Marine Biology Heads to the Beach!

Every September, the US Marine Bio students head to the Jersey Shore to investigate the unique ecology of both the salt marsh and a barrier island beach.

Students conduct chemical tests at both locations, and collect plankton and sediment samples which are brought

back to our lab for further analysis. They  also use seine nets to collect organisms and then observe and discuss the biodiversity at each location.

"One of the most interesting activities is the collection of data at the beach, called a transect, which allows students to visualize a profile when the data is graphed back at school. This year we analyzed our data along with data taken at the same spot thirteen years ago!" reports teacher Becky Pizzino.

"Google Earth is also used in our discussion of how Stone Harbor Point has changed due to both human and natural processes (especially Super Storm Sandy!)."

What We Are Reading

Richard Louv in his influential work Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, speaks directly to the "staggering divide between children and the outdoors" argues that a growing nature-deficit in our wired children threatens their health and well being along with that of our families and communities. More than just a call to action, Louv offers practical suggestions for creating meaningful bonds with the outdoors.  

Planting Garlic for Overwintering in Lower School Garden

The late autumn garden season in the lower school wasn't quite over yet for busy lower school students.  While most folks were getting ready to celebrate the plethora of winter holidays, the kindergarten class was thinking about spring. The spring garden that is. During science class each student was busy planting a garlic glove for overwintering. Once harvested in spring, students will dry the garlic in a dehydrator and make and eat home grown garlic bread!