Coastal Biodiversity Youth Conference

Proposed project 20 marine biology students 3 staff

Explore the intertidal marine life of Cox Bay, beside Pacific Rim National Park, a UNESCO Bioreserve.  Learn about the ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest and explore how urbanization effects our west coast ecosystems. Conduct observations and make drawings of stunning biodiversity.  Earn partial credit for Mr. Ho's Biology 11 course: Unit Animalia. Reflect on how this biodiversity can help us plan for a biodiverse City in the future.
Tube feet on a sunflower starfish, photo by S.Ng, Cox Bay tidal pool, august, 2013
Skills:  Field study skills: how to observe organisms in vivo; Art skills - using drawing to record observations; Identify animal and algae species
Knowledge: shoreline  ecology:  observe interactions in the intertidal zone.  Explore the adaptations of common phyla of Animalia.  Learn to read tide tables and be safe in the intertidal zone.
Attitude: Gain an appreciation for the unique beauty of the Pacific Northwest.  Record reflections in writing and sketches.  Follow the tradition of nature journals.  Share knowledge with peers.

Staff members:  Ms. Ngo, Ms. Ng, Mr. Land

When:    February 25, 26, 27, 28 three nights
Cost:     estimated to be $450 (this cost is subject to change). Dates may be Feb 25,26,27, 28.  
Transport: Tofino Bus 

Itinerary:  
     Feb 25: Board Tofino Bus, a daily Greyhound bus from Downtown Vancouver. travel to Cox Bay, Evening speaker on sustainability  Review rules, Group games
     Feb 26: Explore the tidal pools, Kingdom Animalia:  an overview lunch, Beach walk: survey the algae on the beach, Drawing lesson,
     dinner, Group activities
     Feb 27: Kingdom animalia adaptations in the intertidal zone, lunch, Exploring animal tracks, 
    If time:  exploring the rainforest. 
     Feb 28: Depart:  Estimated time back home: 6pm

If it is clear in the evenings, we will have Hot Chocolate Astronomy sessions too: this is a place of dark skies and the Milky Way is visible.

Location: Cox Bay Resort,  We are grateful for Cox Bay Resort for their generous support for this project. 

Who can apply:  A grade 10 or 11 student who is wanting to enter Biology in grade 11 or presently in a biology class.  Students need to demonstrate an interest in marine biology, science, and sustainability. Students who are interested need to commit to three organization meetings, put down a deposit and they must sign a contract detailing safety rules and trip expectations.  

This field study is dependant upon VSB permission, a minimum enrollment of 20 students and availability of Cox Bay Resort.

Please email msngscience@gmail.com for any inquiries