This lesson incorporates techniques and experimental designs used by researchers during the Southern Ocean Diatoms PolarTREC expedition and during post-expedition laboratory analysis. This guided inquiry lesson provides students the opportunity to explore photosynthesis and primary productivity using techniques to measure chlorophyll levels.
Objectives
SWBAT:
1. Use models to predict chlorophyll levels in the global oceans
2. Identify
Understanding Physical and Chemical Parameters of Ocean Water Using CTD Profiles
Overview
A focus of the PolarTREC Southern Ocean Diatoms expedition was to collect water samples and physical profile data using oceanographic technology. Oceanographers rely on the real-time data transferred from the water column to the ship-based computers using a CTD sensor. The CTD measures conductivity (salinity), temperature and depth
Podcast of the live TV interview with QATV journalist Joe Catalano. This interview is a follow-up to a previous discussion about the PolarTREC expedition.
Newspaper article related to outreach at the Mystic Aquarium Women in Science Day. URI researchers and PolarTREC teacher Cara Pekarcik were interviewed about their upcoming research trip to Antarctica.
Quincy Access Television interview: PolarTREC teacher Cara Pekarcik talks with Joe Catalano on the Currently in Quincy Program. The conversation includes descriptions of the PolarTREC program, a description of the research project and day-to-day activities as well as a discussion about student and community outreach.
Article from the Patriot Ledger (Quincy, MA) introducing the Southern Ocean Diatoms PolarTREC expedition. The article focuses on a presentation for North Quincy High School students by Dr. Bethany Jenkins. Jenkins, as well as graduates students from the University of Rhode Island spoke to students about diatoms, life on the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer and specific tools and techniques related
This article describes the work of a team of scientists using the latest in satellite tag technology to track the movements of the Weddell seal over the Antarctic winter. The project hopes to learn more about the animals as well as the ocean environment in which they swim.
Excellent interview and accompanying video about studies of Weddell seals in Antarctic. UC Santa Cruz marine biologist Dan Costa travels to Antarctica to study the winter foraging ecology of Weddell seals through the use of sophisticated satellite tags and physical examinations. Video footage and an interview with participants has been included here.