Today’s field trip focus for the Blue Hills Regional High School was mathematics, and many of the students are taking geometry and trigonometry classes. They came to Ernestina to focus on math and on how the concepts they’re learning in class can be applied in a maritime environment.

This morning the students arrived at 0900. In addition to some of our more often-mentioned stations, such as the Math in Simple Machines, Bow and Helm, and Chart Navigation, two experimental stations explored (1)traditional and new navigational technologies, and (2)using the geometric properties of isosceles triangles to determine position relative to a single point of reference.

Five groups moved through three of the stations before lunch, then rainfall reinforced our plan for the afternoon: take students below decks and show them how the ship operates. A quick poll of the group revealed we had several culinary arts students, several engineering students (electrical, heating/cooling), drafting, construction trades, cabinetmaking, and more. Tucked away in holds of their interests, the groups were curious and asked many good questions about the boat, her history, and how various systems onboard work. Some crewmembers fielded career-related questions about marine-based career options. Several expressed interest in our open enrollment sails for next season.

Program Coordinator: MaryHelen Gunn
Captain: Sophie Morse

Hurricane Lili comes ashore in Louisiana.....

Fred Sterner leads a station in mechanical advantage and simple machines.