Day One: Opening Session
On the first day of camp, the campers were given an overview about the different types of fresh water and marine ecosystems that they would encounter this week. Each ecosystem plays a vital role in everyday life, and during this week, the campers will have opportunities to interact first hand with both types of ecosystems. Mr. Paul Massey, plantation manager at Arcadia and Greenwood Plantations, stopped by to explain the Wiregrass and Longleaf Pine Ecosystems.
Then, during the afternoon session, campers split up into two groups. The first group began researching both plants and animals that they might encounter this week. The second group met with Professor Harrell and Mrs. Lanatta to test water samples that had been previously collected. These samples were representative of the different ecosystems that the students were going to encounter throughout the week. After a period of time, the groups switched places to complete the other activity.
Then, during the afternoon session, campers split up into two groups. The first group began researching both plants and animals that they might encounter this week. The second group met with Professor Harrell and Mrs. Lanatta to test water samples that had been previously collected. These samples were representative of the different ecosystems that the students were going to encounter throughout the week. After a period of time, the groups switched places to complete the other activity.
Day Two: FSU Coastal and Marine Life
Campers will travel to the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory. After arrival students will be placed in dorms and eat lunch. In the afternoon students will work with FSU Biologists as they explore the coastal environment on a walk in the marshes. Participants will spend the night in the dorms at the Laboratory. Campers will have opportunities to use cast nets and collect specimens of sea life for research the following day.
Day Three: FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory
Campers will meet in the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory and learn about how to use scientific tools to identify sea specimens. The campers will spend the remainder of the morning cruising on boats, discovering and collecting marine specimens. Campers will take notes in their journals. Students will travel back to TU reviewing and refining information as they travel.
Day Four: Freshwater Ecology
Day Five: Seminole State Park
Campers will use technology to create posters developed with photos and information from their first four days of “hands on” research. They will write rough drafts for the thank you notes to the camp’s sponsors. Learners will complete some quick research about native plants and animals in the fresh water habitat Campers will travel to a nearby Arcadia Plantation where they will explore a fresh water lake, ponds and a sink hole. Paul Massey of Arcadia and Greenwood Plantation will lead a tour and discuss resource management. Students will collect fresh water samples from four sites and take back to TU for testing. Campers will meet with science faculty at TU to discuss proper use of a microscope for viewing their water samples.
Campers will load the TU vans and head out to Seminole State Park, located in Donalsonville, GA. Once they arrive at the park, they will meet up with park Naturalist, Jason Parker, who will talk about stewardship and the state parks, possible careers in environmental science, and take campers on a thirty-minute hike throughout the park. Along the way, he will point out various plants and animals that reside in that ecosystem. Afterwards, campers will have an opportunity to swim and paddle in the paddle boats. All campers who choose to go in the paddle boats are required to wear a life vest, which will be provided along with the boats. Campers will need to bring a change of clothes for the van ride back to campus; campers may wear swim attire, but it must be modest swimwear. Additionally, all campers will need to pack a lunch for the day.
Campers will load the TU vans and head out to Seminole State Park, located in Donalsonville, GA. Once they arrive at the park, they will meet up with park Naturalist, Jason Parker, who will talk about stewardship and the state parks, possible careers in environmental science, and take campers on a thirty-minute hike throughout the park. Along the way, he will point out various plants and animals that reside in that ecosystem. Afterwards, campers will have an opportunity to swim and paddle in the paddle boats. All campers who choose to go in the paddle boats are required to wear a life vest, which will be provided along with the boats. Campers will need to bring a change of clothes for the van ride back to campus; campers may wear swim attire, but it must be modest swimwear. Additionally, all campers will need to pack a lunch for the day.