Page 9 - SeatrekBVI Brochure

LECTURES
Lecture style is kept interactive and student-driven.
FATHOMS uses videos, animations and other media
tools to help students visualize and comprehend
difficult concepts. Each lecture is aligned to
a worksheet or note-taker in the science LABS
workbook so that students have access Each lab is designed as an extension of a specific
to the information at any time. The labs lecture and allows students to observe and apply
and field studies will help students apply the concepts discussed. Labs also help students
and integrate the content covered in prepare to use that information during a field study.
each lecture.
Examples of labs include dissections, mapping,
monitoring sites, collecting and graphing water
quality data, collecting plankton and sediment for
identification and sorting, and observing and
classifying fish and invertebrate species.

FIELD STUDIES
SeaTrek BVI is proud to present Focused Adventure Through Hands Field studies occur in terrestrial and aquatic habitats
On Marine Science (FATHOMS). Who would have thought that learning throughout the islands and teach students how to
apply the scientific method to the real world. Field
FATHOMS is our new program that combines marine science, community science and doing research could be so fun!? studies may include profiling beaches to
examine erosional forces and sediment
service and cultural studies in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands. composition; using GPS to map organism RESEARCH PROJECTS
During the 22-day voyage, students live aboard a 43-foot catamaran distributions; collecting water samples for Developed in collaboration with the Jost Van Dykes
that serves as their mobile research station, affording them countless chemical and biological analysis; collecting Preservation Society, the FATHOMS curriculum
opportunities to study and experience the ecology and dynamics of physical water column data to graph involves two key research projects. Project #1:
temperature and light profiles; and
the living marine laboratory that surrounds them. photographing and cataloging specimens. create a program to monitor coral coverage and
disease. Project #2: develop a coastal trail guide to
teach residents and tourists about the history and
COURSE CURRICULUM ecology of the island’s East End. SeaTrek staff and

The FATHOMS program weaves together DAILY SCHEDULE EVENING: affiliated marine scientists work with students to
provide resources and feedback throughout the
marine science, community service and • Dinner entire process.
cultural interactions centered on lectures, MORNING: • Content lecture, lab, or CULTURAL STUDIES MODULES
labs, and field studies. SeaTrek marine • Breakfast; Daily goals cultural studies excursion By talking to and working alongside BVI residents,
scientists and guest lecturers will present students begin to explore outreach and management
content focusing on their areas of expertise. • Content lecture • Science workbook/ strategies for protecting the region’s valuable marine
Through these lectures, hands-on explorations • Lab and/or field study independent project resources. Cultural studies activities include
and service work, students become equipped • Science workbook and reflection • Group work for research field trips to historical sites and natural COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
areas of Jost Van Dyke and St. John;
with the tools necessary to investigate and presentations by BVI fishermen and divers, SeaTrek students collaborate on projects with a variety
• Lunch; Q&A on the morning’s
impact the world around them. AFTERNOON: projects park rangers, and scientists; interviews with of organizations throughout the BVI, including the
Conservation and Fisheries Department, and National
Development of the FATHOMS curriculum • Review activity/discussion residents and tourists; and community Parks Trust. Students work to collect and report data
service projects.
• Community service activity/
is an ongoing, collaborative effort led by activities • Video to help educate BVI residents and tourists about the
Angela Cowan, SeaTrek’s Director of Marine RECREATION: marine environment. Examples of community service
Science. The SeaTrek science staff consults cultural studies activity • SCUBA diving and snorkeling projects include Sea Turtle Tagging & Monitoring;
REEF Fish Identification; Lionfish Marking & Capture;
with a number of marine scientists and master • Group work for research Seagrass Monitoring and Mangrove Planting;
educators to continually review course content • Beach Games CoralWatch; and Beach Cleanups.
and execution. projects • Hiking/Kayaking/Sailing
• Scuba diving/recreation