2008 FIELD TRIP OPTIONS

 (Each program is tailored to the age of the group.)

Guided Site Tour. How does a marine railway work? What’s an otter trawl? Students will learn the answers to questions like these as they tour the Burnham Brothers Marine Railway, the Main Pier, the Dive Display, the Vincie N. Exhibit, and the Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary Exhibit, where they will also make “rubbings” of fish found in the sanctuary.

Sea Pocket Exploration. Why are seastars covered with tiny suction cups? How does a barnacle eat? Students will visit Sea Pocket Lab, GMHC’s outdoor aquarium, where they will be introduced to tanks representing local habitats including the rocky intertidal zone and the salt marshes. They will handle animals from our touch tanks and learn about the coastal processes that impact these animals and other organisms that live in Cape Ann habitats.

Algae Lab. Why are different types of seaweeds different colors? What makes a seaweed slimy? Marine algae show a great range of adaptations to their environment and are used by humans in a multitude of ways. Students will explore the similarities and differences between different types of seaweeds, and learn why they look and feel the way they do. Each student will create his/her own seaweed pressing to take home. Students will also have the chance to taste seaweed.

Marine Invertebrate Dissection Lab. Marine invertebrates are one of the most diverse, intelligent and tasty groups of animals on the planet. Students will learn to identify different species of marine invertebrates including squid and soft-shell clams, by exploring their soft-bodied anatomy through individual dissections. Students will literally get a taste of these animals (calamari or fired clams) which make up some of our most important local fisheries.

Gloucester Dory Rowing Experience. Middle and high school students explore Gloucester Harbor while rowing a Grand Banks Dory. Team building skills are stressed as students propel themselves through the water in the same type of boats originally used by the Gloucester fishing fleet. No prior rowing experience necessary.