Marine science students embarked on a field trip to Dauphin Island last week and gained valuable hands-on learning experience relating to their course curriculum.
Planning for the trip began in September of last year, building on the success of the class’s first trip in 2023. This year’s trip was significantly larger, with more than twice as many students attending than the previous year.
The group left early Monday morning for their three-day trip.
On the first day, students engaged in activities directly related to their classroom studies on a research vessel where they had the opportunity to use the equipment marine scientists conduct research with.
Students and teachers who participated agree the learning they obtained through the hands-on experience was engaging and educational.
“It was fun being able to experience and see everything in real life,” junior Sydney Morgan said.
HHS marine science teacher Lillian Walker fell in love with the subject while in the Dauphin Island sea lab. This initial experience inspired her to pursue a career in teaching marine science.
“It’s magical getting [students] immersed in it, and them getting to hold that fish and see it flap its fins,” Walker said. “It’s just so cool when you see the kids light up and it makes them passionate about what they’re learning and want to continue.”
Unfortunately, students attending were informed on the first night that the three-day trip would be cut short due to Hurricane Francine hitting the coast line.
The hurricane made landfall Wednesday evening as a Category 2 storm. Although the storm was headed west from Dauphin Island, dangerous weather conditions were expected in surrounding areas.
The sudden change in plans caused activities on the second day to be shortened. The scheduled events for Wednesday were canceled, resulting in students missing the kayaking expedition and squid dissection.
“Everything on the second day was really rushed because we were trying to fit a lot of stuff in, but we were still able to go out to the salt marsh, which is a really cool ecosystem,” Walker said.
Students left Dauphin Island Tuesday afternoon and made it back to Homewood late that night, successfully avoiding the hurricane. Despite the trip being cut short, much was learned and many memories were made.
“We were still able to do a lot of stuff,” Walker said. “It was just a little short, but I don’t think the quality was diminished.”
