Alpena High School kids take virtual shipwreck class
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ALPENA -- About 50 Alpena High School students can now immerse themselves in the study of shipwrecks from the safety of their homes thanks to a new virtual class called YouTube Science.
The class created by AHS science teachers started this week and is one of many options offered at Alpena High for kids learning remotely after schools were closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. All remote learning classes will end on June 4.
In the new class, students meet and can hear from presenters via Google Meet and post videos they produce to YouTube.
Students can work on mini projects and create videos based on any science topic. However, if students need inspiration, the class has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to illustrate the local science taking place in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Students can also submit their videos in the next Thunder Bay International Film Festival Student Film Competition. The theme for the 2021 competition is "Fresh Water Is."
John Caplis, one of three Alpena High science teachers working on the YouTube class, said presenters are lined up for almost every week to help engage and educate students via Google Meet.
The first week will focus on exploration of shipwrecks, with a presentation from local archeologist Phil Hartmeyer. The second will focus on diving science and feature archaeologist Stephanie Gandulla. In the third week, kids will work with local filmmakers Zach Irving and Steve Jakubcin. The fourth week will feature archeologist Wayne Lusardi on the conservation of shipwrecks.
Caplis said he aims to set up a presentation from Brandon Schroeder, of the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, to talk about invasive species and fisheries.
"Students will have access to local experts and people that can mentor and help them produce a higher-quality film than they could produce on their own," Caplis said. "Any student that hasn't worked with the sanctuary before now has that opportunity, and that can then lead to lots of other cool opportunities for students."
Gandulla, one of the archeologists who will give a presentation to the class, said she'll talk to the kids about the different physics and physiology of scuba diving.
"We'll be available to the students throughout the six-week course if they have questions and they can reach out to us anytime," Gandulla said. "The sanctuary definitely strives to be a resource for educators."
Meakalia Previch-Liu can be reached at 989-358-5680 or mprevich-liu@thealpenanews.com.