URI’s outreach scientists lead educational field trips that allow students to explore local flora and fauna of the coastal environments and offers participants a chance to become field scientists.
Field Trip Reservations
Reservations are based on availability of URI Outreach Scientists, seasonal considerations, times of low tide, and availability of the R/V Cap’n Bert (in the case of a cruise), a limited number of dates and times are available for scheduling the cruises and field trips.
Submit this form to express interest in booking a field program and/or to start the discussion of options for your group.
GSO Ocean Classroom Interest Form
Note: Payment is required prior to or at the time of the program. A two-week cancellation notice is required for all cruises and field programs. We can work with educators to design a program tailored to meet your needs. Below is a list of potential programs, contact us to discuss your ideas!
Release Forms: One blank copy of URI’s Field Trip Release Form will be sent to the teacher or group leader. A completed form for each participant MUST be given to the URI Outreach Scientist at the beginning of each field trip or cruise.
Narragansett Bay Sampling Cruise Fees: $900 per cruise (maximum 16 students and two chaperones per cruise). Cruises scheduled based on availability of URI’s vessel R/V Cap’n Bert. Warm jacket and hat (it will be chilly on the bay), long pants, sunscreen, and sneakers (no open-toe or open-heel shoes or sandals will be permitted on the vessel).
Coastal Field Trip Fees: $225 for groups (maximum of 30); $375 for groups of 31-50. An additional fee of $7.50 will be charged for each person over 50 (up to a maximum of 60 people). Wear warm jacket, hat, long pants, sneakers or water shoes with good rubber soles (students will likely get wet feet), bring insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Chaperones: One chaperone for every ten students is REQUIRED; chaperones are not included in the total count and MUST remain with the students at all times. Cancellation Policy: A $100 charge will be applied to any field trip or cruise cancelled within two weeks of the date scheduled.
Direct contact for GSO Ocean Classroom: Andrea Gingras, agingras@uri.edu | 401-874-6524.
Field Trip Descriptions
Appropriate Age: E = Elementary; M = Middle; H = High School
Coastal Exploration
This field trip involves actual hands-on experience with the unique marine organisms of Rhode Island’s coastal environments. The trip is geared toward an introduction to the general ecology of coastal environments along with a focus on some of the key players among the animals and algae found there. E M H
Narragansett Bay Sampling aboard R/V Cap‘n Bert
You will cruise aboard URI’s 51-foot research vessel Cap’n Bert for an exciting expedition. Use a fish trawl, bottom sampler, and other scientific equipment to make hands-on discoveries about the marine environment of Narragansett Bay. You will investigate one of the richest estuaries in the country. It is about 25 miles long and 10 miles wide with about 256 miles of shoreline. Narragansett Bay provides many different habitats for species such as the winter flounder, bluefish, striped bass, tautog, and menhaden. Seasonal visitors to Narragansett Bay include the Atlantic harbor seal. Cruises are scheduled based on the availability of the R/V Cap’n Bert. The two-hour cruises leave from Wickford Harbor. Call for possible dates.
E M H