The summer Rhode Island Coastal Ecology Exploration with Educational Field Studies is an amazing opportunity for students to engage their interest in nature and ecology in a real and meaningful way.
Rhode Island provides the ideal setting for immersion in marine studies. With over a 1,000 miles of coast line in this very small state, wherever you are in Rhode Island, the ocean is nearby. The diversity of life in this southern region of New England is astounding. Students will explore this diversity first hand, see for themselves the abundance that defines the natural history of the region, and better understand the varying conservation issues facing the region.
During this week-long exploration, students will:
- Trawl Narragansett Bay for marine life aboard the University of Rhode Island’s marine research vessel, Cap’n Bert;
- Meet with researchers at the Graduate School of Oceanography and learn directly from the scientists what questions and issues are the source of their studies;
- Explore with their own hands and eyes the rocky intertidal and learn about the organisms and their ecological roles in this resilient ecosystem;
- Visit Mystic Aquarium, one of the finest research aquariums in the world, and participate with researchers in a necropsy of a marine mammal to learn more about the threats that exist to marine mammal life;
- Visit an oyster farm, don their hip waders, and dig in! All the while, our host will teach us about these amazing organisms, their economic impact and the social and economic role of oyster-bed restoration projects around the globe. Of course, students may enjoy eating them as well;
- Explore coastal bird habitats with a birding expert at Ninigret Wildlife Refuge and visit the port of Galilee where students will learn about it’s rich history in colonial America and enjoy food prepared from the day’s catch;
- Visit Newport, Rhode Island, and learn about aquaculture at Roger Williams College, shop at the shops of the old port and hike the Cliff Walk behind the area’s historic mansions;
- On the final day of our adventure we will enjoy an afternoon of sailing in and around Newport Harbor and celebrate our new connection to this beautiful place with an evening picnic on Jamestown Island.
Students will return home with a knowledge gaining experience they won’t soon forget.
In this five-day program, students will receive instruction and hands-on explorations in biology, zoology, marine ecology, environmental impact analysis, geology and colonial and native American history. In addition to this myriad of engaging learning opportunities, there will be plenty of time to walk, rest, explore, play, laugh, read, journal and have fun. When it comes to meal-time those who wish to explore the exquisite culinary fusion of Italian and New England seafood will have many opportunities to do so, but those who are less adventurous will always have delicious, kid-friendly options. Students will lodge two to a room on the campus of the University of Rhode Island, centrally located to all of our coastal adventures, and will be transported in a 15 passenger van. Comfortable and safe, students will enjoy a learning experience outside the box of the usual camp experience.
Educational Field Studies 