Science in Bermuda Shorts
Not all scientists wear long white coats and talk an incomprehensible language! Meet a new breed of researcher, comfortable in Bermuda shorts and able to explain the latest about the health of the planet in language accessible to us all. Scientists at BBSR have been at the forefront
of ocean science for more than a century, and Science in Bermuda Shorts offers a remarkable opportunity to delve beneath the surface of the popular tourist destination and learn firsthand how this offshore laboratory provides answers to some of the most pressing questions facing humanity today.
The program considers the role of BBSR as a watchdog for the global environment: topics include the health of the coral reef; the ocean's influence on climate change;
medicines from the sea; and the battle to preserve rare plants and animals. But rather than merely lecturing, scientists lead a series of lab activities and field trips to provide hands-on experience with their research methods. The academic focus is complemented by talks from experts on local history and opportunities to explore Bermuda's unique blend of British and Caribbean culture.
Real Bermuda: History and Heritage
The finding and founding of Bermuda begins a 400 year history of one of the most remote yet sophisticated islands in all the world. It's historical founding so enchanted Shakespeare that he wrote "The Tempest" in its honor. The oldest of the British
colonies, care is taken to view Bermuda not through the eyes of tourist brochures but its local people, an African majority, a Portuguese migration and the shrinking power of the European. This course will detail Bermuda's colorful history and culture and address the dramatic changes brought on by the twentieth century. Bermuda's unique architecture, its creative exploitation of location and its influence during every war across the Atlantic will be pursued.
Bermuda's strong and surprising ties to American History and its social history, including a history of civil rights unique to the world, will be explored. Lectures will include Bermuda's history, Anatomy of an Oceanic Island (geology), Bermuda Through the Eyes of an Artist, Flora of Bermuda, and Bermuda politics. Field trips include the Bermuda Maritime Museum, Verdmont Mansion, St. George's, Hamilton (the capital), and short excursions on BBSR's
boat along the coastline (weather permitting).
Snorkeling the Coral Island/ Intergenerational
This program, designed for 13, 14, 15 year olds and their grandparents, will focus on the coral reef, the building blocks of the Island of Bermuda, one of the most astonishing ecosystems on Earth. Topics include geology, biology, and environmental importance of the reef structure to the survival of the Island's inhabitants. We will immerse ourselves in this rich bio-community by snorkeling each day at diverse
sites, lectures by our resident staff of reef biologists, and examining samples hands-on in the laboratory. Participants should be in good physical condition, have good swimming skills, and feel comfortable on small boats and in deep but crystal clear water. Excursions: the colonial town of St. George, Maritime Museum, behind the scenes at BBSR, and nature reserves. Extra curricular activities: plankton hunting, stargazing, and stranded (pretend) on a desert island in the Bermuda Triangle.
One grandchild must be accompanied by one or two grandparents.
Accommodations: Residential lodging; double, triple occupancy bedrooms, private bathrooms; two bedroom apartments with bath; on second and third floors, stairs.
Participants will stay at a cutting edge marine research facility and live and study with research scientists, graduate interns and local residents.
Birding Bermuda
Despite its small size, Bermuda boasts a varied list of resident and migrant birds with up to 365 species in total at any given time. This is partly due to location, and that we are so isolated. With over 8,000 recorded species of flora and fauna, Bermuda is a very hospitable stop-over for migratory birds. You will have the chance to explore many different habits including mangroves, beaches and sand dunes, ponds and swamps, forests and thickets in search of different birds. With our expert ornothology and horticulture guides, you will be immersed in a natural history experience unlike any other! Excursions include an evening boat trip, various hikes in some of Bermuda's finest National Parks, a visit to the Bermuda Maritime Museum, Lunch at Mrs. Tea's Tearoom in the Willowbank Resort and a visit to The Bermuda Aquarium & Zoo. You will be educated on the diverse species of birds found in Bermuda in a series of lectures given by BIOS staff and other notable figures such as Andrew Dobson, President of the Audubon Society of Bermuda, Dr. David Wingate, Conservation Officer of Bermuda and more! You will have the chance to see one of the rarest birds in the world, the Cahow or Bermuda Petrel. Almost eaten to extinction, it is making a recovery with the help of Dr. Wingate and others.
Read Birding with Jerry Hall: A lot to like about bird-friendly Bermuda in the San Marcos Daily Record
NOTE: This program can be physically demanding. We recommend you are able to walk at least 2-3 miles per day, including some hills.
