A Day of Learning

Lucy Carver – Ida B. Wells High School,  OR

Sophie Banks – Needham High School, MA

We started our day with an interesting geological oceanography lecture with Dr. Ellie. We discussed the continental margin, island formation processes, formation of atolls, weathering vs erosion, rock and mineral composition, and tools and techniques in geological oceanography. After our lecture, we continued to graph and analyze our beach sampling data and work on our creature feature! We had a quick snack and then jumped right into a lesson about the fishing industry. Firstly we analyzed Winslow Homer’s “fog warning” (1885) and shifting baseline syndrome.

We then discussed fishing methods and sustainability by conversing about topics of tub-trawling, trap fishing, trolling, bottom trawling, scallop dredge, and purse seine. Professor Ben ended the lecture on a positive note by introducing an alternative method known as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, and how we as a society can move to be more sustainable.

After lunch, we had scientists Jessica and Rochelle from NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, speak on acoustics and marine soundscapes. They explained what a sound is, visualizing sound via spectrogram, why sounds are important to marine species, and ocean soundscapes. We were then asked to go outside and listen to the sounds and thus create a spectrogram ourselves.

Finally, after dinner we played a trivia game about our oceanography knowledge. We played in two rounds, the first about ocean geography and the second round about the biology of the ocean and special fun facts. In the end, the Bikini Bottom Biologists (Sophie B, Collin, Sophie H, and Haley) won with 29 points and will be getting a candy prize later!