# Visit an Ocean Science Site

Part of the Oceanography Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/oceanography/guide/index.md)

*8. Share What You Learned*

> **8b.** Visit one of the following and write a 500-word report about your visit.

You must choose exactly one visit option for this requirement. Both options help you see oceanography as a real working field, but they highlight different parts of the job.

## Your Options

- **[Req 8b1 — Tour a Research Ship](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/oceanography/guide/req8b1/)**: See how scientists collect samples and data at sea. This option is great if you want to understand field operations and shipboard tools.
- **[Req 8b2 — Visit a Marine Lab or Aquarium](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/oceanography/guide/req8b2/)**: Visit a place where marine life, instruments, experiments, or public education are part of the daily work. This option is great if you want a broader look at ocean science careers and research spaces.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Visit** — Think about access, experience, and what you want to learn

- [ ] **Harder to access:** Research ships are exciting but less common to tour.
- [ ] **Easier to find:** Aquariums, marine labs, and institutes are often more available.
- [ ] **What you will gain:** A ship visit shows how science happens in the field, while a lab or aquarium visit shows how science is studied, explained, and shared on land.
- [ ] **Best evidence for your report:** Take notes on tools, people, questions, and one thing that surprised you.

> **Tip**
>
> Before your visit, make a short question list. Asking good questions gives you much better material for your report than only looking around quietly.

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- Previous: [Read and Report on a Book](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/oceanography/guide/req8a/index.md)
- Next: [Tour a Research Ship](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/oceanography/guide/req8b1/index.md)