Nine Link students are learning about sustainability and marine biology/ecology at The Island School in Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas this week. Additionally they are engaging in expeditionary learning – snorkeling, kayaking, and beach camping.
Students left Link, with Mrs. Paradiso and Mr. Silver as chaperones, on Tuesday, April 10th for a week long immersion in the Bahamian environment and culture. During their week at The Island School, they will research and study tropical marine biology, with emphasis on sharks and sea turtles, and the elements of a sustainable environment, including water purification, energy production, waste disposal, and ways to ensuring that the island’s fragile eco-systems are not jeopardized.
Besides the scientific knowledge students will acquire, this expedition provides students with the wonderful opportunity to develop personally. They will engage in a number of fun and often challenging experiences, helping them become aware of their overall potential – as individuals, as members of a “team” and as leaders.
Here are some comments from students at the end of the first day at The Island School:
Today we woke up at 6 am and went snorkeling. We got to see the sun rise and sun fall. Avery
The Island School is the best-a true once in a lifetime experience. I am glad to say I have been in school in Eleuthera and I am most definitely applying for my 9th grade year. Terrell
Well today, I had dish duty. It wasn’t as boring as I expected-there was music. I can’t wait to go biking. Ameen
I learned that I am a very good swimmer and I went snorkeling for the first time ever. I was also nominated leader of the day for tomorrow, based on the leadership I showed when we got to Cape Eleuhtera. So far so good. Khalil
Today we took a swimming test. I failed, although the water was pretty deep. I panicked and swam back and that was scary. After that, we went snorkeling and it was very fun. Marrielly
We met the beautiful campus. That really surprised me with how the school grows its own food and has a smart and unique way of getting rid of garbage. The best part was free time–everyone got to day everything they wanted. I laid down because I was tired. But today was absolutely, positively, magnificently wonderful. Deja
Poem of the Day by Azaiah
Outside the comfort zone, I find comfort.
In the comfort zone, I am comfortable.
Both are risks, with learning new tricks.
It’s OK to switch zones because each has it’s own goal.
It was like an extraordinary underwater land. I had a fantastic time snorkeling. I had a very eye-opening experience. Zania
Today, I went in the water to go snorkeling. It was kinda fun, but I kept getting salt water in my mouth. Naka
Update from April 13, 2012
Today we watched our students be scientists. They each took part in catching, weighing and measuring tilapia with a scientist from the Cape Eleuthera Institute. They each approached their role with confidence and curiosity. After their work, everyone enjoyed fresh fried tilapia. The students have had new experiences, such as snorkeling. They have engaged in conversations with students from all over the U.S. who are currently studying at the Island School. We are so proud of each of our Linkers. Mrs. Paradiso and Mr. Silver
Each day gets better and better. Today, we biked to the marina, played some basketball, while others watched the feeding of the “feesh”, which were sharks. I don’t want to leave. Ameen
Overall, the trip has been pretty good. Of course, it has its flaws, but everything does. Terrell
Today we bought chocolate cake at the marina and it was good. It was very wet and rainy today. Marielly
I tried to measure and catch a fish but it was slimy, so I just ate it. It was good. Tomorrow, I am going camping. That should be fun. PS. Love you mommy. Deja
This trip is everything I expected and more. We ate fresh tilapia and weighed and measured them. It was definitely a fun and new experience. I learned that when tilapia is stressed they give off mucus from their bodies. Tomorrow, we are going camping. I am not going to waste any food and not going to litter. Khalil
We caught 50 fish today, all tilapia out of a tank. We rode bikes to the marina. Avery
These last two days have been great. I have done things I would never see myself doing in life. I think I can help my community tomorrow by looking trash on the beach and picking it up. Zania
I can help my community tomorrow by leaving no trace. Naka
In the morning we helped with the fish research. I was the only girl to try to get them out and put them in the cooler. Yay me! Putting them on the weighing board with the net was cool and fun, with the slime. Azaiah
Check back for news from the Island School as the week progresses.
