Walking into the classroom the first day of HSMB, I'm confident that the group all felt the same. We were nervous about getting to know the people we would be spending practically a third of our summer with, yet anxious as we knew that these people would become a part of our memories, including sharing jokes, stories, and ideas.
Day 1 began with the typical "Ice Breakers". After getting to know each other, we learned the difference between observations and inferences. Observations include information recorded based upon the five senses. Inferences are educated guesses made based upon observations. We continued reviewing the different Kingdoms and some groups within those Kingdoms. At the end of our day we met an iguana which concluded our studies and learning for day 1.
When day 2 began we all felt a lot more comfortable with one another. It was obvious that we were warming up to each other. On day 2 we also began our daily morning Fish I.D. exercises. As a class we would watch videos of different fish we anticipate eventually seeing in the Bahamas. While doing so we would write down observations about the fish and try to classify that group, before learning how the book actually classified the fish. The groups were classified based on many characteristics such as: body shape or color. Once we identified the classification we were divided into groups and made a video of the group in the galleries. Many of us used our creative skills to make interesting and fun videos. Following the Fish I.D. we created projects involving the different ecosystems in Bimini. Given a wide range of resources, we were able to create projects that fit our personalities well. Along with creating projects on Day 2, we played a game outside to demonstrate the effects of loss of different necessities on animals in the wild.
We spent day 3, learning about Bimini and the different problems facing the island which have the potential to harm the surrounding wild life. Based on the challenges we uncovered, we divided into stakeholder groups, each of which assumed an assigned role. Each stakeholder group presented their views on what should occur on the island. The stakeholder groups included the Government, Scientists, Environmentalists, Locals, and Tourists.
Day 4 was an exciting day spent touring "Behind the Scenes" of the Shedd Aquarium. Many of us were in awe of and mesmerized by the hard work critical to making the aquarium a successful operation. We could envision ourselves walking in the footsteps of those working behind the scenes, secretly hoping that one day we will have our chance to work at the aquarium. Personally, I found the fact that the sharks were trained for meal time amazing. Who knew you could train a shark that a color and noise meant it was feeding time? On day 4 we also held the Council meeting. After presenting our arguments to support out positions, we decided to become scientists and investigate the issues further on our upcoming trip.
On day 5 we decided what needed to be researched while in Bimini and divided into our research teams to formulate the research project. Each team was composed of 4 individuals, 2 from each of the respective trips, so that research for the same project could take place on both trips. Once the project ideas were formulated, we traveled to a SCUBA store to practice our snorkeling skills, to prepare us for our work in the Bahamas. The experience in the water excited everyone, making us realize just how close we were to the trip.
Now, the trip is looming before us. Teasing us with suspense, as we have a vague idea and our imaginations about what is to come. There are so many possibilities out on the ocean and with the friendships we have formed, anything in possible.
- Stephanie Wenclawski
When day 2 began we all felt a lot more comfortable with one another. It was obvious that we were warming up to each other. On day 2 we also began our daily morning Fish I.D. exercises. As a class we would watch videos of different fish we anticipate eventually seeing in the Bahamas. While doing so we would write down observations about the fish and try to classify that group, before learning how the book actually classified the fish. The groups were classified based on many characteristics such as: body shape or color. Once we identified the classification we were divided into groups and made a video of the group in the galleries. Many of us used our creative skills to make interesting and fun videos. Following the Fish I.D. we created projects involving the different ecosystems in Bimini. Given a wide range of resources, we were able to create projects that fit our personalities well. Along with creating projects on Day 2, we played a game outside to demonstrate the effects of loss of different necessities on animals in the wild.
We spent day 3, learning about Bimini and the different problems facing the island which have the potential to harm the surrounding wild life. Based on the challenges we uncovered, we divided into stakeholder groups, each of which assumed an assigned role. Each stakeholder group presented their views on what should occur on the island. The stakeholder groups included the Government, Scientists, Environmentalists, Locals, and Tourists.
Day 4 was an exciting day spent touring "Behind the Scenes" of the Shedd Aquarium. Many of us were in awe of and mesmerized by the hard work critical to making the aquarium a successful operation. We could envision ourselves walking in the footsteps of those working behind the scenes, secretly hoping that one day we will have our chance to work at the aquarium. Personally, I found the fact that the sharks were trained for meal time amazing. Who knew you could train a shark that a color and noise meant it was feeding time? On day 4 we also held the Council meeting. After presenting our arguments to support out positions, we decided to become scientists and investigate the issues further on our upcoming trip.
On day 5 we decided what needed to be researched while in Bimini and divided into our research teams to formulate the research project. Each team was composed of 4 individuals, 2 from each of the respective trips, so that research for the same project could take place on both trips. Once the project ideas were formulated, we traveled to a SCUBA store to practice our snorkeling skills, to prepare us for our work in the Bahamas. The experience in the water excited everyone, making us realize just how close we were to the trip.
Now, the trip is looming before us. Teasing us with suspense, as we have a vague idea and our imaginations about what is to come. There are so many possibilities out on the ocean and with the friendships we have formed, anything in possible.
- Stephanie Wenclawski
