design supplies and feedback, and competition prep support. Dates and times will be announced on our website, socials, and through our email contact list.
  • Workshop Length: 1-4 hours/session (weekends, afternoons, evenings)
  • Program Start:We will begin hosting opportunities in the late summer – early fall of 2025.

Description: Workshops offer engaging, informal, no-pressure learning opportunities for parents who are homeschooling their kids.  The workshop covers a diverse range of topics that explore the foundational coastal and marine science.  Participants will explore how they can use what they have learned to assist their students with their science learning and skill-building using Louisiana-specific coastal and marine content. Workshops will team LUMCON science staff and marine educators who are experts in their fields to increase topic knowledge through activities designed to be hands-on and skill-building.

Topics: Topics will be discussed from the basic level to more advanced levels as needed.

Workshop Length: 4-6 hours (weekends, evenings)

Upcoming Events: Currently we have no workshops planned. Our programs are being rapidly developed so please check with us for updates.

LUMCON offers several programs for preK-12, non-formal, and university educators to extend their content knowledge and capacities in teaching science with a marine science and coastal Louisiana flair. These programs help teachers understand the scientific process, learn marine and coastal science, and gain confidence in active learning methods. In addition, workshops (lasting 4 hours to 1 week) can be designed to meet school or district needs for professional development for teachers.

Workshops offered at Blue Works focus on the intersection of technology and marine science.  Specializing in ocean exploration, biotech, data science, and science communication. As always, LUMCON program activities lean heavily on the place-based and skill-based.

Upcoming Events:

Currently, there are no planned teacher professional development activities at Blue Works. Our Blue Works programs are being rapidly developed so please check back with us.