2026 Outer Banks, NC: Day 2
Dear Bullis Families and Community,
This morning, we were greeted with perfect beach weather - warm sunshine, clear skies, and the gentle sound of waves nearby. Students spent the morning at the Coastal Studies Institute, participating in the Ocean ROVers & NC Shipwrecks Workshops and immersing themselves in hands-on activities. The afternoon brought even more discovery on Roanoke Island, where students stepped into the role of archaeologists and even boarded a replica of the Elizabeth!
From morning to evening, the day buzzed with inquiry and lively conversation as students explored new concepts and encouraged one another through every activity. They are truly approaching this trip with a sense of wonder - leaning into the unknown and making each moment as memorable as it is meaningful.
Please scroll below to enjoy some photos, along with reflections from our 6th-grade bloggers, through their own eyes.
Sarah S. '32 reflects:
Today was so fun! We started our day with a trip to the Coastal Studies Institute, where we had two different workshops with a break in between. In the first class, we learned how to study and locate shipwrecks without even going underwater. We also learned about the dangers of diving and how to stay safe. We talked a lot about buoyancy and even experimented with different materials to make something achieve neutral buoyancy, which was really cool. After that, we used tape measures to measure a real shipwreck! In the next class, we got to build ROVs and test them in a big tank. Our challenge was to guide the ROV through a small hoop (like a cave), grab an object on the other side, and return it to the surface. My group came so close - we just needed to get it back up, but we ran out of time! For lunch, we had Subway and ate outside since the weather was beautiful, and we got to run around for a bit. After lunch, we went to Roanoke Island, where we watched a short film about Native American and early colonial history, and then went on a walk to explore lots of interesting things. We saw a replica of a ship called the Elizabeth and learned about the English settlers who came to the island long ago. To end the day, we went to Jolly Roger for dinner, which was pirate-themed, and I had a great time with my friends. Today was such a memorable day, and I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Lena S. '32 writes:
Today we went to Coastal Studies Institute, and it was really cool! We got to make little robots and test them out in the water. My team sadly lost, but it was okay! I was the pilot, and even though it was tricky, it was so much fun. Our challenge was to guide the robot through a small hoop and grab an object on the other side. After that, we had a snack (pretzels and granola bars) before moving on to the next workshop, where we learned about shipwrecks. We learned all the ways ships can sink: from war, icebergs, mechanical failures, and old age. Sometimes, ships are even intentionally sunk after a war to create coral reefs! There are lots of other ways ships can end up underwater, and it was really cool to hear the science behind it all. That’s everything we explored at Coastal Studies!
Xavier H. '32 reflects:
Today was an action-packed day! First, we visited the Coastal Studies Institute [CSI], where we learned about shipwrecks and underwater robots. Then, we went to Roanoke Festival Park and became archaeologists, examining artifacts to uncover clues about life on Roanoke Island long ago. After that, we headed over to Festival Park, where we watched a film about Native American and early colonial history and learned what life was like when the English first arrived on the island. CSI and Roanoke Island were the highlights of our day!
Emi T. '32 shares:
Today was a very informative day! In the morning, we drove over to the Coastal Studies Institute, taking in so many beautiful views along the way. We split into two groups, and my group learned about remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) first. Then, we got to build our own! My group placed second in the challenge, where we had to guide our ROV underwater, pick up a ring, and bring it back above the water. All in all, today was interesting, fun, and full of learning!
Alex S. '32 writes:
After a quick breakfast (and lots of waffles!), we went to the Coastal Studies Institute. There, we learned about the techniques and technology used to locate shipwrecks, which are important because they can provide marine habitats in otherwise barren seascapes and offer a glimpse into the past - showing what life was like before they sank, as well as why they sank (due to weather, mechanical failures, geographical features, or combat/war). One technique was the side-scan sonar, where a sound wave reflects off an object and, over time, builds a picture that can reveal part of a shipwreck. The taller the black part, the larger the section of an object that is casting a shadow. Then, they deploy a bigger device that still follows the “mowing-the-lawn” pattern, called an AUV [autonomous underwater vehicle]. The advantage of the AUV is that it doesn’t need to be tied to a ship and can move lower or higher thanks to its controls. After that, they deploy an ROV [remotely operated vehicle], which can capture more detailed images of shipwrecks. The techniques and methods used to find these shipwrecks are the same ones used to locate German U-boats from World War II. In 2011, they found four Bluefield boats, and in 2014, they found YP-389. Experts use different remote sensing techniques, like side-scan sonar, multibeam sonar (both use sound waves), and laser scanning—but we built our own remotely operated vehicles in just 30 minutes! ROVs are also used to inspect bridges because of their many compartments and because they do not have the same limitations as divers. By 2016, divers could reach YP-389, but before then, only ROVs were able to explore it. ROVs also need THREE THRUSTERS. For our ROVs, we adjusted the buoyancy using different amounts of pool noodles.
Archaeology lets us discover new things, but also helps us find familiar items. In our group assignment at Roanoke Island, we found pottery, curvials, bricks, charcoal, and metal weights. The ranger confirmed that the artifacts were from a science lab used to find gold and silver. We made some good guesses based on the artifacts we found - they were almost exact replicas of the real ones. Archaeology is like a big puzzle; one artifact may connect to something bigger at a site. It’s a mix of science and history - background knowledge and new discoveries, dirt and shovels. Then, at Roanoke Island Festival Park, we watched a film about a story told by an old man and a young girl, focused on a Native American man from the 1500s named Skyco. His coming-of-age celebration and life are perfect until the English arrive on Roanoke Island. Now a man, Skyco must find a middle ground in how his people respond to the English settlers and decide what is best for his nation. After the movie, we walked around a bit before boarding a replica of the Elizabeth, the ship that traveled from England to Roanoke Island. We explored the top deck, the captain’s cabin, and below deck, where we found a passenger room and a table-like machine where we pushed wooden poles in a circle to help move the ship. Finally, we visited a typical settlement area with a woodworker, blacksmith, and pottery room before heading back to the hotel. :)
Warmly,
The 6th Grade Team
