Seventh Graders Dive into Marine Science at Chincoteague Bay Field Station

This week, our seventh-grade students embark on a transformative journey to Chincoteague Bay Field Station on Wallops Island, Virginia—a capstone experience in their year-long oceanography studies. Over three days, the science curriculum came alive through immersive, field-based learning that placed students directly in the heart of the ecosystems they've studied in class.

Throughout the trip, students participated in four field classes—Coastal Ecology & Boat Safety, Intertidal Studies, Oceanography Research Cruise, and Marine Invertebrates & Wetland Ecology. These hands-on experiences deepened their understanding of marine environments, offering authentic scientific exploration beyond the classroom. Collecting samples, making observations, and conducting experiments as young marine scientists, they applied theoretical knowledge to real-world settings with curiosity and rigor.

Beyond the scientific inquiry, the trip is beloved for its joyful moments of discovery and connection. Students relish the thrill of spotting marine life up close, wading through the salt marsh’s waist-deep mud, and simply learning alongside friends under open skies. Whether it’s uncovering a hermit crab or watching the sun dip below the bay, these moments reflect the power of experiential learning and the enduring bonds it fosters.

This unforgettable experience is a hallmark of our Outdoor Education Program designed to help Middle School students rise to new challenges, build independence, and explore the natural world more deeply. As they investigate marine ecosystems and connect with their peers in meaningful ways, students return not only with greater scientific insight, but also with lasting memories and a stronger sense of community.