Journal

Another Beautiful Day

We started out a little cloudy today, and in the afternoon...we got our first snow since I have been here! We tried to preserve snowflakes to bring home, but it wasn't working...yet. I'm not giving up though!

Mt Erebus
Mt Erebus under a cloudy sky(2)

Cuteness

A Weddell seal and pup out on the sea ice near McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
Photo by Alex Eilers (PolarTREC 2014), Courtesy of ARCUS
Just for fun, I wanted to include an adorable seal pup picture. This was taken by a fellow PolarTREC teacher Alex Eilers in 2014. I am really having fun learning about these pups. Not only are they cute, but they are amazing divers!

Testing Day:Time 0

I actually felt like a scientist today! It was awesome. We began the first stage of all of our tests today. I got to help Andrew with the behavioral study. In the video below, Andrew explains the protocol we use and why we use this to test fish behavior.

We record basic information to go with each video. This should look familiar to all my students...it is a lot like the data sheets from our LiMPETS project!

Data Sheet
Data sheet for recording basic information on each behavioral test.
GoPro Lids
GoPro bucket lid set up for videotaping fish behavior during test
The bucket lids are each fitted with an Andrew-engineered box to secure the GoPro in place.
Putting go pro lids on
Putting go pro lids on
Then the lids with the video camera's are placed on the bucket.
Recording test data
Denise Hardoy centers video lid over information sheet for the specific test.
The video campera captures an image of a card with the vital information to ensure that nothing gets mixed up.

grid bottom on bucket
The circles and grid help to map out behavior on the video during testing
Each bucket has a set of rings and a grid to help map out where a fish is at any given time. When this video is run through their software, it performs an analysis of several factors of behavior.

Shout Out

Mrs. Murray's Third Grade Class
Mrs. Murray's Third Grade Class Penguins
Today's shout out goes to Mrs. Murray's third grade class from Blue Oak Charter School in Chico, California. You all did such a nice job on your penguins! I will get them back to you when I return from Antarctica. Thanks for following my trip to learn more about the science happening at the bottom of the world!

Stay Cool,

Comments

Fri, 11/01/2019 - 10:45

CCDS Otters

We hope you are having fun and learning lots! Is your husband with you? Have any of the fish died from being put in your buckets? What did you decide to dress up as for Halloween! Have a great weekend!

Fri, 11/01/2019 - 11:59

Denise Hardoy

Hi there Otters!
No, my husband was not allowed to come with me. Besides, he had to stay home to feed all of my animals for me! He is a good sport about it though and doesn't complain. The fish seem very happy in our buckets. They don't get too stressed out or freak out or anything. That's why we need the computer to figure out if their behavior has changed. It's kind of subtle. I think I am going to go with the penguin bathrobe as my costume tonight. Halloween was really two days ago here, but our party is tonight because it's Saturday. You have a great weekend too!

Sat, 11/02/2019 - 10:41

Michel Hardoy

Hi otters! Our animals are fine also!!

Fri, 11/01/2019 - 17:04

Diane Stensrud

Hi Mrs. Hardoy! We were so excited to see you in your lab/aquarium in Antarctica! Saul (3rd grade) says, "Thank you for sharing with us. Can you tell us more when you come back?" Amelia (2nd gr) says, "Thank you for the tour of your amazing science room! I love all the animals." Layla A. (3rd gr): Thank you for answering my question. Everything amazed me! Issac (3rd gr): Thank you for answering our questions. I was amazed by how cold it was outside. I hope you see a penguin! Allan (3rd gr): Thank you for letting us know that you are (safe) in Antarctica. I think we all did science with you. Colt (3rd): Thank you for calling us. I cannot believe you saw seals! Kaden (3rd gr): Thank you for going to Antarctica to let us know how math and science work in the world. Also, why is it so cold there? I think it would be so cool to go there. I wonder how you sleep in the cold? How do you get all that food and the movies? How does the sun stay up so long? Sincerely, Kaden
Aiden Espinoza says, "Thank you for telling us about Antarctica. You are the best and I miss you. COOL!" Layla H. said, "Thank you for telling me how the plane's windshield happened."
Clayton Giudici: Thank you for answering my first question, but I have one more: has a seal blocked the hole the divers go into? Sincerely, Clayton, Grade 3 Alexi (3rd gr): Thank you for skyping with us. Does the ice break? I hope you see a penguin. Josiah (3rd): Thank you for teaching us about fish. Daisy (2nd): Thank you for answering my questions for me. You are the best. I miss you. Be safe in Antarctica! Osvaldo (3rd gr): Dear Mrs. Hardoy, Thank you for answering our questions. That was so nice and have you seen the inside of the volcano? When you're close to the volcano is it hot? I hope you stay safe. Have a nice day all the time.
We plan to try putting our hands in 28 degree salt water. The students are very interested in the fish you are studying. They are also excited to see pictures of seals, and to learn more about them. Thanks for chatting with us. We are so proud of you!
Diane Stensrud
Room 10
San Antonio USD

Fri, 11/01/2019 - 19:42

Denise Hardoy

Hi there! It was so great to see you all this morning!! It made me realize how much I miss my San Antonio family. It was fun kind of having you here with me. You guys all had great questions. Saul, I would be happy to come talk to you when I get back. I hope to have lots more to show you by then. Amelia, I'm glad you like all the animals...you know I do too! Kaden, what a great question about why it is cold in Antarctica...I' think you just gave me an idea for another journal! Clayton, seals I asked the same question about seals blocking the holes for the divers. They said it happens quite a bit. They try to just wait until the seal is done catching their breath. Sometimes though, the divers get low on air while they are waiting. They have an emergency tank tied to a rope about 20 feet below the hole ...just in case. Then if their air gets really low, they blow a few bubbles to gently encourage the seal to swim away. Thankfully, the seals normally get the hint and its's not usually a problem. I really appreciate all your comments and great questions!

Sat, 11/02/2019 - 10:30

Donna Booker

It seems you really got the kids thinking on tons of questions!! Good Job!! I loved their responses! and I think everyone is very excited about you seeing some penquins...hahaha too cute!
btw, we are feeding your husband supper tonight! We haven't heard any complaints either... :0)
Donna