Marine Biology Field Study

Andros Island, Bahamas

June 22nd-June 30th, 2018

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Jeff Rex:

Phone: 419-695-1786
Email: jrex@delphoscityschools.org
 Marine Biology Field Study
June 22-June 30, 2018

Fall 2017 : Initial Sign-up

September: $200 Non-refundable deposit due

Course Starts once a month class in the evening

December: $400 tuition due

($1250 student / $1000 chaperone 2018 prices)
Includes: tuition, room & board, transportation
Transportation:
Nassau, Bahamas to Andros Island and Andros Island to
Naussau, Bahamas
Ground transport on the island
Water transport on the island

Jan./Feb.: $450-650 commercial plane ticket from Columbus/Detroit to

Nassau, Bahamas (Round Trip) + Baggage cost

$125+ for passport

February: $200 tuition due

April: $150+ for snorkeling equipment

May early: $450 for remainder of tuition due

June: $50+ for spending money (meal on Thursday night, snacks,

souvenirs, etc.)

Total cost: $2000- $2200 (This is an estimate, commercial plane tickets vary in cost.
Additionally, anyone having a passport and suitable snorkeling
equipment would experience a reduced cost.)
This includes:
1. Commercial round trip flight from Dayton(Detroit or Columbus) to Nassau,
Bahamas
2. Charter round trip flight from Nassau, Bahamas to San Andros Airport
3. Lodging
4. Three meals a day (except Thursday when we go and eat out)
5. Ground/water transportation during the week
6. Educational staff
7. One Half () year academic science credit at the high school
I. Introduction

The value of a field study of this nature is two-fold curriculum enrichment and
social.
The ocean has been described as our last frontier. In the near future it will
be regarded as a valuable source of food, water, and various chemical substances.
There is much yet to be learned about all marine life: the basic processes of its
food web, productivity, population and effects of mans intervention, such as
pollution, on these processes.
A field study increases the power of observation and stimulates and
improves the quality of experience. It also provides opportunities for individual
exploration and research.
Socially, field studies provide opportunities to develop close personal
relationships, informal relationships with people, and cooperation with other
members of the group.

II. Course Description

An introductory field study of the flora and fauna of a tropic island and a barrier
coral reef. Upon completion of the field study, the students will have strong basic
knowledge and skills in taxonomy, ecology, field study techniques, observing,
collecting and interpreting data.

III. Location of Field Study

Andros Island, approximately 115 by 40 miles, is the largest of the Bahamian

Islands and the fifth largest in the Caribbean area. In comparison to the other
Bahamian Islands, Andros is relatively unpopulated with about 7,500 people,
most of who live near the East Coast. The majority of the people rely on the sea
for their livelihood. Few tourists come to the island.
There are five distinct vegetation zones in the subtropical biome including
the once extensive forests of termite resistant pine which have been lumbered by
Owens-Illinois for use in the U.S. paper industry. Others are Savannah, coppice,
swash, and mangrove. The terrestrial fauna includes numerous species of
invertebrates and reptiles. The extensive coral reef, just one of the many marine
habitats , lies just off the East Coast. It is the third largest barrier reef in the world
and is considered by many to be the most diverse. The fish and aquatic life are
exceptional and much more abundant than in most areas of Florida.
Several caves, the coral reef, the oolite shoals, the lime muds, and inland
oceanic blue holes are of geological interest.
IV. IFS on Andros Island

International Field Studies is a non-profit educational and scientific organization

established in 1970 to assist teachers who are offering their students field
experience. The Andros Island Field Station is the organizations largest single
project. In the early stages of development the founders of IFS wanted a place
they could take their students to introduce them to different biological biomes,
marine biology and a culture different from their own. After trying Florida and
other areas in the Bahamas, they found Andros most desirable. The Forfar Field
Station, a beautiful rustic facility, is the former Andros Ref Inn. Archie Forfar, the
man for whom the field station is named, built the inn by hand with the help of
some local friends.

V. Purpose And Philosophy of IFS

In June 1970, several teachers to facilitate field study for their students founded
this organization. They envisioned an organization not simply helping them to
teach their students in the field but growing to help many other teachers and
students and promoting field study as an educational method. The purpose of IFS
as it was stated in the articles of incorporation is as follows:
To provide opportunities for students to learn about their environment, in all
disciplines; through direct field experiences; to provide the structure for
developing an intensive field study program with competent leadership; to
promote educational scientific activities through direct field experiences; to
cooperate with school systems so that students may receive academic credit for
field studies.

VI. Facilities available at Forfar Field Station

Buildings: Lodge (lounge, dining room, kitchen, classroom, laboratory and

library) 4 cabins and 4 motel units
VII. Course Requirements

A. Prerequisites
1. Be of at least sophomore standing at the time of the trip.
2. Successful completion of General Biology (The applicant may be presently
enrolled in general biology.)

