EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- A group of middle school students was back on dry land Thursday evening after a week of adventure aboard a tall ship.

The ship, called Half Moon, left New London last week and arrived Thursday in East Hartford.

The ship is a full-scale replica of one sailed by Henry Hudson. Twelve middle school students conducted scientific experiments while on the ship.

"Wind speed, water temperature, tide, current, everything you need to know about the water," said student Tyrron Hill, of Bloomfield.

The students had to apply for a spot on the week-long trip.

"It's fun and it's not something you do every day, and it's really a good opportunity to do stuff," said student Loren Gutowski.

The ship will now be docked in East Hartford for the weekend.

Public tours of the ship will be offered on July 11 and 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Goodwin College River Campus.