Story Category: Local Schools »

Beginning twenty-six years ago, Will Dorsey, Head of Science at The Calverton School, and his colleagues have led an expedition Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The ninth grade biology class spends four days camping at Assateague National Seashore where they study plant identification, animals in the different ecosystems (beach, dunes, forest, marsh, and bay) and work in groups to design an investigation of the Atlantic Mole Crab population on the ocean beach.

“This trip is so valuable for several reasons. Students develop a true sense of community and shared experience - dealing with the adversities and pleasures of living and working together for four days on the beach,” said Dorsey.

In preparation for the trip, students wrote a two page report on one of the organisms living on the island and its role in the ecosystem. Upon their return, students wrote up their findings and constructed posters summarizing their field work. During finals week, students will host a Fieldwork Poster Session, discussing their fieldwork with visitors.

The Fieldwork Poster Session will be held on June 5 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Upper School Library. This event is open to the public. Members of the press are encouraged to attend.