Sunday, July 5, 2009
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
Friday, July 3, 2009
Cannery Row and The Deep Sea Super Falcon
After the dilemma of whether to kayak or snorkle was solved by mother nature (due to low visibility underwater), the students of National Geographic Expeditions set out on the ocean blue in a veritable flotilla of colorful vessels. A few other lucky explorers elected to test the PH levels of run-off water flowing into the beach with the founder of the Save The Whales Foundation.
Lunch was enjoyed at a park adjacent to Cannery Row and overlooking the scenic Pacific Ocean. Next the students witnessed the 30th dive of the Dea Sea Super Falcon submersible piloted by Graham Hawks, who co-holds the world record for the deepest solo dive ever. The submersible featured an innovative design similar to an airplane that made it fly underwater. The co-pilot--who had experience testing all kinds of experimental aircraft--stepped out of the Falcon after his first ride ever and gasped, "That...was really cool." We ended the day with an intense game of the legendary Yoga Ball Soccer.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Day 2: The Monterey Bay Aquarium and National Geographic Experts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Greetings from Monterey Bay
The fearless leaders of National Geographic Student Expeditions fanned out across San Jose and San Francisco today, and gathered up our young, intrepid explorers who soon will be chronicling every nook and cranny of Monterey Bay.
Gathering up so many travelers took time, but we are now all safe and sound on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay. After a leisurely half-day getting settled into our new digs, we feasted on some food and rallied the troops for a surprise evening trip to the beach. Though the fog rolled in, concealing much of the bay, the students did not hesitate to charge the water and get their feet wet! The moment we felt how chilly the Pacific is (many of us, including me, are east-coasters!) we elected to retreat to the sand.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Meet the On Campus Leaders
Photography
Alex Verron. St. Lawrence University, B.A. Alex majored in Fine Arts and Asian Studies at St. Lawrence, where he received the Jean Scribner Cashin Endowment for Fine Art Students. He spent a semester of his junior year at
Photography
Peter Robbins.
Marine Biology
Brianna McCoy Chapman.
Marine Biology
Kimberly McCabe.
Journalism
Stephen Brown. University of North Carolina, Wilmington; New York University, M.A. Stephen recently completed a Master's in Journalism and Latin American Studies at NYU and is now working for The Daily Beast, a Web-site run by magazine maven Tina Brown. He has reported from indigenous communities in
Welcome!
Welcome family and friends of National Geographic Student Expeditions participants!
We have created this blog in order to keep you updated on the progress of your child’s National Geographic Student Expedition this summer. We hope that occasional updates throughout the program will help keep you informed about the activities, projects and successes of the program. Please keep in mind that the leaders’ first priority is the students and the program. If updates are infrequent, it is likely due to the group’s very busy schedule. Please know that any important issues that arise during the program will be discussed and resolved with leaders and parents by phone, not through the blog.
Best wishes from us all at National Geographic Student Expeditions