The Science and Mathematics Education Center (SMEC) at UNCW conducts the Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM) program for rising high school juniors and seniors. The purpose and curricula of SVSM is to go beyond the traditional boundaries of high school mathematics and science by challenging students to use scientific methods to ask questions. The program takes advantage of its coastal location to give students their first exposure to advanced oceanographic facilities, marine science, and the open ocean. UNCW and the National Undersea Research Center provide students with the means to do this, including expertise, laboratory, and field facilities. We are able to offer both offshore and near shore collecting for student research projects. Past student projects have dealt with coastal erosion, fisheries habitat, water quality and a variety of other marine environmental problems facing the coast of the Carolinas. This program is for academically talented students who may pursue careers based in science and mathematics. The residential program brings rising juniors and seniors together for four weeks of intensive study. Students and faculty conduct part of their studies in a 45-foot research vessel belonging to the National Undersea Research Center. On the last day of the program, students present their research.

Quickfacts Format: residential Area Served: Wilmington Program dates: four week summer session Open to: rising Juniors and Seniors Requirements: preference given to academically talented students Other info: part of course is conducted aboard a 45-foot research boat Contact: Dr. Michael Smith Associate Professor and Director of Summer Ventures Program University of North Carolina-Wilmington 601 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 910/962-3496 smithms@uncwil.edu Links: Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics Science and Mathematics Education Center UNC-Wilmington

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