Marine Biology in the Florida Keys

The Marine Biology course offered each year is not only to Bethany and Goshen students, it is also offered to Northridge High School, Wawasee High School, and many more! The course offers a hands-on learning experience in the ocean environment. Students get transported to the Florida Keys for a one-week, in-depth study of marine organisms, their habitats, and environmental factors that affect those organisms. The trip is preceded by three four-hour seminars preparing the student for the trip. These seminars include discussions of precaution and safety, assignment of study groups, assignment of project topics, dissemination of information and materials, and practice snorkeling. During the week in the Keys the students work on a textbook specifically designed for the marine biology course. Along with classes being held in the keys, students live together usually in groups of four or more. Once you get assigned an eating group you meet every breakfast, lunch and dinner (except if you decide to go night fishing or to the rocky coast to see nocturnal organisms). Upon returning from the keys first years take a 90 minute exam on their knowledge of the material they studied.

It’s not all work and study though, students often have free time to either catch up on work or have fun in the sun. Some other activities include going to the beach, kayaking, and seeing the well-renowned concert performed by students and adult alike. There is also snorkeling, and going to Key West near Mile 0 for the day, visiting the turtle hospital, collecting sea creatures of all galore! During Marine Biology you meet people with similar interests as you, you meet people you would have met before, and become a community that is built through laughter, shared experiences, hard work, and lots of fun.

If anyone reading this has any interest in the opportunity contact Sorel Miller.