April 22, 2015 --This past March, AP Biology students at North Shore High School had the remarkable opportunity to visit and explore the Galápagos Islands under the leadership of their chaperones, Nancy Cunningham, Dana Francis, and Maryalice Kelly. Mrs. Cunningham said “Our AP Biology students really made this trip an outdoor classroom experience.”
Located in the Pacific Ocean and considered a province of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’.
Widely known as one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing, the Galápagos Islands contain a wide assortment of plant and animal species, many not found anywhere else in the world. These include the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch which were said to inspire Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.
Darwin said, “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” For certain, the North Shore AP students didn’t waste any time exploring the Galápagos Islands and witnessing first-hand why the Galápagos are known as a “living museum.” This unique educational opportunity will provide our students with knowledge and memories that will last a lifetime.
Photo Caption: Article by Shelly Newman Photos provided by North Shore Students and Nancy Cunningham
Pictured are North Shore AP Biology students exploring the Galápagos Islands under the leadership their chaperones, Nancy Cunningham, Dana Francis, and Maryalice Kelly.