A quick look at the Salish experience

Each Salish program begins in the classroom with Salish staff working with the students to plan their expedition.  We use Inquiry Based Learning to engage students in questioning and critical thinking.  During these classroom visits, students will plan their expedition including: location, research project, destination, and even meals.  Our staff help facilitate this process.

While onboard, students are divided into two watch groups.  At any given time, one watch group (half the students) is working with the Captain, Mate, and Deckhand to run the vessel.  Their hands-on lessons include sail raising, piloting and navigation, Right of Way rules, maritime history, and sailing physics.  Concurrently, the other watch group is working with two Marine Science Educators to execute the research project that they planned out in the classroom.  These students are deploying oceanographic research equipment, collecting samples, and analyzing data in our onboard lab.

After a day filled with charts and microscopes, nets and lines, the boat comes to a dock or anchorage of the students' choosing.  One watch group is shuttled to shore where they will set up tents, cook their dinner over a camp stove, and enjoy an evening activity.  The other watch group is doing the same on the boat, where they will spend the night.  The next night, the two groups will switch, giving each student an opportunity to explore both settings.

You can learn more about our programs at Expeditions.