In July 2009 there were two trips on the National Oceanography Centre’s research vessel RV Callista. The trips were organised by HWTMA with the help of the Discover oceanography crew The trips were aimed at 10-13 year olds with a focus on science and how it is essential in many careers and disciplines such as maritime archaeology and oceanography. 
The youngsters were onboard for four hours, during which time they learnt about different scientific techniques used in maritime archaeology and early methods of navigation. They had a go at using replica navigation instruments similar to those that would have been used hundreds of years ago.In addition the young people had a chance to see a range of marine sampling techniques used in studying life beneath the waves. Seabed samples were taken so they could see what was living in the mud and a trawl of the seabed revealed a miriad of living creatures.
This is what some of the participants said after the trip:
“I found out about different methods of navigation”
“I liked the whole day”
“Everything was best today!”
“I learned about sea algae”
“The best thing today was trying to catch the fish”
“I did not like that I had to leave after such a short time”
“The best thing today was to see animal I haven’t seen before”
“The best thing today was to learn about the boats gear”
“We learned how to make a compass with needle and water”
“I did not like to put my hands in the mud”
