Marine Sciences

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marine sciences

*Coastal Ecology*
This course is taught by Marine Biologists from Ocean Quest, a Cape Cod based non-profit marine education organization. The students will have the opportunity to explore the sandy cliffs, tide pools within the rocky inter-tidal zone, salt marshes, and beaches of the Old Harbor State Park in Plymouth. Working in small groups the students will collect specimens and record information onto data sheets. All students are encouraged to share in this class.


*Marine Lab*
	The students will have the unique opportunity to take a closer look at a variety of local marine specimens. The camp has a wonderful laboratory with aquariums and microscopes to enhance the study of marine diversity. Oceanquest instructors will lead the students in discussion of marine creatures, enhanced with both live and dried examples. The class culminates with a group dissection of a dogfish shark. A discussion of shark myths and facts is a highlight of the class for both students and instructors.


*Canal*
Two of Cape Cod's most important resources are studied in this unique class. The students will have the chance to visit the Cape Cod Canal, the widest sea level canal in the world. Construction and maintenance of this waterway will be discussed and aided by a visit to the canal operation center.
Should the class take place in the spring there will be a visit to the Herring Run, where the Alewife fish leave the ocean via the canal and travel upriver to Great Herring Pond to spawn. A wonderful hands-on experience of the importance of maintaining a clean environment. The students will then visit a cranberry bog and see firsthand how this native fruit of North America is grown and harvested.

*Pond Study*
	Students will study the ecology of the fresh water environment. A field trip to local ponds and rivers provide a hands-on approach to sampling and collecting the invertebrate life along the shore. The natural history of local flora and fauna will be emphasized. A visit to our lab area will allow students the opportunity to observe and maintain a pond aquarium. All students will have the opportunity to participate in this extremely popular class.