Marine Science Our instructors have four-year science degrees in addition to their necessary certifications required by the U.S. Coast Guard. These instructors work closely with teachers from each school group to adapt the regular program according to the needs of each group. Prior to sailing, teachers are given a syllabus of each course taught aboard the TOLE MOUR and encouraged to work with the ship's staff to emphasize additional scholastic aspects of their current curricula. This unique collaborative effort between teachers and the TOLE MOUR instructors reinforce class work. Through these efforts, teachers and students alike bridge the gap between ideas and knowledge from the classroom and the dynamic marine and terrestrial world on and adjacent to the islands. Categories of Marine Science Study include: Unifying Concepts and Processes in Science, Science as Inquiry, Physical Science, Life Science, Science in Personal and Social Perspective, and History and Nature of Science. The ship conducts its marine program within its newly-created Marine Science Laboratory, equipped with digital microscopes, on-board aquaria and touch tank, electronic water analysis meters, bottom sampling equipment, collection nets and a remotely operated vehicle,an underwater, self-propelled camera similar to the machine that explored the interior of the Titanic. Below are the classes that the Head Chaperone may choose for their expedition.
Oceanography/ROV
Students rotate through stations where they learn how to deploy equipment and record data. Explore the ocean depths with our Remotely Operated Vehicle. Use our electronic probes to examine different characteristics of the surrounding waters (Salinity, PH, Temperature, Density, and More!). Set the Eckman Dredge and analyze a bottom sample for clues to the geologic origin of the island and it’s marine inhabitants. Check the visibility with a Secchi disc and experiment to see how light is refracted by the water.
Dory Rowing and Sailing (5 & 7 day trips only)
Build team work as your students row and sail BIG BERTHA. She is a flat bottom Dory - the most functional workboat ever built. While designed by fisherman and sailors of the past, our vessel was actually built by teacher Sam Pedisich and his students at Guajome Park Academy in Vista, CA using a grant from Guided Discoveries. Your students will alternate between BIG BERTHA, 4 smaller dories, and a beach activity. Supplement your sailing skills on TOLE MOUR with small boat experience.
Intertidal Survey
Students employ the techniques of a typical field experiment in order to collect data and draw conclusions about the distribution, population density, and diversity of intertidal organisms. This is a chance for them to “get their feet wet” in the realm of community ecology.
Kayaking (5 & 7 day trips only)
Explore the island’s nooks and crannies under your own power. This exciting sport presents new challenges and builds confidence. Look for leopard sharks at Chondrichthyes cove, nesting bald eagles and shy harbor seals. Not available on 3 day expeditions.
Wave Mechanics (5 & 7 day trips only)
The TOLE MOUR visits a remote cove on Catalina’s rugged backside to compare and contrast the wave energy on the windward and leeward sides of the island. Get barrelled by science as your school has a hands- on lesson in wave mechanics with bodysurfing and boogie boarding - Lifeguard supervised.
Meteorology
Monitor and predict weather conditions using modern and historical methods. Learn the folkloric rhymes that old sailors used to understand Mother Nature.
Fish
Identify and study morphology of Catalina’s most common and interesting fish. Examine the relationship between form and function of individual fish species and examine the disbursement of fish within Catalina’s different habitats. Play Fish Bingo!
Invertebrates
In this class we take a more in depth look at actual specimens from the Ship’s touch tank collected by the students Learn the amazing facts of the local species and their classification. Play interactive games.
Plankton Research
Become part of CTSE’s ongoing research program! With your school’s help we will collect plankton and acquire data about planktonic patterns throughout the seasons. Your students will use our video microscope to first learn about and then analyze our ocean’s Phyto and Zooplankton. This program will last long after your expedition as you check your schools data and and compare it to our overall database on our website at www.guideddiscoveries.org.
Marine Mammals
Focus on local species that we often see on our expeditions. Learn astounding facts about the abilities and physical characteristics of marine mammals as your students play an interactive game. Finally students learn about the mammalian diving reflex as they monitor their heart rate at rest and compare it to holding their breath with their face in the water.
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