May Term Class: Marine Biology

May 7th and 8th The final weekend of the 50th Goshen College Marine biology course was one full of events. Saturday morning began with a memorable team effort in erecting a 5,000 gallon rainwater collection tank behind the laboratory. Throughout the weekend, Ryan and Jacob took time out of the day to install the tank … Keep reading »

May 6th Today we went on our much anticipated visit to the coral reef; following yesterday’s lesson concerning coral reefs, we were eager to see them for ourselves! We packed our lunches, gathered our gear and left for the nearby Keys Marine Laboratory. The Laboratory is a nearby research station and educational facility that provides … Keep reading »

May 5th Today started with a morning lecture on coral reef ecology. In preparation for class, we were assigned to read an article concerning the causes and effects of coral bleaching, an occurrence in coral that can lead to death. The article discussed El Niño –a recurring climate pattern across the tropical pacific– that causes … Keep reading »

May 4th Today got off to a slow start, as we are all feeling the effects of long days out on the water and late nights in the lab. However, a rejuvenating breakfast of bagels and cereal got us in the mood for our morning lecture. In lecture, we reviewed trophic cascades, looked at numerous food webs, … Keep reading »

May 3rd Studying Marine Biology in the Keys is a great oppor-tuna-ty to grow more aware of the environment we live in and experience the diversity of life on this earth. This morning, we were greeted with a bright sunny day that led us right into the lab for the day’s lecture on positive Interactions … Keep reading »

May 2nd Today, we visited the Turtle Hospital –a non-profit organization focused on the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles– in Marathon Key. This turtle hospital was the very first of its kind in the world. We learned of the many threats to sea turtles and the different types of turtles that can be found throughout … Keep reading »

  May 1st Today we participated in the Layton Baptist Church service, a tradition of the Goshen College Marine Biology class stretching back more than forty years. We visited with the locals and sang two hymns as special music: “Come, Thou Fount” and “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” from the old red hymnal. … Keep reading »

April 30th Today our morning lecture focused on mangrove ecology and the significant impact that these seaside plants have on the Florida Bay. Mangroves provide food and shelter for many creatures, filter seawater, and help to stabilize Florida coastlines. Here in the Keys, there are three prevalent Mangrove species: Avicennia germinans (Black Mangrove), Rhizophora mangle … Keep reading »

April 29th Today was another exciting and tiring day! Every morning a different student offers a reflection on something they’ve been thinking about with regard to the class, and today Claire Frederick talked about how we college students are just like 5-year-olds when in marine environments –clumsy at getting around but fascinated and inspired by … Keep reading »