The Society of Women in Marine Science (SWMS) chapters at Horn Point Laboratory, University of Delaware, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science hosted the first Delmarva SWMS Symposium on September 13-14th, 2019 at Horn Point Lab in Cambridge, MD. A component of this symposium was an outreach event to expose middle and high school girls (6th-12th grades) to STEM resources, role models, and activities. We brought together researchers from a number of STEM institutions to inspire middle and high school girls to become our next generation of scientists and engineers. 

2019 Activities:

• Mini Bio Blitz– Participants will learn about biodiversity in our region, and will learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques to positively identify species.
• Oyster Dissection– Participants will understand the internal components of an oyster and how they interrelate. Focus on filter feeders, ecosystem engineers, and habitat value.
• Current Modeling and Ecosystem Connectivity– Participants will understand how wind drives surface currents and how water moves throughout a system. Participants will also understand how pollution enters a system, and visualize its fate.