The Girls in Ocean Science Conference will be Sept. 26-27 at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Photo shows two girls gathering ocean water for research. (Courtesy photo)
The Girls in Ocean Science Conference will be Sept. 26-27 at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. (Courtesy photo)

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s (SBMM) Girls in Ocean Science Conference (GiOS), connecting students in grades 6-12 with top female scientists and ocean professionals, will be will be held Sept. 27-27 at SBMM, 113 Harbor Way in Santa Barbara Harbor.

The conference is designed to build curiosity and confidence, and point out pathways into marine science careers, event organizers said.

The session on Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., is for students in grades 6-8. The Sunday, Sept. 27 sessions, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 12:30-4:30 p.m. are for students in grades 9-12.

GiOS gives students the opportunity to step aboard a local research vessel and experience ocean science where it happens — on the water.

Working alongside female scientists and educators, participants will conduct hands-on activities at sea, observe the coastal environment firsthand, and explore the tools and technologies used in marine research, SBMM organizers said.

Additional learning stations on land will complement the vessel experience, introducing students to marine biology, oceanography, ecology, conservation, environmental science, and the many career paths available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“There’s a saying that if you see it, you can be it,” said Penny Owens, conference co-chair, and education and community outreach director at Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. “That’s the power of representation to expand young people’s perceptions of what they can achieve.”

“Girls in Ocean Science is a cornerstone of SBMM’s educational outreach,” said Lis Perry, SBMM education director. “The program sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and gives students the opportunity to see themselves as future scientists, researchers, and ocean advocates.”

Registration fee is $30 per student and includes program materials, instruction, and participation in both land-based and on-the-water activities.

Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee and may be requested through the registration form.

Space is limited. Registration opens in early August at sbmm.org/girls-in-ocean-science-conference.

The Girls in Ocean Science Conference is supported by the Steinmetz Foundation.

For more, contact the SBMM Education Department at education@sbmm.org or 805-456-8741.