Marine Conservation in New England is an opportunity for students to learn how education, research, and conservation can inform our understanding of the marine environment. Students will take part in meaningful hands-on activities including dissections, volunteer opportunities, and animal husbandry. Additionally, time will be spent exploring The Museum of Science and The Boston Aquarium in Boston, MA, and collaborating with experts in the marine science field.
Day 1
This morning we started by investigating different marine animals and educated the rest of our group about them. We then did some research about an aquarium in Florida (Clearwater Marine Aquarium), explored their website and prepared questions to ask the sea turtle biologist we would be speaking with in the afternoon. After lunch, we Zoomed with a sea turtle biologist. She taught us about her role at the aquarium and their mission to rescue, rehab and release sea turtles. We were even able to get a behind the scenes look at the current rehabilitation patients. Mrs. Henry taught us how to rescue a sea turtle in the case that we were to come across one on the beach. Finally, we watched part of the documentary "Blackfish" which was followed by an interesting discussion about how most of the movie was dramatized and shockingly false.
Day 2
Today we traveled to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and went to Pierce Island with the Blue Ocean Society. As a group we collected 17.5 pounds of trash! We learned how they collected their data with each trash clean up and how they use their data to inform the local areas of how they can improve their communities with waste disposal. Next, we got lunch in downtown Portsmouth and shopped around! That afternoon, after a great day in Portsmouth, we headed back to campus!
Day 3
Today we went to the New England Aquarium in Boston. First we checked in to the Parker House Hotel, then had lunch in Quincy Market and explored the city some. Next, we made our way to the NEAQ. At the aquarium, we viewed a Sea Lion show and had a Q+A with one of the animal trainers. To close our visit, we saw a 3D movie about arctic sea life and the impact of climate change. Finally, we had a delicious Italian dinner in the North End and ice cream on our walk home.
Day 4
This morning we checked out of the Omni Parker House and left for the Boston Museum of Science. Everyone was given a wing of the museum to focus on and some prompts to guide us. The Museum of Science is interactive and we were able to try things ourselves and learn 1st hand. Following the museum, we drove North to Bedford NH for a late lunch at Whole Foods.
Day 5
Today, before lunch we had a wonderful time watching the Blackfish documentary and sharing our experience at the Museum of Science. We discussed the development of modern science and technology and how the museum has evolved over time. The documentary made us think about how our view of the world can be distorted by the biased media and how documentaries are always meant to persuade the viewer. After lunch, we conducted the Dogfish Shark dissection and learned about its structure. We were able to identify each part of the Dogfish Shark's anatomy and learn about safety in the lab.