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Stone Lab Science Field Trips | Ohio Sea Grant

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Stone Lab Science Field Trips

Aquatic Science Field Trip Program gives students in grades 5-12, college students and adults an opportunity to become Lake Erie scientists

REAL SCIENCE

Since 1973, Stone Laboratory has provided experiential science learning opportunities for students across Ohio and beyond that may be unavailable to them in traditional classroom settings. We have seen first-hand how participants in our programs gain a greater appreciation and awareness of the importance of Lake Erie when they spend a day with us.

Stone Lab offers students in grades 5-12, college students and adults the chance to be a scientist for a day, participating in activities such as fish trawling and seining, fish identification and dissection, plankton identification, water quality monitoring and much more to show them real-world science applications outside the classroom. Groups can choose from various activities to customize a one or two-day trip suited to their needs and interests. We strive to keep all of our activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards so teachers can be confident that time spent with us is both fun and educational!

Come and explore what your Stone Lab adventure could look like today!

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FIELD TRIP OPTIONS

Science Cruise

Science Cruise

Take a 2-hour Lake Erie Science Cruise aboard a research vessel, where students measure current environmental conditions, sample algae and plankton and collect and identify Lake Erie fish.

Fish Lab

Plankton/Fish Lab

Learn the external characteristics of fish. Properly use a dichotomous key to identify fish families, then dissect a fish to examine internal organs, stomach contents and other notable features.

Invertebrate Collection Walk

Invertebrate Walk

Learn to use “biological indicators” by collecting macroinvertebrates, using kick seines, dip nets and direct observations. Students examine specimens under a dissecting scope, and then calculate a score to determine local water quality.

Insect Collecting

Insect Collection

Get an introduction to the world of insects using diagrams and specimens, then take a peek at live subjects up close and personal using aerial nets and other techniques to capture some of Gibraltar Island’s six-legged residents.

Aquatic Invasive Species Slide Show

Invasive Species Slide Show

Discuss invasive plants and animals and their impacts on Lake Erie’s ecosystem and view specimens of several common invasive species now found in North America.

Plankton Lab

Plankton Lab

Students will use collected Lake Erie water samples to discuss food pyramids, then take a look at the water samples under compound microscopes and observe live phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Island Geology

Island Geology

Discuss the geology of Gibraltar Island and the Lake Erie area in a short classroom session, then take a walk around the island to see evidence of the area’s ancient history through embedded fossils, rock formations and glacial grooves.

Herpetology

Herpetology

See live and preserved specimens and photos of a variety of Ohio’s reptiles and amphibians and learn about current snake research underway at Stone Lab, which has been featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs.”

Ornithology Hike

Ornithology Hike

See a large variety of museum specimens, then hike around Gibraltar with a set of binoculars to spot and learn about Western Lake Erie’s local bird life and its world-wide importance as a migratory flyway corridor.

Climate Expedition

Climate Expedition

Explore Gibraltar Island while learning about climate change, its effects on Lake Erie, and how small changes can have big impacts on the world. This activity explains the impacts of climate change in the Great Lakes first-hand while visiting island locations.

* NEW * Local Flora Hike

Local Flora Hike

Take a hike around Gibraltar Island to explore its local plant life. Learn to identify plants based on their seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark using provided photos. Learn about changes occurring to Lake Erie island biomes as a consequence of invasive species introductions and climate change.

* NEW * Botany Lesson

Botany Lesson

Learn to identify plant species found on Gibraltar Island by viewing specimens and detailed structures under a microscope in the lab. Then go on a hike around Gibraltar Island to identify plant species based on the lessons learned from the lab. Learn about changes occurring to Lake Erie island biomes as a consequence of invasive species introductions and climate change.

Stone Lab’s Shop on the Rock

Screenshot of our online storeScreenshot of our online store

Give your group the opportunity to purchase Stone Laboratory apparel or merchandise while at Stone Lab. Take home a Stone Lab T-shirt, sweatshirt, hat, water bottle or GIB sticker. Prices range from $4.00 – $32.00 plus tax.

Your purchase from the Shop on the Rock supports Stone Laboratory student scholarships, lab equipment, facilities improvements, research efforts and numerous educational, professional and visitor programs.

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