The birds in the COASST teaching collection go on lots of field trips to training events, but once a year they also go to ORCA (the Ocean Research College Academy). This is a unique running start program through Everett Community College where high school students participate in immersive experiences focused on marine research, while also completing their high school graduation requirements and earning an associate’s degree.
At ORCA, the COASST teaching collection is used for a seabird lab, where students get an up-close look at the adaptations of seabirds by making comparisons between species. By comparing variations in wing shape, foot function, and bill structure, students build a deeper understanding of how different species are specialized for life at sea. Seabirds are a great example of evolution at work and many have highly specialized bills to examine up close.
COASST is so happy our teaching collection gets to go on the road to this amazing program once yearly. Rich, immersive lab experiences in the classroom can be life changing for students.
Many thanks to teacher Hannah Toutonghi for spearheading these amazing lessons.
