As a part of their unit on biodiversity, Ms. Wheeler’s AP Environmental Science classes went on a field trip on October 4th. At the Cabrillo Aquarium in San Pedro, California, the students explored both the many exhibits in the aquarium as well as the intricacies of the LA Harbor in the following boat tour.
The day started with a tour of the aquarium. The students were split into groups of ten and assigned to a docent who guided them through the exhibits. They learned about the various types of fish and animals living in and around the LA Harbor. Students could view creatures such as jellyfish and leopard sharks from behind the glass tanks, as well as touch starfish and anemone in the touch pool outside.
“I liked touching the starfish,” said Sara Haleblian (12). “It was cool to see how it would suction the hair off your arm if you held it there for too long.”
After a break for lunch, the class was treated to a boat tour of the harbor. They were joined by several lazy sea lions, swimming in the water and lounging on the buoys. Students got to see the shipping barges being loaded and unloaded up close and learned about the economic side of environmental science.
“It was really relaxing to go on the boat ride right after lunch, because it was hot and everybody was tired, so we just got to sit and look,” said Lily Bagheri (12).
Unfortunately, because of the later start (the buses left a little after eight in the morning, but in previous years they have departed at six-thirty or earlier), they didn’t get to visit the tidepools as classes have in the past. Mrs. Wheeler said that for future trips, she may go back to the original schedule.
Even with the rushed nature of the trip, students still enjoyed it.
“It was nice for me to get out of the classroom and have an interactive experience,” said Kai Gill (12).
