Science & History meet at Thea Foss Waterway

       Our field trip this week was a visit to the Foss Waterway Seaport, a unique organization dedicated to celebrating Tacoma's maritime heritage. They describe their educational programs as being designed to allow “young scientists to immerse themselves in scientific inquiry," "to explore marine wildlife and conduct hands-on marine science activities," and to "experience learning activities that involve hands-on data collection and use of scientific tools." 
      What this meant to us was a wonderful way to combine our studies of Washington state history, ecosystems, and animal science all into one fun day on a boat! We learned a little local history, acting out highlights of the lives of colorful local characters from the Puget Sound's past ranging from George Vancouver to Thea Foss herself. We collected a water sample and looked through microscopes to identify different types of phyto- and zoo-plankton. We learned a bit about sea stars (no longer called StarFISH, we now understand, because they are not fish, but invertebrates), which are echinoderms, closely related to sea urchins and sand dollars. Finally, we participated in a project where we created a model of our watershed and discussed pollutants and environmental problems in the Puget Sound.

 Suited up in our life jackets and headed for a morning of classes on "My Girl."

 Poring over old maps and learning a little about local history.

Students got a chance to play different characters who have had a role in Puget Sound history.

 We acted out the train trip from eastern Washington, blowing a train whistle and carrying loads of wheat back to the port.

 Just a couple of local characters ...

Learning about watersheds,

                                                               
                                                                     making a watershed,

and adding pollutants such as fertilizer and motor oil that wash into the Sound.

                        Simulating a bird trying to "eat" with plastic caught around it's beak:
          

Then heading out on deck to collect a water sample

and examining the water to identify different types of plankton.

Learning about Sea Stars

Examining them closely

Singing a sea star songs for a grand finale,

                                                                    and heading home.