Winter Term 2018 Continues St. Michael's Innovative Programming

We recently reported on a Science Department collaboration with the University of Texas, the Honors Research Initiative, to illustrate how St. Michael's faculty seek out leading edge opportunities in learning. Winter Term, another St. Michael's programmatic first, offers a further example of how our instructors translate their passions to the student experience. In a Winter Term environmental sciences fieldwork trip, developed and organized by Todd Council, Audrey Dwyer and Paula Priour, with logistical help from Carlon Haas, students will see first hand what environmental stewardship entails.

"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.
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The Science Department is offering a unique opportunity to explore another region of the great state of Texas during this year’s Winter Term. After two years of successful excursions to the Big Bend region, we have switched things up and planned an exciting adventure to the other side of the state to develop students’ conservation awareness of marine ecosystems. Mr. Council, Ms. Dwyer, and Ms. Priour have teamed up to offer a new Winter Term experience in “Marine Conservation.”
 
Todd Council shares the genesis of this particular Winer Term course:
 
This course sprang from conversations between me, Ms. Dwyer and Ms. Priour regarding our concern for the plight of the world’s oceans. Each of us brought a unique perspective to the conversation. The ocean generates half the oxygen people breathe, holds 97% of the world’s water, provides one-sixth of the animal protein people eat, regulates climate, and is the most promising source of new medicines to combat cancer, pain, and bacterial disease.
 
In addition to her education degrees, Ms. Dwyer has degrees in Environmental Geoscience and also Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences. Engaging students in field work is one of her many passions. Last year, Ms. Dwyer spent time in Costa Rica at a Professional Development on engaging students in project based field work.  Ms. Dwyer’s goal is to carry out student fieldwork experiences at the “local level.”
 
Ms. Priour, by virtue of the fact that she consumes both oxygen and protein, proves that, no matter what discipline one comes from, the welfare of the oceans and the conservation of the environment should be a passionate concern for all of us. Creating a sense of stewardship and passing on a love of the natural world should be a priority - even in English class.
 
Mr. Council has always been infatuated with marine life. He became a certified SCUBA diver when he was 16 and started his college education as a marine biology major at UNC-Wilmington.  He currently maintains a 180 gallon coral reef tank at his home that supports dozens of species of living corals, fish, and other invertebrates. He is always looking for ways to share his love of the marine science with his students.
 
The highlight of the class is a 7-day/6 night field trip to Galveston to experience conservation challenges first hand. SMCA has partnered with many groups and agencies to offer a diverse field experience that should help students deepen their commitment to marine conservation. Some of the highlights include programs with Texas A&M Galveston on their research vessel R/V Triton and in their marine biology labs to study shark ecology capped with a shark dissection. The NOAA Marine Fisheries Lab in Galveston will share details about their captive rearing of Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Biologists from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will be hosting us as we learn about the threats to this unique coral reef located off the Texas coast that is currently suffering from the invasion of the lionfish. The Moody Gardens Aquarium will host us for a behind-the-scenes tour, where we will learn what it takes to house the diverse life on display.
 
A short informational meeting for parents will be held September 26 at 6:00 pm in room 405 to answer any questions about this trip. 
 
This class will offer students an opportunity to be taught, so they do understand, so they can love and conserve.
 
We're excited to be able to empower students with this unique hands-on science experience.
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