[Student Reporters] Welcome to Catalina Island!

Diane Kim / 10th, Cypress High School

AP Biology students of Cypress High School spent a weekend at Catalina Island Marine Institute to explore marine biology on a whole other level. For the students entering this college-level class this trip is one of the most anticipated events of the year and has been an annual tradition for Mr. Karns the teacher. He hopes that "students will realize that learning is lifelong and it's not just in a classroom. They are constantly learning about biology and it's not just for a grade."

Although the island is just off the coast of Long Beach students had to cope with not having any contact with the mainland. "I did have withdrawals the first day but it was nice to get away to a place where you couldn't use you cell phones." says Christina Maguire a chaperone. Instead the students participated in other hands-on activities such as snorkeling hikes and marine biology labs.

Snorkeling in the ocean proved to be one of the highlights at the island because for many it was their first experience snorkeling. "Next time I want to wear a weight belt so I could dive down and see more things. Because the wetsuit is so buoyant the belt helps you go down" comments Priscilla Chan feeling more confident after her first dives. During the day they would go through kelp forests and see different types of fish and during the night the ocean would lighten up with bioluminescence.

Also many students found that learning about marine biology was different than what they were used to in a classroom. Most of the times the students had an up close experience with the different animals and subjects they were learning about.

"I learned about counter-shading which is like fish camouflage. When you look at them from above you can't see them because their bottom part is white." says Peter Na. Others left with very unique memories that the instructors incorporated into their lessons. "I had a squid stuck in my ear for talking. It was freaking gross" says Shawn Sandhu.

The day was packed with different activities but there was still time for students to bond. By the end of the trip many students learned each other's names and interests. As the students returned home they felt happy to take a break but they also felt nostalgic. "After the trip I kind of missed Catalina. I would definitely go again" says Iha Karki.