Students return form Bahamian paradise

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:14:22 GMT

By kara burns

photo by alex thornton
Students receive a wood carving demonstration from renowned Bahamian wood carver Henry Wallace while on Andros island.

As three tiny nine-passenger planes landed on Bahamian soil, 17 students started their adventure of Andros , Bahamas for their Biology 2 Honors class. The class traveled to the Bahamas from April 1 to April 11. The class travels to the Bahamas as a bi-annual trip, and according to Science Department Head George Murphy, this trip has been successful. “We conducted marine experiments, and students were able to design experiments that aren’t able to be designed here,” Murphy said. “[We also] snorkeled on the barrier reef.” Some experiments that students conducted included counting the Lionfish, which are an invasive species. The students also dived into “blueholes” (vertical caves filled with water) to test the water qualities at different levels. “The water was really refreshing and clear,” senior Hollis Cate said. “We took water samples and found that about 20-50 feet deeper down in the bluehole, there is a layer of sulfur.” Senior Josh Thompson also swam in the bluehole, and thought it was a fun experience. “It was cool,” Thompson said. “There was fresh-water on top of the bluehole, and further down, there were a series of tunnels that eventually connected to the ocean. From the surface, [the bluehole] looks like a pond.” The Biology 2 Honors class started going on trips to the Bahamas in 1993 after Murphy had visited the Bahamas in college. “[When] I went [to visit the Bahamas ] in college, I learned a lot about marine biology and had a great time,” Murphy said. “When I started teaching, I thought it would be good for my students to go on the trip.” Junior Margot Lubowsky was most excited about snorkeling and living in paradise. “[We saw] tons of fish, dolphins, and sting rays,” Lubowsky said. “Seeing everything in its natural, wild state made it more interesting to learn.” While snorkeling, the students could swim through coral reef arches and see different types of animals. “I lost a flipper while swimming through a tunnel in the coral reef,” senior Cody Smith said. “It was really awkward trying to swim the last ten feet with only one flipper on. I made Hollis go back and get it for me.” Sleeping outside on hammocks and playing beach volleyball were some favorite memories of the trip. Senior Andrew Gabany saw a nurse shark while snorkeling. Although many left the Bahamas with fun memories, it is not the only thing students returned home with. Senior Brian Davidson brushed up against fire coral and got a burn mark on his arm. “[Going to] Andros wasn’t just a fieldtrip,” junior Alex Thornton said. “It was a way of life.” Not only were the students able to experience first hand the third largest barrier reef, they were able to learn more about Bahamian Culture. “The locals were incredibly friendly,” Gabany said. “They would sell handmade items like baskets and wood carvings.” The cost to go on the Bahamas trip is about $1,540, but according to Gabany, it is well worth the cost. “It’s definitely a great experience,” Gabany said. “Not only do you get to see one of the most beautiful places on earth, you get to interact with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.” By going to the Bahamas , Murphy believes his students experienced the excitement of marine biology. “[In the past] I have had many students go on to major in marine biology after going on this trip,” Murphy said. “I even had one student go back to the Bahamas and join the staff at the International Field Station. It’s often a life-changing experience.”

The Falconer

Students return form Bahamian paradise