Educational
Cruises
Cruising
Classroom (Grades 4-12)
Stations Offered
Preparations/Tips
Post-cruise
Activities
Course Instruction
Office
Phone:
310-206-8247
Stations Offered:
Oceanography:
Students measure
and record temperature, salinity, density, and pH in surface waters. They
also use a secchi disk and the Foulrel-Ule scales to measure water transparency
and ocean color (i.e. productivity) at each site. Students analyze and
discuss the data they have collected to get a clearer picture of the bay's
habitats.
Plankton Tow / Bottom Grab:
Students examine
the organisms collected in a surface plankton tow with the aid of a video
microscope to monitor and discuss adaptations to life in the water column.
Otter Trawl:
Students study
a wide variety of benthic fish and invertebrates collected in the trawl
and learn about some of their adaptations for living on the sea floor.
Navigation:
Students are
introduced to principles of navigation, locating topographical features
on nautical charts for Marina del Rey and the Southern California Bight.
Use of latitude and longitude in plotting the ship's course is emphasized
and navigational instruments on the bridge are viewed and explained.
Current Topics & Issues in the Santa Monica Bay:
Students learn about and discuss current topics influencing the ecology of Santa Monica Bay. e.g. phenomena such as El Nino, red tides, and storm patterns, as well as human impacts.