StM News

This week, Upper School students in Dr. Kimberly Mighell’s Marine Biology class took a closer look—literally—at one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures: the starfish. Through a detailed dissection, students examined the anatomy of these echinoderms, gaining insight into how each part plays a vital role in the larger marine ecosystem.

Marine Biology at St. Martin’s is far more than textbook learning. The course challenges students to think critically about the complex relationships among marine plants, animals, and their environments. From the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems to the survival strategies of deep-sea organisms, students explore how marine life connects and sustains our planet.

Dr. Mighell’s class emphasizes inquiry-based learning and discovery—giving students the tools to observe, question, and investigate the natural world. By combining hands-on experiences like dissections with in-depth discussions about conservation and biodiversity, the course helps students deepen their scientific understanding while cultivating curiosity and respect for the environment.