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ON THE BOAT - MIDDLE SCHOOL
Suggested Research Vessel Trips for Middle School Students
Most boat programs come with access to optional data analysis labs. These can be taught by Project O staff after your trip, or we will provide curricular materials for you to teach them back in your classroom. We also suggest additional programs that would be complementary, if you are interested in making a full day of it at our facility.
Introduction to Oceanography (2.5 hours)
One of our most popular and versatile offerings! Students will literally and figuratively get their hands wet as they investigate the living and non-living components of Long Island Sound, while participating our flagship environmental monitoring program aboard the R/V Envirolab. Your students will study living organisms in the stern of the boat by hauling a trawl net, doing a plankton tow, pulling a lobster pot, and (on some trips) sorting through a mud grab. In the bow of the boat, they’ll learn how to use a wide range of oceanographic equipment as they investigate physical and chemical aspects of the estuary, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and CO2. Suggested lab: almost any
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Sewage Plant Study (2.5 hours)
Students will explore human impacts on marine habitats using water chemistry. Sample nutrient levels and test for fecal coliform bacteria near a sewage treatment plant. We’ll also measure temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and CO2, and compare with a location farther out in the sound. Typically taught with a strong focus on water chemistry.
Suggested lab: Water Filtration
Seal Population Study (2.5 hours; seasonal)
Project Oceanology has been monitoring the seal population in Fishers Island Sound for over 15 years. Participants will census seals at several locations in Eastern Long Island Sound, and also collect data on seal activity levels. Discussion and analysis will focus on seal population distribution and trends in Long Island Sound, and on the behavioral ecology of seals. Suggested labs: Seal Thermoregulation, Pinniped Power
Gull Rookery Study (2.5 hours; seasonal; 30 students max)
Project Oceanology has been monitoring the nesting activity of gulls and other seabirds in Fishers Island Sound for more than 30 years. Participants will work in small teams to count nests, eggs, and chicks on a gull rookery. Discussion and analysis will focus on gull population trends, seabird conservation biology, and the ecological role of seabirds in Long Island Sound. Suggested shore: Marine Debris Shore Program
Other Middle School Programs
Programming Home Pages:
On the Boat
On the Shore
Lab or In-school
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