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Prince William Sound Explorer Program April 30-May 22, 2010

The goal of the Prince William Sound Explorer Program is to provide students with an exceptional learning environment, to help students understand and appreciate the maritime coastal environment of Prince William Sound and to inspire interest in Earth and Natural Sciences.

During the five-hour cruise, we explore beyond the fjord walls and surface of the water. Students are introduced to the geologic and glacial history of Prince William Sound. They will learn how to navigate and make detailed observations of the weather. In three brief workshops, students will also have the opportunity to view plankton under microscopes, determine the salinity of seawater, and calculate the volume of a piece of glacier ice by water-displacement. Students may also observe mammals and seabirds in their natural habitat and explore their adaptations and behavior. In this floating classroom, students have the opportunity to observe many components of Prince William Sound and discuss how they all help create the Sound’s unique environment.

Trips are organized through schools or groups (no individual bookings). One instructor staffs each twenty-five minute station. Each group needs to be accompanied by a teacher or chaperone.

Information and Materials Presented:

Students will:

Investigate the dynamic geology of Passage Canal and Blackstone Bay.
Visit a tidewater glacier, and learn why glaciers still exist in Southcentral Alaska.
Use thermometers, anemometers, and barometers to collect meteorological data.
Use a GPS and nautical charts to plot the ship’s location, and compasses to determine the ship’s course.
In short workshops, we will examine plankton under microscopes, and calculate volume of glacier ice using water displacement.
View mammals and seabirds in their natural habitat, and observe Black Legged Kittiwake behavior at an active rookery.

Details

Length of Trip: 5 hours
Price: $45.00/person, plus the City of Seward port fee (currently $3.50/person).
Max. participants: 80 (will be divided into 4 groups)
Recommended ages: Grades 3 through 12
Departure Information: 10:15am–3:15pm, but remember: you must drive through the Whittier tunnel.

Plan your schedule to enter on the 9:30am opening, and leave on the 4:00pm return. There is a fee to pass through the tunnel. For fee information contact DOT at 877-611-2586 or visit their website at www.dot.state.ak.us.
When you arrive in Whittier, follow the signs and drive directly to our office. On-site parking is available.