MT. MORRIS, Michigan - On Monday, 22 Junior High students got a close-up look at zebra mussels and other aquatic species, when their class boarded a Bay City tall ship.
The three-and-a-half hour tour of the Saginaw Bay gave youth a chance to test the water of the river and bay, examine plankton under an electric microscope, and see examples of the environmental impact by zebra mussels as well as other invasive species such as round goby and sea lamprey.
Junior High teacher Rebekah D'Haene said the experience helped students further explore the local watershed and understand human impact on the Great Lakes throughout the region’s history. Youth also helped hoist the ship’s sails and take turns at the helm as captain.
The trip gave students “real-world experience” and connected classroom learning to the local environment, D’Haene said.