This class was conducted during the four week January term at Franklin College of Indiana.  This winterterm class was designed as an introduction to tropical biology with particular emphasis on coral reef ecosystems.  Additional readings/discussions involved the country of Belize and the Maya civilization.  Students studied the fish and invertebrates of the Caribbean, the Mayan civilization, and plants of  tropical ecosystems for two weeks prior to spending eight days in Belize.  The final week in the class was spent reflecting on our experiences in a variety of ways including the student designed and produced web pages below.

I would like to thank Ken Mattes, Ph.D.  and Maureen Gannon, BSN of Belize Marine TREC for making all the arrangements for our stay in Belize.  I highly recommend them to those considering taking academic groups to Belize.  I would also like to thank all the wonderful people of Belize who made our stay educational and very enjoyable.  On the mainland, Herman of Cayo Adventure Tours made our short time there both enjoyable and educational.  I would be happy to answer any questions or receive any comments you might have concerning this experience or this web site.   I can be reached at wpohley@franklincollege.edu .

Interested individuals can view the course syllabus or the actual itinerary .
 
 

Tara Jordan and Cheryl Kammeyer on top of El Castillo at Xunantunich.  Please visit their web page to learn more about their experience in Belize.	Leigh Ann Wright, Daniel Frische, and Jennifer Brown pose against a typical Belizean blue sky.  Click the photo to view their web page.
Jennifer Ribley and Susan Buerger pose on board the sailboat, Rum Punch II.  Visit their web page and learn about their adventures.	Brad and Jeff Goedeker beneath a palopa on Ambergris Caye.  Read about their experience and view their photos.
Erica Bishop and Brian Alsip enjoy one of the beaches on Ambergris Caye.  Learn about their experiences by visiting their web page.	Charlie Livingston, Rachel Mathes, and Ryan Hinds enjoy the view at the top of El Castillo at Xunantunich.  Visit their web page and view some of their photos.