Many of us have fond memories of taking a class trip. But how many of us got to go to Fiji?
This spring, Des Moines Public Schools’ marine biology students did just that, traveling to Nadi, Fiji, to study nautiluses and other sea life.
The 37 students worked alongside Save the Nautilus, the Phoenix Zoo, Ocean Media Institute and the University of the South Pacific to survey populations of nautiluses and their deep-sea habitat, according to a district news release.
Central Campus’ marine biology teacher Gregory Barord and several chaperones also took part in the trip. Students raised money to cover travel costs with the help of scholarships, fundraisers and using personal funds.
Barord is a volunteer conservation biologist for Save the Nautilus.
This is the second time his class has visited the island nation.
These types of hands on and cultural experiences are important for students, the long-time teacher said.
“What we’re able to do on these Fiji expeditions is connect the science while we’re on a fishing boats to the local community and the local culture in many different ways,” Barord said.
Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines marine biology students fly to Fiji for ocean adventure
Reporting by Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
