The transformative power of education lies not only in the knowledge gained within the classroom walls but also in the experiences that broaden young minds beyond their familiar surroundings. Such is the case for a group of 23 students from Polaris, a K-12 grade school in Anchorage, Alaska (U.S.). In May, these ambitious learners embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Bermuda, where they had the unique opportunity to visit the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. Over the course of 10 days, these curious young minds and their educators were immersed in a variety of interactive activities that took learning beyond the confines of their Alaskan classroom.

For five days a group of 20 undergraduate students from Barnard College in New York City (U.S.) visited BIOS as part of a new course titled “Bermuda: Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability.” Offered as an elective for students majoring in environmental science or environmental sustainability, the course combines the study of the island’s ecology, geology, and hydrology with an investigation into sustainability issues, such as biological conservation, drinking water, energy production, and waste management.