Here’s a quick rundown of how the R.E.E.F Program went last week. It was definitely a week full of learning, research, exploration, and of course protection!
On Monday, the students learned about what protection meant and how the mangroves, reef, and people in their community help protect the island. We divided up into two groups and made concepts maps for the word protection. The students also came up with their own rules to follow during camp.
A concept map on protection
R.E.E.F rules
On Tuesday, the students learned more about interviews and how it can serve as a method to obtain qualitative research. The students first practiced interviewing someone, being interviewed, and how to use the GoPro camera to record interviews. After practicing, the students came up with their own questions around the theme of marine protection to ask people in their community. Afterwards, we walked along the beach to find people to interview. Students interviewed tour guides, dive masters, tourists, and a fisherman. We will compile the footage we got of the students’ interviews into one video to show at graduation.
A brainstorm of questions to ask the community
On our way to conduct interviews
On Wednesday the students reviewed the scientific method and used a microscope to explore the question, what is the sand made of? The kids loved working the microscope and even looked at a hermit crab and seagrass under the scope when they finished with the sand activity.
Students writing in their book and observing the sand under the microscope.
Students using the microscope with their sand samples ready to go!
The set up for the microscope activity
On Thursday we didn’t have normal camp because of the scheduled mangroves trip with Crocodile Chris. We had to split this trip into two days because of limited seating on the boat, so half of the students went with Miss Jasmine and Miss Emily on Thursday night to see some crocodiles. The kids had a blast and learned so many facts about the crocodiles. Crocodile Chris wasn’t able to catch a crocodile, but we saw many from afar. The group also helped to safely release a crocodile Crocodile Chris already had onboard into the mangroves.
Students observing the crocodile before releasing it into the mangroves
Anthony holding a crocodile skull
Friday was the last day of the R.E.E.F program and what better way to end such an amazing week with the students than with a snorkel to the reef. For some it was their first time going out to the reef and for others it was an opportunity to see the reef again. Regardless, it was a fun time for all! The students learned how to fill out a biodiversity survey before jumping in the water. While snorkeling, the saw a ray, a nurse shark, sea urchins, coral, crabs, and some lobsters. Later that night, the second half of the team went out with Miss Abby, Miss Dana, Miss Sabrina, and Crocodile Chris to see the crocodiles. This time around Crocodile Chris caught a 3 foot crocodile! The kids were so engaged and loved their time in the mangroves. At the end of the trip, the team had a heartfelt goodbye.
Louis, Anthony, Navin, and Marlin on the boat after snorkeling
Group picture after getting off the boat
Yanny holding the crocodile Chris caught
Kylie holding the crocodile
Rachel holding the crocodile
– Jasmine Pacheco-Ramos & Coral Ed Team