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We had the opportunity to learn a lot about ocean research, exploration, preservation, and conservation by connecting with many different individuals and organizations across the country and world! Click on one below to learn more about our interactions with them!
Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus
Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus
Their Purpose: Their goal was to study and try to map the entire ocean floor that hasn't been explored by 2030.
Our Contact: Madison Dapcevich, Communication Lead of the E/V Nautilus
How We Connected: Google Meet in October 2024
What We Learned: She explained how they gather information when mapping the sea floor. The ROVs are connected to the vessel by a long power and communications fiber-optic cable and controlled by a pilot on the ship. They use sonar to map the seabed below, and it works like echolocation for them to make the maps of things like sea mounts. Then, the data is sent to a satellite in space, which connects to a University of Rhode Island satellite on the ground. The university then shares information with communities and classrooms.
They often livestream their data as they research, and people are encouraged to watch. Once they have the maps, ROV Hercules and ROV Argus are being used for exploration. ROV Hercules has things like video cameras, lights, two arms, and sensors to explore the ocean or collect samples. ROV Argus' job is to keep eyes on ROV Hercules (situational awareness) so they know where Hercules is, if he is still connected by the cable, or if he needs to move to avoid knocking over coral or things like that. She said that only 26% of the sea floor is mapped in high resolution and that we have better maps of Mars than we do the ocean!
Do you want to know more about the work and expeditions of the E/V Nautilus? Click on one of the links below!
National Park Service
National Park Service
Their Purpose: Protect the land, oceans, and waterways in the national parks so people and future generations can go visit. Eva sees her job and what she does as protecting ocean resources for the future.
Our Contact: Eva DiDonato, Ocean and Coastal Resources Program Lead for the Water Resources Division
How We Connected: Google Meet in December 2024
What We Learned: We learned about issues park rangers face in the national parks for oceans and coasts. They have to do a lot of water sampling, look at invasive species, map the sea floor, see if there is ocean acidification in certain areas, and help the growth of new coral in nurseries. Eva shared about her travel experiences, like the American Samoa, where she found giant clams, observed coconut crabs, took water samples to find the pH and temperature, and went scuba diving often to take notes on coral. She explained the process of a coral nursery and tree, which connected to missions on the robot field. Recently, she has been working on a project where in different park areas, they are doing marine debris sculptures and displays to educate visitors about pollution. For example, in Cape National Seashore, there is a dolphin made from marine debris that gives info about what people can do to help prevent trash from getting into the ocean (pens, pencils, goggles, parts of surfboards, lighters, etc.). She gave us more ideas about how to preserve the ocean like not using balloons or choosing biodegradeable confetti and bubbles instead for celebrations.
Do you want to know more about the NPS and their mission for conservation? Click on one of the links below!
Taylor Cunningham, Marine Biologist/Underwater Photographer
Taylor Cunningham, Marine Biologist/Underwater Photographer
Her Purpose: She has a goal to create a beneficial impact to our ocean by taking photos to spread awareness of our marine life in their natural habitats, both the good and the bad.
How We Connected: Google Meet in November 2024
What We Learned: We learned how important sharks are to the ecosystem of the ocean. They are the top predator of the ocean but also act like the "immune system" of the ocean because they eat sick or injured animals that may pollute waters. The ocean stays clean because of them. Sharks are not interested in humans unless they get confused, and they are affected by humans wanting to hunt them for tourism purposes. Her photos have been used by lawmakers as evidence for the ocean needing to be protected.
It is her hope that the more people see her photos or hear about conservation of the ocean, the quicker change will happen. She lives in Hawaii, which is really good about recycling, and they sadly see lots of trash come on the shores after large storms because they will cause trash from the gyre for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to travel all the way to the beaches in Hawaii. According to her, the ocean is fun to explore, and by exploring, you can see the important things that need to happen to preserve the ocean. Her photos show both the beautiful things in the ocean and how it needs help.
Do you want to know more about Taylor and her adventures capturing marine wildlife? Click on one of the links below!
Taylor has seen some pretty neat sights and likes to share them on her social media! You can follow her here:
Brook Peterson, Waterdog Photography
Brook Peterson, Waterdog Photography
Her Purpose: She wants to show people the amazing animals and life underwater through her experiences in order to make people aware of what is out there in the ocean.
How We Connected: Zoom Meeting in November 2024
What We Learned: Our lives are affected by the ocean. Without the ocean, we wouldn't survive, so it is important to protect it. She said, "Always be curious and don't be afraid to go underwater." Even in a landlocked state, we should be aware of our choices because all trash goes into rivers around us, which then leads to the ocean. She said to be respectful and mindful of the ocean and how we impact it by recycling. We learned about her 82 trips around the world for her 39 recreational dives up to 150 feet underwater, how she interacts and respects the marine life, the process for taking her photographs, information about what it takes to be a photographer like with gear, and her favorite parts about being an underwater photographer for the past 13 years.
Do you want to know more about Brook Peterson and her work with photography and conservation? Click one of the links below for more information!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Their Purpose: They have a goal of understanding and predicting environmental changes, sharing information, conserving and managing resources, protecting marine animals, and creating educational tools.
Our Contact: Joanne Flanders, Education Expert at the NOAA Office of Education
How We Connected: via Email in October 2024
What We Learned: We learned about different resources that the NOAA had created to help us plan our Zero Waste Week. We ended up using some of their Trash Talk videos for our news segments, we learned more about microplastics from websites shared, one website inspired us on part of our project to create a resource page for other schools to make their own Zero Waste Week, and she shared the idea of collaborating with our local library for our artwork display. We appreciated these ideas that helped us learn and improve upon our Zero Waste Week!
Do you want to know more about the NOAA? Click HERE.
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California
Their Purpose: Their mission is to protect the health of the ocean through marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education.
Our Contact: Sabrina Van Eyck, Education Operations Coordinator
How We Connected: Resources via Email
What We Learned: We learned a lot about the specific jobs you can have when working with marine life and what people can do to improve the lives of marine animals.
Do you want to know more about the Marine Mammal Center? Click on one of the links below that were shared with us from the Center itself.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California
The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California
Their Purpose: Their mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.
Our Contact: Elizabeth from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Education Team
How We Connected: Resources via Email
What We Learned: We learned a lot from the MBARI website that was shared with us and how there is so much research coming our each day about the ocean. We also know the websites they shared with us can be used by people to learn more about the ocean and exploration of it.
Do you want to know more about the Monterey Bay Aquarium, learn about its animals, or have access to educational resources? Click on one of the links below that were shared with us from the Aquarium.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) Website
Curriculum Lessons
Mission Connection: Kelp Forest Engineering Challenge
Challenge Connection: Exploring the Deep Bit by Bit
Students learn about the intersection of marine science and technology through hands-on coding experience. This course includes a chapter creating and coding for ROVs and AUVs!
Challenge Connection: Extreme Sea
Students learn about three distinct deep-sea biomes and how marine scientists engineer solutions to explore the depths. This course includes activities related to ROVs and engineers.
World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund
Their Purpose: Their mission is to build a future where people and nature can thrive together.
Our Contact: Kate from the WWF Wild Classroom
How We Connected: Resources via Email
What We Learned: We learned a lot about activities we can do in our school building or at home to help build our understanding of the ocean and threats against it.
Do you want to know more about the World Wildlife Fund? Click on one of the links below that were shared with us from the Wild Classroom.
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