Monterey Bay A: National Geographic On Campus

Greetings!

The students are hard at work on their On Assignment projects, as well as occasionally speculating on what surprise we (the leaders) have in store for them on the fourth of July-- a barbeque on the beach! Each of the three On Assignment groups has taken a keen interest in their projects, which range from a small underwater census of marine life on a strand of kelp to a report on shark attacks in Monterey.

We spent most of today whale watching and were lucky enough to see two humpback whales breach; they landed in the water with a spectacular splash-- a few photographers even snapped pictures!

Yesterday On Assignment groups broke up to focus on and prepare for the final stretch of our adventure. At the end of the day we reunited and were treated to an engaging discussion with National Geographic expert Tierney Thys, who told us about the remarkable ocean sunfish. Tierney is one of the foremost experts on this bizarre creature, and her presentation was both informative and entertaining. The students were a little starstruck by the experts at first (understandably!), but lately have been quick to ask great questions. We've even seen students go so far as to follow Kip and Tierney out to their cars, asking questions the whole way.

All is well here. We'll be in touch soon!

-The whole crew at National Geographic On Campus at Monterey Bay