Thurston sixth-graders get ecology lesson at Catalina

Thurston Middle School’s first science trip to Catalina took place in November 2003 and was a disaster when 90 students suffered severe gastrointestinal symptoms from a strain of the Norwalk Flu. That trip was named the Catalina Hurl and everyone was given a free Hurl T-shirt. To avoid a recurrence, every child had their temperature taken before they could board the bus this time.

The 210 students and 28 adult staff and chaperones climbed aboard four buses May 30 for the ride to Long Beach Harbor, where they boarded a boat reserved exclusively for Thurston. Upon arrival, the students were divided into 14 groups that participated in a wide variety of different educational activities each day.

“I chose the Catalina Island Marine Institute so our students could experience what Laguna Beach ecology was like 200 years ago.” Richard Selin, science teacher and trip leader, said.

The institute staff made learning fun by wearing costumes, splashing the students and lecturing animatedly. Several groups hiked for their first program and screamed with a mix of joy and fear when a huge bison blocked their path.

All students and most adults experienced the ocean in a greater depth than ever before through a combination of films, microscopic examination of plankton, kayaking, motor boating and snorkeling. As would be expected, snorkeling was key to learning about the sea and started with a training session, followed by progressively longer stretches in the water and culminating with an illuminated night snorkel and free diving wearing weight belts.

When under water, the students observed playful sea lions; camouflaged halibut; bat and yellow spotted rays; elusive California spiny lobsters; large sharp-clawed sheep crabs; and multitudes of bright orange Garibaldi.

The trip was organized by Cathy Dawson and co-led by parent Dian Jonus. The always present and calming Thurston principal, Joanne Culverhouse, restored law and order whenever it was necessary.