Students learn about Marine Biology trip to Florida
Science students watch the video about the Marine Lab trip. Mr. Jeff Rhody, Science, then answered questions people had about the trip.
November 1, 2013
For the past 13 years, Mr. Jeff Rhody, Science, has directed an annual student trip to Key Largo, Florida to learn about marine biology.
“It’s a really neat experience that 99.9 percent of people will never have in their lifetime,” Mr. Rhody said.
Mr. Rhody’s students first get certified in SCUBA diving, take a six-day information course at school from June 26 to July 3, and then spend six days in Florida, from July 7 through July 12 studying the marine life. Current freshmen, sophomores and juniors who have passed Biology can attend this trip and apply the experiences they gain into everyday life.
“This trip showed me a lot on how we as people can affect the environment and all the ecosystems,” William Gray (12) said.
Lake Central students can take part in this program whether they are interested in marine biology, or not. The program provides opportunities for students unavailable to others studying independently.
“I’ve always been interested in marine biology as a career choice, but this showed me that this is really the career for me. It helped me know more about the science,” Megan Magdziarz (12) said.
The students stay in the Marine Lab dormitory, waking up to a view of the Atlantic Ocean every morning and spending time in the classrooms for lectures.
“It helped me learn all the things [marine biologists] really work to do and [everything] that happens behind the scenes,” Gray said.
The students leave Lake Central between 2 and 3 a.m. and arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.. They travel from Fort Lauderdale to Key Largo, which is where the diving takes place.
For more information, see Mr. Rhody in room V109. There will be a parent meeting for interested students on Nov. 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the LGI.
