Bermuda will be an environment for learning

This October, a cohort of staff, students and adult participants will head to Bermuda for a mix of learning and fun at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS).

BIOS serves as the Atlantic research headquarters of Arizona State University’s School of Ocean Futures. The research work is focused on experiential learning opportunities that study the current and future state of the ocean and the challenges our environments experience due to human activities. 

“In the fall, we took a meeting and got a good sense of what we could do,” said Cushing President and CEO Michelle Markowitz. “It’s really exciting because it’s such a fun, hands-on way to learn about the environment, in such a beautiful, rich landscape.” 

The Cushing group will spend a week fully immersed at the institute, studying in labs and learning more about oceanography. They will stay in student dormitories and go out on research vessels and visit Walsingham Nature Reserve, where they will explore limestone caves, swim in the Blue Hole and explore the mangroves. The group is also interested in learning more about what they can do to take better care of their environments. They will visit Cooper’s Island, where they will see first-hand the effects of microplastics on the environment.

There will be additional time for nature hikes and visiting parks and museums, as well as Gibbs Lighthouse and the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo. They hope to squeeze in some snorkeling at Tobacco Bay, visit the South Shore beaches and enjoy some local dining and shopping in downtown Hamilton.

“Society is more formal there, so I’m excited for that part of the journey as well,” said Markowitz. “There will be different expectations as far as how to dress and how to greet people. So, on top of the environmental learning, they’ll be working on social skills.”