Annual 6th Grade Marine Educational Trip to Port A

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What is M.A.R.E?

Since Kindergarten Bryker Woods students have participated in our school wide oceanography unit M.A.R.E. (Marine Activities & Resources in Education) in which each grade level studies a particular area of the ocean and coastal environments.  As a culmination of their 7 years of study through our MARE program, 6th grade students travel to Corpus Christi and Port Aransas for an overnight study trip to The Texas State Aquarium (Corpus Chirsti) and the UT Marine Science Institute.

Letter from Principal about MARE around the school:

M.A.R.E. & 6th Gr. Port A Trip

From Kindergarten - sixth grade, Bryker Woods students participate in our school wide oceanography unit, M.A.R.E. (Marine Activities & Resources in Education) in which each grade level studies a particular area of the ocean and coastal environments. Be sure to "cruise" the hallways and check out what they are learning when you visit over the next few weeks!

Each year our 6th grade Panthers, through the very generous funding by PTA, travel to Corpus Christi and Port Aransas for an overnight study trip (Texas State Aquarium and the UT Marine Science Institute). Mr. Nelson, Ms. Vincent and I really appreciated all the curriculum connections and enrichment opportunities as the students engaged in experiential, environmental learning  aboard the Katy (UT research vessel), walk on Mustang Island, and getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the Texas State Aquarium!

6th Grade Fundraising Efforts For Trip:

Through fundraising efforts of the 6th grade class including t-shirt sales, a Fall Carnival booth, and PTA funds, this trip is made possible.

6th Grade Trip Schedule:  

Students spend the night in the UT Marine Science Institute, UTMSI, dorms for their overnight trip.

Day 1: Texas State Aquarium Guided and Self Tour

           Beach Fun!

           Spend Night in UTMSI dormatory

Day 2: Aboard UTMSI research vessel, The R/V Katy

           Beach Walk and Pier Lab Study at UTMSI Wetlands Education Center

Bryker Woods Students at the Texas State Aquarium Behing the Scenes Lessons Tour and Aboard the R/V Katy:

UTMSI, University of Texas Marine Science Institute

The University of Texas

Marine Science Institute

750 Channel View Drive

Port Aransas, TX 78373

361-749-6741

From the UTMSI Website:

The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute is the oldest and most significant marine research facility on the Texas coast. We are changing our understanding of the world's oceans and coasts and educating a global population dependent on the ocean ecosystem. What began humbly in 1941 as a small, rough-lumber shack on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas is now home to cutting-edge research, education, and outreach programs.

UT Institute Mission:

The Institute is dedicated to the three central functions of a major university, research, education, and outreach, as they apply to the Texas coastal zone and other marine environments. As an organized research unit, the primary goal of the Marine Science Institute is to improve understanding of the marine environment through rigorous scientific investigations. 

Accomplishing Our Mission

This goal is accomplished through the research efforts of the scientific staff and the training of young scientists in cooperation with The University of Texas at Austin Department of Marine Science.

Research

UTMSI research is broad and encompasses a variety of scientific disciplines, with emphases on Fish Physiology and Ecology, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biogeochemistry. The scope of this research ranges from molecular studies to ecosystem-level biological investigations and biogeochemical studies of coastal regions and the world's oceans. The disciplines of geology and physical oceanography are incorporated into our research and training programs on Texas coastal zones.

Bryker Woods Students doing Research Aboard the Katy Vessel"

 

UT Marine Institute Outreach Program:

The Institute established the first marine science public education program in Texas more than 30 years ago, and strengthening science education remains one of the most important facets of our work.

Hundreds of teachers participate in our workshops, and we host field trips for thousands of students and their teachers yearly. The Institute provides educational Road Scholarprograms for hundreds of participants each year.

Tens of thousands of visitors regularly enjoy our Marine Science Education Center and Wetlands Education Centerlocated at 855 E. Cotter Avenue, Port Aransas Texas 78373.

Ages of students who can board the R/V Katy:

Trips aboard the R/V Katy are offered to classes from 5th grade and up. Students will explore the coastal marine environment through sampling marine life at three different levels. Specimens are collected through a plankton tow, a benthic mud grab, and trawl. Students examine, describe and help sort the organisms collected while they learn about adaptations, taxonomy and ecology. Students gain an understanding of the marine environment and its ability to support an abundance of organisms through measurement, observation and sampling. In addition, students have the opportunity to observe other coastal marine life such as dolphins, brown pelicans and sea turtles as the Katy travels the bays and channels where sampling takes place. A half-day trip takes 3 to 3.5 hours with a maximum of 25 people. If your group has more than 25 people, we offer two 1.5-hour trips in order to accommodate up to 50 people.
Costs of Trip:
Grade levels: 5 & up
Pricing (for 1/2 day trip)  Low Season: $450.00         High Season: $650.00

Low Season = August, September, November-March

High Season = October, April, May, June, July