Recently, five MHS students traveled to Sitka with MHS Science Teacher Brian Leask, and Student Services Director, Dr. Nicole Taylor, for Whalefest!
Sitka's Whale Fest celebration is a four-day adventure for students from all over Southeast Alaska! This festival includes three afternoons of interesting presentations: some by scientists, but also many by traditional knowledge holders like Native hunters and fishermen from around the state.
This year's theme was "Shifting Boundaries, New Horizons," which addressed how climate change affects the oceans and sea ice of Alaska, and the migration patterns of fish and animals Alaskans depend on for food and survival.
In addition to the afternoon presentations, students participated in engaging morning activities. The students conducted biological surveys on a local beach, learned how to study organisms in a chemistry lab, competed in a trivia competition, and also enjoyed a whale-watching cruise.
The evenings consisted of social mixers, exploring the city of Sitka, and, since the festival occurred during Halloween, a night of exploring a haunted Coast Guard ship and trick-or-treating!
Upon the completion of two short assignments, the students receive college credit for the trip (with the opportunity to earn more if they wish!). They had the opportunity to make friends from other schools, and connections to similar programs and opportunities to further their academic career.
See more photos on the AISD Facebook page!