Summer Camp - Little Darby, Bahamas
 Objective of the Science & Stromatolite Camp:
The overall goal of this summer science camp was to work with local Bahamian educators to promote scientific literacy and awareness in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas. We wanted to expose students to the fundamentals of the scientific method and have them start to design and complete their own experiments.
We also wanted the students to increase their awareness of environmental sustainability. The Bahamian economy replies heavily on tourism requiring the country to balance land development with environmental protection. The educators from YMBS helped translate many of the global environmental issues into a Bahamian context that students could relate to. Little Darby Island, Bahamas
Camp Scrapbook Video
“Bahamian Music” by Chris “Dry Bread” Ferguson
Organizers of the Science & Stromatolite Camp
This camp was established through a collaborative effort between the University of Florida, Young Bahamian Marine Scientists (http://tropicbirds.org/ybms/), University of Miami, and the Danguillecourt Project (http://tropicbirds.org/).
Specifically the efforts of:
Jamie Foster, University of Florida
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 Nikita Shiel-Rolle, Young Bahamian Marine Scientists
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 Pam Reid, University of Miami, The Danguillecourt Project
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 Alina Chester, University of Florida
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 Ashleigh Braynen, Plymouth State University-YBMS intern
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Special Thanks: The organizers would also like to give a special thanks to the Darby Island Caretaker Wendell McKenzie and YBMS volunteer George Allen for their assistance during the camp. We would also like to thank Farmer’s Cay government representative Aiden Burrows for his support of our camp
L-R: George Allen, Wendell McKenzie, Aiden Burrows
Camp Activity Overview (PDF) right click to download
 Here is an overview of the activities we planned for the science camp. We tried to balance traditional lectures with creative, engaging activities that reinforced the scientific concepts.
Example Worksheet Activity
1. Identify the mystery canister using the scientific method: (PDF) right click to download
2. Let’s Fly: Building a film canister rocket: (PDF) right click to download
Student Activities Slideshow
Student Presentations & Community Outreach
On the final day of the camp we invited parents and members of the local community to hear students presentation. Students were asked make a presentation about something they learned about in camp. Here are examples of some of the student presentations.
  Darby News Flash - DNA and the Genetic Code
Written by Jamal Williamson and Theodore Bastian
Students learned about DNA and how it can be used to identify organisms
 Invasive Species: the lionfish – “Territory Strikes”
Written by Simeon Bain and performed by Simeon Bain, Jamal Williamson, Juwan Rolle, and Vardo McKenzie.
Lionfish Cleaning Demonstration
Lionfish are an invasive species in the Bahamas and having a devastating impact on local fish and crustacean populations. Due to the venomous spines of the lionfish many local Bahamians are hesitant to eat the lionfish. The YBMS organization has made on one of their goals to spread the word about how to properly clean lionfish and properly dispose of the spines. So the next time you are eating out order the lionfish. For lionfish recipes please visit: http://www.lionfishhunter.com
Lionfish Cleaning demonstration by Remon Ennis. Students learned about the threat of lionfish and the care they need to take when they clean the fish. Watch a video presentation of Remon and YBMS director Nikita Shiels-Rolle demonstrating how to properly clean a lion fish.
Camp Sponsorship
 We would like to thank the YBMS program for providing the logistics and financial support for the student transportation and food for the camp. We would also like to thank NASA and the Summer of Innovation program for providing some of the educational materials that were used in the camp curriculum. The Galileoscope used in the Community Stargazing evening were donated by Jaydeep Mukhergee and the GE Foundation. Lastly, we would to thank the Little Darby Research Station director Pam Reid for donating the use of the lab for the camp activities.
• Young Bahamian Marine Scientist YBMS
• NASA Summer of Innovation
• GE Foundation
• Little Darby Research Station
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