The State of our Harbor

Cohasset High School Marine Science students wrap up their research investigating "the state of the harbor"

Meet these students

(and many more)

March 28 at CSCR's Annual State of the Harbor

register below

Readers know we typically open this space with some references to academic scholarship about best practices in education, or current thinking getting national attention among school leaders. Last week, we highlighted Saphier and King's research from 1985 because its emphasis on building culture in schools continues to read well in 2024. For example, "giving shape and direction to a school's culture should be a clear articulated vision of what the school stands for, a vision that embodies core values and purposes."

Consider the vision of Cohasset Public Schools: "empower students to improve communities." It speaks clearly to school purpose and core values. Most importantly, it was in full bloom this past Wednesday when Dr. Blair Duncan's Marine Science students exhibited their "final exam" posters.

Student posters documented their sustained research experiences at CSCR; each group assessed some aspect of the "state of the harbor." The students knew, however, that whatever their findings, they were contributing to the community knowledge base, a base of scientific understanding that exists exclusively to improve the harbor ecosystem and the community dependent upon it.

Kudos to Dr. Blair Duncan, center, Marine Science teacher & classroom partner who made it possible for her students to enjoy sustained field research at CSCR from late September to Thanksgiving break. Leveraging the rich community-based research opportunities made possible at CSCR, enabled the students (in their powerful words) to exercise "the intellectual freedom to pursue answers to our own questions;" to "learn from our mistakes;" and realize "the importance of really collaborating with everyone in class."

These student outcomes, among others, are made possible when passionate educators team up with community educators to engage students in learning experiences driven by their own curiosity. Equally important are the supports behind the scene- key leaders who shape culture, goals, and vision such as the science dept chair (Mr. Ed Savage), the building principal (Mr. Brian Scott), the Superintendent of Schools (Dr. Patrick Sullivan) and the School Committee.

We are pleased to share with you some images below from Dr Duncan's semester-ending poster session held Wednesday, Jan 24. Not only were Mr. Savage, Mr. Scott, and Dr. Sullivan among the visitors who talked with the students about their work, School Committee vice chair Mr. Craig MacLellan scheduled time to engage the students in conversation. "This is the type of learning that lasts a lifetime," Mr. MacLellan observed. "They may not recall all the details later in life, but they will always remember the project they did about pH, green crabs, or HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms), for example, and how it helped build their capacity to contribute to the community as adults."

Thanks to Mr Brian Joyce, Director of Public Works, Town of Cohasset, for supporting the effort to print student work in large poster format.

Principal Brian Scott and CSCR's Jack Buckley discuss invasive green crab research with Dylan, Luke, and Liam.

Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Supt of Schools, paused his conversation about dissolved oxygen research with Henry, Ryan, Topher, and Jack to accommodate the photographer.

Brin, Chloe, Alex, and Gavin examined water quality (bacteria) in the Parker Ave Cut, and explored marine life at the Parker Ave dock.

Evy, Emma, Benedict, and Michael mastered the art of identifying differences among killifish, mummichogs, and their potential to replace the anchovy as a pizza topping!

Sarah, Max, Grayson, and Julia asked intriguing questions about the impacts of weather on the organisms in our salt marshes.

Max, Joe, Mick, and Wes focused on pH values within and beyond Cohasset Harbor. The team research led to questions about acidification in the harbor.

Tess, Christa, Alexia, and Jody assessed the relastionahip between nekton (minnows, shrimp, etc) and abiotic factors (temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH).

Come meet these students and dozens more to learn how their engagement as research scientists provides valuable data for informing community stewardship objectives. Join us on March 28 at the State of the Harbor, 7pm at Willcutt Commons. Register below.

State of the Harbor

Thurs March 28

CSCR's Annual

Community Forum

Spread the word to college students throughout the South Shore and Boston areas: CSCR has internship opportunities made possible by Cohasset Wharf.

In other news: CSCR and CMI (Cohasset Maritime Institute; rowcmi.com) took a road trip to Plymouth to visit Tim Feeney and his crew at Waypoint Boat Works. CSCR is fast approaching the time to retire our research vessel with a vessel that will meet our research needs for the next 2o years. Let us know if this is a conversation of interest to you.

TGIS Number 57 January 26 2024

Community Partnership are the Good Seeds to Grow Authentic Learning that Empowers students to improve communities