YELLOWHAB Students Experience Land and Sea Learning at Nauticus

By Allie Wood

Climbing aboard the sailboat, a student put a hand over their eyes and peered into the sky. How many of his classmates would it take to reach the top of the rainbow sailboat?

The students at Pharrell William’s micro-school, YELLOWHAB, learned just that and more in an exciting day of discovery, sailing and a tour of the historic Battleship Wisconsin. Through Nauticus’ Student Access Program, over thirty students in 3^rd-6^th grade and their teachers enjoyed a complimentary field trip to Nauticus’ campus in early June.

To kick off their visit, students first met with Sail Nauticus instructors to test out their knot tying skills and learn what it takes to be a sailor. The students then donned their lifejackets and headed to the dock, where they experienced their first sailing lesson along the Elizabeth River.  

Back on land, students participated in the Living River Hidden World education program, chosen by their teachers. The Elizabeth River is full of marine life we can easily see, but there’s also a whole world too small to view with the naked eye. Using a variety of different technology, the students to were able to get a closer look at these hidden creatures.

Following their education program, students headed inside Nauticus, where they explored the decks of the Battleship Wisconsin and experienced what it was like to be a navy sailor.

Nauticus’ Student Access Program allows eligible Hampton Roads Title 1 schools to receive funding for an onsite field trip, outreach or virtual education program to meet the needs of their students. Made possible through generous funding by the Tidewater Children’s Foundation, studies show that, if engaged at an early age, students are more likely to pursue science in high school and college, potentially leading to careers in STEM fields.

To qualify for the Student Access Program, schools must be located in Hampton Roads, classified as a Title 1 School, and have at least fifty percent of the student body qualifying for free/reduced lunch.