B. Academic Requirements:
1. Eight to ten classes prior to the trip
2. One notebook

The Classes will be based on the development of taxonomic relationships of

animals, focusing on marine ecosystems. The structure of the notebook will
emphasize basic facts necessary for effective fieldwork. It will be used as a
reference for studies to be completed on the island. Students will also have lab
work to add to their notebook. Different groups will be assigned tests to conduct
throughout the day; primarily concerning water conditions on Andros Island.
Through the course work during the year leading up to the field work, students
will compile resources from reading assignments that will allow them to complete
the notebook during the trip. The notebook will be checked and discussed before
the completion of the trip.

C. Social Requirements

During the trip, students are going to be exposed to a variety of people and
situations. All participants will be in close contact most of the time (van rides,
plane rides, and on the island, etc.) Situations will arise that cannot take into
account the individual comfort and needs of each person (food, van rides,
insects, KP duty, sleeping quarters, etc.) To be selected, applicants must exhibit
mature, responsible attitudes; an ability to work well with others; and must be
able to adjust to a variety of situations.

VIII. Credit unit

Upon completion of the required work, students will have been involved in an
estimated 130 hours of work. This includes the class meetings, field work, reading
assignments, orientations, notebook completion, and review.
IX. Trip Mechanics

Island transportation is by pickup trucks, vans and busses driven by IFS staff
personnel. Forfar Field station is operated by employees of IFS who will
accompany us on activities, operate boats, and supervise certified individuals
eligible to scuba dive.

Health Services: Nearby Fresh Creek has a clinic and a U. S. Naval Base in the
event that anyone would require a doctors care.

X. Personnel:

The field study will be taught and led by Mr. Jeff Rex, the Delphos Jefferson
biology instructor and Jeff Jostpille, the Fort Jennings biology instructor. Usually
two other adults will be co-leaders on the trip. In addition there will be 4-6 staff
members at the field station who are employed by IFS.

XI. Selection of Participants

Selection of participants will be based on application and recommendation of the

biology instructors at the respective schools. The people selected to go will be
those who the adult leaders fell best possess the social requirements, the ability to
do independent study, and can benefit most from a biology oriented trip of this
nature.

XII. Website

The website for International Field Studies can provide an additional wealth of
information about the field study on Andros Island.

www.intlfieldstudies.org
 POTENTIAL HAZARDS &PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

1. Sunburn can be uncomfortable and a serious problem on Andros. Since a person

burns more easily than at home, especially in the spring and summer, precautions
should be taken by everyone. Make sure you dont over-expose yourselves until you
are tanned; use sun tan lotion, sunscreen and protective clothing.

2. Poisonwood causes a rash similar to poison ivy. The reaction may be more serious
than with poison ivy, and people immune to poison ivy may not be to poison wood.
Poisonwood is a tree found in great abundance inland which grove as high as 30 feet.
It has a silver-gray bark with five to seven shiny pinnate leaf lets per leaf. Calamine
lotion, neoxyn, or other ointments used on poison ivy are helpful.

3. Coral can be very sharp and can cut easily. It is a good idea to wear heavy cotton
gloves and be careful while swimming near coral.

4. Firecoral will inflict a sting similar to nettles when you touch it. Usually the burn will
go away in about 30 minutes. Firecoral grows independently, on other coral or on
rocks. Application of a mild aeonia solution or other special diving first aid solutions
will help neutralize the burn.

5. Urchins do not attack, but it is not hard for both divers and snorkelers to run into
them. Their long spines break off easily, are quite sharp and can pierce a full foot fin.
A spine splinter cannot be pulled out will be painful until it dissolves several days
later.

6. Limestone, and glass or metal in the sand can all be extremely sharp. SHOES ARE
ALWAYS A MUST.

7. Cuts and other open wounds will not heal easily with continual exposure to the water.
To avoid potentially serious infection, if a wound is not healing properly, it is best to
remain out of the water for a few days.

8. Sharks and barracuda have never caused a problem in the Andros area. The following
precautions, however, should be considered: do not try to feed, chum, or bait sharks;
do not thrash about in the water; and be cautious in warm (75 to 80 degrees), murky
water. If a shark shows more than a casual interest, remain calm, dont panic, and
swim slowly back to the boat or shore with your buddy and group.

9. Bats inhabit the caves on Andros at certain times of the year. Bats from any part of the
world can carry rabies and other diseases. If you find any bats in the caves, just
observe them; do not handle or play with them.
 Tropical & Marine Biology Field Study

Andros Island Trip

Application Form
To the applicant: These application forms should be turned in to Mr. Rex.

Students Name_______________________________________________ Date_______

Last First Middle
Address___________________________________________Phone_________________

Age_________ Birthday__________ Grade ____________ Sex____________________

Parents Name____________________________________________________________

Address of either of your parents if different from your own:

_______________________________________________________________________

List the High School Science courses you have taken or are now taking.
Course Letter Grade Teacher

________________ ____________________ ____________________

________________ ____________________ ____________________
________________ ____________________ ____________________
________________ ____________________ ____________________

List any High School science courses that you plan to take next year.
________________________________________________________________________

On another sheet of paper, explain in detail why you wish to participate in this field study.
Your answer should include how you believe you will benefit from the study experience.