Meeting Abstract
High Impact Practices (HIPs) are important in encouraging students to pursue STEM careers. Study abroad can be used as an intensive time for students to learn practices of science including experimental design, field etiquette, and scientific communication. In this 5 week program, students spend three weeks on sight at Cayos Cochinos where they learn field skills to implement with their own mini projects. A student who participated the previous year acts as a teaching assistant to help with reef surveys and with implementing projects. Students are required to submit a series of essays along with the final project. In addition, students maintain a science blog to document their activities. The final presentation is a powerpoint with a voice component. Prior to completing the project, students make presentations to get feedback from the instructor and peers.
