This project represents the third of a partnership between GISS and the Thousand Islands Boat Museum. The previous projects were a St Lawrence Skiff, and the building of Opti-Class sailboats, both of these initiatives involved high school students, and were built on-site at the high school.
Boat Museum Director Susanne Richter approached myself and my teaching partner Geoff Dopking through our Principal Chris Boston about having intermediate students involved in a similar project for this year— with a distinct difference…. using the Museum (a working boat museum) as our classroom! After many planning sessions, it was agreed upon by the Museum and the teachers, the best way to impact our learners into appreciating the historical, cultural, and economic opportunities that exist (in their backyard), the Thousand islands…. is to get them on the River! From there the Team crafted a plan for the students to receive first hand instruction on the safe operation of a watercraft (Boat Operator’s Card).
While onsite, students are instructed by Museum staff and local experts including Chris McCarney (owner of the Gananoque Boat Line). The lessons that are taught include learning material using a hands-on approach. Learning to use a signal flare can be acquired by reading the label, however when the students see and feel the intense heat generated by having one lit, the knowledge is lasting and embedded.
Similarly, the students have learned how to troubleshoot an outboard motor through volunteer marine mechanic George Griffin. The skill of tearing down a motor to see if there is a spark present… cannot be taught from a textbook or YouTube!
The other main focus of the program was to afford the students the opportunity to use their boat operator’s card to explore their backyard… A vision of Susanne and the Museum’s Board of Directors. Susanne was able to procure a 1956 Thousand Islands built boat through donation as a vessel that the students may loan from the Museum, to “get out on the water!”
The only problem being the boat is in need of minor restoration. Once the lesson has finished in the classroom the students roll up their sleeves, don safety equipment and sand, prime, and paint the “Bobby Gerrard”, with the assistance of Museum personnel former GSS student Brooke Gipson, and volunteer Majella Turcotte.
The learning continues at GISS, as students have to record their new knowledge in their Blogs, and also work on larger group based projects including promoting the program, and model construction.
Both Running and Dopking are thrilled at the opportunity afforded to the students by the Museum and the vision of its Team… we are learning that the River is key to the economy of the area, and if we respect the River, it will respect us!
