The Nature of High School Students’ Experiences at a Great Lakes Biological Field Station

Marc Behrendt

Abstract


Abstract. The purpose of this case study is to explore how high school students experienced a four-day field trip at Stone Laboratory Biological Field Station, from a visiting student’s perspective, in order to understand the value of that field station and its impact on science, science education, and students’ lives. Chosen from a population of fifty students, six rural high school student participants attended a four-day field trip, involving of two days and three nights at Stone Laboratory and excursions to two neighboring islands. Participants were given cameras to record their experiences during the field trips to record anything they found significant or meaningful. After the trip, students were asked to select the five most significant images and write a paragraph, describing the significance of each image. Each participant was interviewed three times in semi-structured and unstructured formats. Analysis consisted of open coding using apriori and emergent codes. Significant findings included: 1) Stone Lab provided a unique and novel venue where the equipped laboratories, the managed shorelines, and the natural areas provided the ingredients for awe and wonder;  2) The field station’s unique setting inspired curiosity and motivation among students; 3) In reference to science education, the payoff for these experiences was increased interest in science; 4) Three of the six participants redefined their career goals after their four day immersive Stone Lab field experience; 5) Students developed a sense of appreciation for the Lake Erie environment.

 

Key words:  Stone Laboratory Biological Field Station; Informal Learning; Experiential Learning; Photovoice


 


Keywords


Stone Laboratory Biological Field Station; Informal Learning; Experiential Learning; Photovoice

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References


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