On a recent field trip to Roger Williams University, Kingswood Oxford’s Marine Biology students were given a hands-on learning experience that enriched their classroom studies and opened their eyes to the world of marine science. The trip, coordinated by science teacher Matthew Kalinowski, provided students with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research labs and engage with marine biology professionals at one of the region’s top science programs.
The day’s activities covered a broad range of topics, giving students an in-depth look at the field of aquaculture and marine life. “We looked at coral, fish, microalgae, bivalves, and different methods of farming bivalves,” junior Will Parkhouse said. “There wasn’t really one main focus—just lots of interesting things to see.” Students visited a variety of labs, where they observed and participated in activities such as feeding corals, conducting microscope labs, and learning about the farming of tropical fish and shellfish.
One standout moment for Will was looking at the starfish in the aquariums. “There were so many exotic fish, and I was really surprised by how many different species were in the aquariums,” he said.
For Mr. Kalinowski, the trip was an opportunity to provide students with both real-world and college-level exposure to marine biology. Having attended RWU himself, he arranged the visit through connections with the university’s faculty, ensuring that students would get firsthand experience in labs where cutting-edge marine research takes place. “It was about giving the students an experience they wouldn’t get in the classroom, something that connects their studies to the real world,” he explained.
Students also had the chance to sit in on a college lecture and interact with professors, who helped them understand the intricate details of the marine life they were studying, such as coral feeding mechanisms.
The visit tied directly into the class’s curriculum, which focuses on coral reefs, bivalves, and aquaculture. “So far, students have learned about aquaculture and reproduction,” Mr. Kalinowski shared. “Most of the labs that we toured at RWU spoke in-depth about the aquaculture process and about the life cycles and reproduction of the marine species being cultured.” In addition to learning about invertebrates like bivalves, students were also able to observe the dissection of marine invertebrates, which gave them a deeper understanding of marine anatomy.
Mr. Kalinowski mentioned that there were no major challenges during the trip and that the student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “They loved the campus and all the activities,” he said, adding that he plans to continue organizing the trip for future marine biology classes.
This hands-on field trip not only deepened the students’ understanding of marine biology but also inspired them to further explore the possibilities within the field, potentially influencing their future academic and career paths.
