A week on Catalina Island studying marine biology begins May 12 for 13 graduating eighth graders from Elgin School in Sonoita. After several years of preparation, studying, and fundraising, the students are reaping the rewards of their efforts. They have had to maintain excellent grade point averages and to show leadership skills throughout the year. They have formed a school group called the “Marine Biology Club.” They have raised money for the trip by putting on public dinners, movie nights, and other projects. Superintendent of the Sonoita Elementary School District Sue Schwartz praises the students for raising the funds and says, “They really worked hard to earn this trip.”
The experience begins with a boat ride to Catalina Island off the California coast. There the eighth graders and their chaperones will be hosted by the Catalina Island Marine Institute, an accredited nonprofit educational organization and camp. (For more information about CIMI, go to www.guideddiscoveries. com.) During the week they will study marine biology by doing squid dissection and plankton research and by learning the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates.
Some students have never been in the ocean, so they will enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming with dolphins. Catalina Island is home to many unusual and fascinating animals, including wild buffalo, which they will see on their daily hikes. And at night, because the sky is clear and dark on the island, the students will study astronomy. Superintendent Schwarz characterizes this trip as an “immersive science experience at one of the most beautiful islands we have.”
Elgin School has sent graduating eighth graders to Catalina Island for 10 years and plans to continue doing so because of the rich experience and excellent science training. Upon their return, the group will have a few more days on campus to report to the rest of the students about their experience and to challenge next year’s graduating class to work toward their own trip to Catalina Island. Graduation for the eighth graders is May 21 at 6 p.m.
Parents and family can see the group’s pictures and read about their learning experience on the school website, www.elgink12.com, and can follow them on Facebook at Elgin School.