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Grauer Students Participate in Ocean Institute's Floating Lab Program

Grauer Students Participate in Ocean Institute's Floating Lab Program
 
From Paulina Davis-Fisher and Nick Scacco, Science Teachers:

On April 9, Marine Biology and Environmental Science students participated in the Ocean Institute’s Advanced Floating Lab program. This unique experience took place aboard a research vessel, where students actively engaged in real scientific investigation.

The students collected and analyzed ocean water samples, studied plankton under microscopes, and used scientific equipment to measure physical and chemical properties of the ocean, including temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. As they traveled between sampling sites, students even had the opportunity to whale watch—spotting fin whales and other baleen whales, while also being surrounded by pods of dolphins.

They even got to “mine for gold” by sifting through a mud sample collected from 180 feet below the surface, searching for marine invertebrates such as sea cucumbers, clams, marine worms, and armored sea stars. Students also used an otter trawl to collect benthic marine animals, allowing them to observe the biogeography of the area firsthand.

This immersive lab experience gave students a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems, data collection, and marine research methods. Having just finished our invertebrate unit and previously covered the abiotic features of the ocean, students were able to apply what they’ve learned and observe it up close and in a meaningful way.

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