Snapshot March 2015: Schooner SoundWaters Readies for the Season

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Springtime launches at SoundWaters when our 80-foot, three-masted Schooner awakens from its long winter hibernation in dry dock,  shedding its protective covering of shrink wrap, donning its masts and poised for a full schedule of science education sails for schools, and daytime or evening sails for the public.

In just a few weeks, Schooner SoundWaters educators will lead students through grade-appropriate onboard labs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) data-collection activities. Whether in elementary or middle school, students from schools and community groups learn science by using real scientific equipment to perform experiments while connecting to the natural world. Spring education sails are filling up fast, and only a few spots are available in April and May. For information, email schooner@soundwaters.org.

As an example, on a sail designed for elementary-aged students, 3rd graders will use a compass and Long Island Sound nautical charts as they learn to navigate a course. On a sail for middle school students, 7th graders will manipulate calipers to measure the size of flounders and other species caught in the trawl net and record the data in their individual lab books, which they bring back to the classroom.

At another shipboard lab, students will toss a LaMotte bottle overboard to collect surface and deep water samples to test for salinity , pH and dissolved oxygen. The group compares readings from their hand-held instruments with data registered on a Data Sonde, an electronic remote-sensing device attached to the ship’s hull. All the trawl data collected by the students and crew from each sail is recorded and forwarded to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for inclusion in Long Island Sound databases.

SoundWaters consistently receives high praise from teachers. “The experience really brings science concepts to life for our students,” said one 4th grade teacher. “Thank you for all that you do and we look forward to our sail in the Spring!”

Between April and October each year, the Schooner crisscrosses the Sound, sailing from a dozen harbors in Connecticut, Westchester and Long Island. Serving as ambassadors for Long Island Sound, the captain and crew of educators teach the Science of the Sound and bring its message to protect this critical natural resource to nearly 8,000 students and the public annually.

You don’t have to be a student or a teacher to learn about this important resource and enjoy the pleasure of sailing aboard a tall ship. Beginning in late June, SoundWaters will offer daytime sails that are perfect for all ages and evening sunset sails suited for adults. Check the website in mid-April for the schedule.

The snow is melting; the sun is out. Think sailing and come aboard this season.

Read other Snapshots

Regards,

Leigh Shemitz, Ph.D.
Executive Director
SoundWaters