Lutie students have ‘unforgettable educational adventure’ at Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama
Lutie student Dakota Waterman holds a squid for Bayleigh Guidry to examine at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab during a recent visit with Lutie School. Classmate Robby Dickman, holding the phone, took photos of the marine animal during their time at the lab.
Ten Lutie students recently took a trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab where they got a hands-on look at marine life and coastal ecosystems of the Alabama Coast and Gulf waters. Those attending the trip, from left, were: Adam Cole, Brianna McCracken, Shelby Wilson, Dakota Waterman, Tessa Jones, Evany Traver, Lutie teacher/trip chaperone Jill Hand, LillyAnna Flygare, Haley Dant, Bayleigh Guidry and Robby Dickman. Not Pictured: Lutie teacher/trip chaperone Heath Treat
Ten Lutie High School students recently embarked on an “unforgettable educational adventure” to Dauphin Island Sea Lab for a captivating school field trip. Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, the marine science facility offered the young explorers “a unique and immersive experience,” said Lutie Superintendent Kathalee Cole.
While at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the students dove into the world of marine biology and coastal ecosystems in a variety of hands-on experiences that had them up close and personal with a diverse range of aquatic life. Guided by knowledgeable marine scientists, students worked to uncover the mysteries of the Gulf of Mexico and its vital role in our planet’s health. The sea lab offered engaging, hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that ignited the students’ curiosity and inspired a deeper appreciation for our oceans and their conservation.
As part of the activities of the trip, students attended a squid dissection lab that included a detailed introduction on squid and other various marine life with interesting facts and anecdotes thrown in the mix. Then the students were able to touch and examine the squid, along with a large variety of other marine life and finally paired up to complete their own squid dissection.
In another activity, the group of 10 students and two chaperones visited the sea lab’s plankton lab where they were given nets to take live samples of plankton from Mobile Bay and used microscopes in a nearby laboratory to observe what they caught.
“From touching live marine creatures in the touch tanks to conducting exciting experiments like the squid dissection and specimen lab, plankton lab and wetland ecology class, this trip fulfilled the promise to be educational and fun!” Cole said.
“Dauphin Island Sea Lab was more than a field trip; it allowed our students to connect with nature, learn about environmental stewardship, and gain a newfound respect for our oceans.”
The trip was paid for by school district funds, Cole said.