DAY FOUR

Paulina Keszler and Lillian McCarthy

Today in "Exploring the Northeast" we presented power points and slide shows about the work we did in groups the past two days. Each group chose a different subject having to do with Long Island. One group researched Native American history and culture on Long Island. A second group researched Long Island Wildlife, both flora and fauna. The third group studied Long Island geology -- how the island was formed from advancing glaciers and the many interesting geological features it possesses. The final group looked into the fishing and whaling history of Long Island, examining our maritime culture and also the most popular fish that are pursued. The presentations were both informative and entertaining. It's really helpful to know the cultural and natural history of where we live, as well as the history of the ground on which we stand.

In the afternoon, Mr. Raebeck decided to treat us to a classic film related to the whaling and fishing industry we've been studying: Moby Dick. This classic story by Herman Melville begins in the whaling town of New Bedford, Massachusetts in the 1800s. A group of seamen aboard the Pequod set out to harpoon whales but soon find that they are part of the life-threatening scheme of their strict captain, Ahab, to get revenge on the monster white whale, Moby Dick.