Course description

This course is aimed at high school students. This course focuses on issues in environmental science from a marine perspective. Basic scientific research methods, equipment, and group research projects are introduced. Laboratory exercises and fieldwork include work on Appledore Island’s intertidal zone and offshore oceanographic sampling exercises.

Outcome 1: Identify by characteristics, adaptations, and scientific names 25-30 intertidal organisms that will be included in later studies;

Outcome 2: Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and adaptations of the major phyla associated with the oceans-with in depth concentration on the phyla Mammalia and Aves;

Outcome 3: Develop the ability to gather data in the field with a number of types of equipment and in a number of different setting;

Outcome 4: Perform background research, develop a hypothesis, design an experiment, collect data for 7 days and demonstrate an understanding of the results. Each student will demonstrate this understanding by giving a presentation of their work to the class and by writing a technical paper that includes the full scientific method;

Outcome 5: Develop an understanding of local microhabitats by conducting a comparative study of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the protected and then exposed sides of Appledore island. They will demonstrate this understanding by writing a field report of their comparative study;

Outcome 6: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the human impacts associated with a marine environment. Students will be concentrating on the causes, effects, and both global and personal solutions to these issues;

Outcome 7: Develop the ability to communicate the knowledge they have gained using through public speaking and writing.

Students will live at Shoals Marine Lab, Appledore Island, Gulf of Maine, during this course.

Prerequisites

Two year-long high school courses in science and completion of grades 10, 11, or 12

Summer 2025: