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York High students showcase VIMS aquaculture partnership and field research
Summary
York High students described hands-on aquaculture research with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), a DoDEA-supported partnership that includes classroom sessions, two field trips, oyster planting and measuring, and seining activities that the district says link STEM learning to career pathways.
York High students and teachers presented the school’s partnership with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) to the York County School Board, describing yearlong hands-on aquaculture research that connected classroom lessons to real-world marine science.
Principal Aaron McQuillan introduced the program, saying the collaboration, supported by a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant, gives students “authentic research experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom.” Amber Lamonte, a York High science teacher and the program facilitator, said students participate in two VIMS-led classroom outreach sessions and two field experiences: planting oysters in the fall and measuring growth in the spring. She described seining trips on the York River and lab work where students measure oysters, assess growth and estimate market value.
Student presenters Stephanie Weber and Erin Batterson told the board the fieldwork made classroom concepts tangible. “During the classroom visits from VIMS staff, we learned all about oysters and their habitats in the York River,” Weber said. Batterson described planting oysters and putting on waders: “We collaborated in the lab to measure oysters before planting them in the fall and again in the spring to track their growth.” Students said the activities increased their interest in STEM careers and helped them apply problem-solving and observational skills.
Lamonte and students recognized VIMS staff in the audience — Dr. Sarah Nuss, education coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Captain Matthew Thayer, student programs coordinator at VIMS — and showed a short video illustrating the program in action.
Board members asked students how the community could help. One student recommended returning oyster shells to the river: “Putting their shells back in the river provides more habitat for the oysters to attach to and helps bring back what we took out of it,” the student said. Board members praised the program and suggested encouraging more students and younger grades to participate.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; members thanked the students and VIMS staff and moved on to other agenda items.
