Inuvik (Mar 08/04) - Normally, being stranded on a boat locked into the ever-shifting Beaufort Sea ice would be a problem.

But not when you're on a scientific mission.

Last week nine Canadian high school students, including three from the Delta, returned from a six-day stint on the Canadian research ice-breaker CCGS Amundsen.

There they rubbed elbows with 38 researchers from nine different countries who are studying the impact of climate warming on the Mackenzie Shelf System. The students were part of a pilot program called Schools On Board.

While on the ship the students were introduced to everything from oceanography to meteorology, snow and sea ice processes. to life in the ocean. Then they went out into the field to collect samples from the ice, measure water, air and ice temperature. They even started their own experiments.

"The idea (behind the project) was to broaden the students' perspective on science and research," said project manager Lucette Barber.

"It went beyond my expectations," said Jack Miller, a student at Samuel Hearne secondary school in Inuvik.

"I didn't think there would be so much technology on the ship," said Derek Seabrook, also a student at SHSS.

"We had a TV and DVD player."

He said ship life had lots of safety measures and fire drills.

"But it felt like we weren't on a boat after a while," he said.

Water conservation was a big thing for the teens. The ship desalinates all its own water and treats all the sewage and grey water.

Amy Kroeker, a Manitoba student, said when they showered they had to shut off the water, soap up and then rinse quickly.

Science not for everyone

Working as a scientist also opened up the students' eyes to career possibilities.

"It would be fun," said Miller of being a scientist.

"But I'd look into it as a tertiary career."

Miller really enjoyed conducting his own scientific experiments.

"One of my highlights was growing my own bacteria cultures out of juice and salt water," said Miller.

"(After a few days) sure enough, I had bacteria growing, but we didn't know what kind it was so I couldn't take it home."

"Science is okay, but I like other things more," said Angela Wolki, a student from Tuktoyaktuk's Mangilaluk school.

While the mission is over the learning is not. Each student was required to make a presentation about their experiences to take back to their schools.

Barber hopes to continue offering the Schools On Board program over the next 14 years.