Sanibel 2017

Subtropical Zone Ecology is a summer school course conducted in Florida. The group spends the initial four weeks on Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast and is based in the Florida Keys for the remaining week. The program is in its twenty-eighth year with over 500 graduates. The course includes three academic components that are weighted equally in determining the final grade for the program: an intensive scientific field investigation of marine science and ecology; an examination of contemporary environmental literature; and involvement of the student in individual field research. Students must have completed the ninth grade to enroll in the program. Grading is based equally on student participation and performance in each of the three segments of the course work. Maret School awards one science credit upon successful completion of the course.

Mornings are spent in the physical examination of the various marine, freshwater, and associated ecosystems. The morning class meets for 3.5 hours per day, five days per week for the entire five weeks. Students learn the methodology of fieldwork and the use of scientific apparatus via flora and fauna sampling, chemistry analysis, observations, snorkeling, group reports and discussions, and individual laboratory reports. A wide range of equipment is available to the students including microscopes, water analysis kits, a variety of nets, and other standard laboratory and field equipment. Class assignments involve worksheets and papers that require the students to make field observations and gather information from literature research. Animal and plant samples are collected, observed, and then released unharmed in all of the zones studied: the open beach, the grass-flats, the mud-flats, the mangrove swamp, and the open waters of the Keys. The class is also supplemented by presentations from experts in different scientific fields; day trips are taken to Corkscrew Cypress Swamp and to a reef in the Keys.

Students have afternoons free for project work, writing laboratory assignments and/or journals, or recreation. Chores, such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping, are assigned daily and rotate regularly; teamwork, cooperation, and responsibility are stressed continuously during the experience.

Evening classes expose the students to current and historical thought and concern about environmental issues through selected readings, group discussions, journal writing and sharing of personal journal entries with the class. The class meets for 2.5 hours per day, five days per week for the entire five weeks. The literature studied varies from year to year, but always includes Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac. Three other books, by writers such as Edward Abbey, John McPhee, and Annie Dillard, are typically studied. In addition, local environmentalists visit the group and present lectures on environmental problems from a scientific, social, and political viewpoint and answer questions posed by the class. Four journal entries are required each week, two on a specific topic and two on topics of the students' choosing.

Students are required to conduct a major field study project on some aspect of their exposure to the Florida ecology that expresses a personal interest, awareness, and sensitivity to the environment. Projects can be scientific, artistic, journalistic, or political in scope. A minimum of twenty hours of active fieldwork is required, in addition to supporting literature research. Students work closely with one of the five staff members as they plan and carry out their work. The final project is presented as a paper or a portfolio of photographs, paintings, or drawings.

• HISTORY: Twenty-eighth summer; over 500 students taught; academically and experientially enriching!
• TRIP DATES: June 18 (Sunday) – July 24 (Monday), 2017
• LOCATIONS: Sanibel Island, Florida (on Gulf coast, four weeks) Blind Pass Condominiums (pool, tennis, beach, nature refuge) Marathon, Florida (in Florida Keys, one week)
• TUITION: $6250.00 (includes lodging, meals, all materials, transportation, etc.) The only other expense is personal spending money - recommend approx. $300.00
• SCHOOL CREDIT: one science credit (Maret School)
• TEACHING STAFF: (1) Mr. David Walker (M.S. Chemistry)- Program Coordinator/Marine Sci. (15 previous trips)
  • (2) TBD - Envir. Literature/Writing Instructor
  • (3) TBD - Marine Science Instructor
  • (4) TBD - Teaching Assistant
  • (5) TBD - Teaching Assistant

Course of Study in Three Major Areas: Each weighted (graded) equally.

1. MARINE SCIENCE - Ecology of Ocean Beaches, Dunes, Mangroves, Grassflats, Mudflat, Rocky Intertidal Zone, Pelagic Zone, Coral Reef, etc. Students experience methods and apparatus of study, write scientific field laboratory reports and papers. The environment is the "living laboratory." Classes in the morning (8:30 - 12:00)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY - Class reads works of environmental literature and philosophy, followed by group discussions. Students write individual journal entries expressing opinions, feelings, ideas, etc., some to be shared with entire class. Classes in the evening. (7:30 - 10:00)
3. INDIVIDUAL STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECT: Students choose topics expressing individual interest in areas including science, art, photography, politics, or literature. Project research must be done in the field. Each student has an individual faculty advisor.

1. Guest speakers visit and discuss environmental issues and personal experiences. (Environmentalists, politicians, scientists, artists)
2. Family style living - group shares meals, chores, living quarters, and carry out self and group responsibilities. NO TV - NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL - Total concentration on focus of program to gain maximum from experience.
3. Recreation - pool, beach, tennis, bicycling, softball, J. N. "Ding" Darling Nature Refuge, weekend dinners and movies in Fort Myers and trip to Key West. Much fun and relaxation!

• Limited to twenty students (rising juniors and seniors will be given priority.) If more than 20 rising juniors and seniors apply by the deadline, then the class will be determined by random drawing.

• The total tuition for the Sanibel XXVIII course is $6250.00.
• Application deadline is January 16, 2017. A nonrefundable initial deposit of $500.00 made payable to MARET SCHOOL should accompany this application.
• Further tuition payments will be made through the MARET SCHOOL business office.
• Financial aid is available based on family need. Anyone desiring financial aid should apply for it when submitting this application.
• Deposit checks, along with a completed application form, should be written to: Maret School and given (or mailed) to
  • Mr. David Walker
    Maret School
    3000 Cathedral Ave. N.W.
    Washington, D. C. 20008
    202.939.8841