WATERS OF THE CARIBBEAN – AN ENRICHMENT VOYAGE THROUGH SEMESTER AT SEA

This course, which represented a collaborative effort between the Semester at Sea Program (SAS), the WKU Honors College, and the Department of Geography and Geology offered students the opportunity to engage in an international field-based science course throughout the Caribbean Sea aboard the state-of-the-art MV Explorer. This new interdisciplinary program allowed students to participate in field activities on 10 different Caribbean islands with an emphasis on the integration of geologic, geographic, and environmental issues related to water resources, climate change, and environmental policy. Students explored the natural environment, while simultaneously being immersed in the local culture, developing an appreciation of the challenges of island life, as well as an understanding of the diversity of the communities of the Caribbean region.

The itinerary included a variety of field-based science activities including water sampling, on-board analysis, collection of rock samples in the field, mapping, and basic geological investigations, in addition to focused activities treating the historical and diverse cultural environments on these islands. These were augmented by classroom-based activities, and lectures provided by WKU faculty and guest lecturers aboard the MV Explorer. Funding was obtained to purchase water sampling and analysis instruments (pH meters, colorimeters, etc.), radios, GPS units and Digital Elevation Models for mapping field excursion routes and sampling sites, and waterproof fieldbooks for student field notes.

Assessments included presentations on each island (including basic geology, economy, government, unique environments, water issues, etc.), reflective writing assignments, complete fieldbooks, water analyses, and overall involvement. Students completed a pre- and post-trip survey of attitudes and knowledge concerning aspects of the course. Topics of the survey included: basic geology, basic geography, behavior of water (groundwater, surface water), karst systems, volcanology, history, and cultural aspects. Success of the course was, in part, measured through responses quantifying real learning during the trip. In addition, students provided anecdotal measures of success by writing a summary of the trip, using notes from their daily journal/ “ship’s log.”