The Bermuda College’s Introduction to Biology students were given the special treat of having a ‘hands-on’ class on Trunk Island, the Bermuda Zoological Society’s “Living Classroom”.

On Friday 1st April and Friday 8th April, BZS education staff took the students and their teacher, Alnisha Simmons, out to the island as part of the second semester of the course.

On the first day, Dr. Alex Amat, BZS’s marine science expert, gave the students a talk on ocean challenges before heading out to Trunk Island.

Once there, the students snorkeled, and for some it was an entirely new experience. The visibility within the water was fabulous, and it was the perfect temperature for the day’s activities.

Whilst in the water the students were able to observe many local invertebrates, including sea urchins and sea puddings. They were also able to observe a variety of algae and the sea grass bed in the island’s shallow water.

On the second day, Dr. Jamie Bacon, Education Officer for the BZS, focused the day’s activities on the terrestrial ecology of the island. They were able to compare forest habitats, and conduct a hunt for live snails.

Dr. Bacon remarked, “It was fantastic having the College students out snorkeling and doing field work on Trunk Island. They were very enthusiastic and I think we’ll see some interesting results when they collate and present their data.

“My team and I are very much looking forward to working with the College’s Introductory Biology students each semester. This will give them and us the opportunity to collect some meaningful ecological data while they are getting hands-on experience in ecological sampling techniques.”

Ms. Simmons stated that, “It was a fabulous two weeks and the students really grasped everything. They had a wonderful time exploring the marine ecosystems and reviewing invertebrates.

“They also had a great time doing field work comparing Surinam Cherry and Bermuda Palmetto Forests on the island, which is a fantastic living classroom! Thanks to BZS for everything. Trunk is an amazing opportunity for us and we appreciate having BZS and the island as a resource!”