Dauphin Island - Day 4

Building an Remote Operated Vehicle

After waking up and packing the car, we headed to our last meal at Dauphin Island.

I opted to go visit a local artist gallery, while Jackson went to his final class. He learned about new and exciting technologies that scientists use to study the ocean, especially the deep sea.

After an introductory presentation on ocean bathymetry, the Gulf of Mexico, the deep sea, and a brief discussion of design principles, the kids broke into teams where they got to build their own remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Then they got to test their design and manipulative skills by driving the ROVs in the Sea Lab pool. He learned physical science first-hand by exploring density, buoyancy, and aspects of hydrodynamics through their own ROV!

Our sea lab adventure was over... except for the very long drive home!

Dauphin Island - Day 3

Beaches and Marshes and Walking

Today I opted out of both classes, but Jackson had a great time at both.

Before they actually began their first class, the kids took a quick test to pre-evaluate their knowledge on ROVs (for tomorrow's class).

Oceans...

After a lecture and slide presentation about the physical and chemical aspects of the ocean, the group made their way to the beach near the Sea Lab where they will measure wave crests, troughs, frequency and the longshore current. 

Other parameters, such as wind speed, air and water temperature and salinity are also recorded.

Salt Marsh...

After lunch, the next class introduced them to estuaries and the important concept of how the estuary is a nursery for marine animals. After a short lecture and slide presentation, the group is transported to a salt marsh (estuary), located on the Mississippi Sound side of Dauphin Island.

A field trip on a field trip!

The group took a quick stop at the Dauphin Island Fishing Pier (which had no water due to our current dry season).

Then on to the salt marsh!

Here is where they probably had the most fun (getting filthy). They actually experienced the salt water marsh ecosystem by dragging seines, catching, and identifying animals, and by sieving shoveled-up marsh bottom samples.

 

Everyone got to use the seines!

 And even Jackson got up to his head in the marsh... my son who rarely does stuff like this!

And did I mention... they got dirty?!?!

 Afterwards, it was time to head back to the dorms for dinner...

After showering... we all went to dinner. Then while I was either going to bed or already asleep, the kids opted to play games and hang out in a spare room they used to form a common room.

Dauphin Island - Day 2

Boats and plankton and more...

Jackson says he loves fishing and boats, so today he should be happy. It was his first day of classes, and day one starts...

On a boat!

After breakfast, our group boarded The Duke. It was early in the morning and we were off to trawl in Mobile Bay.

Before we even began, we even got to see and discuss Fort Gaines.

Fort Gaines has guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. It is one of the key sites in the famous Battle of Mobile Bay where Admiral Farragut shouted his now-famous order, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Pretty cool.

Then we began to trawl... causing a dolphin frenzy. Seriously, there were like more dolphins than I have ever seen and all around our boat. 

While we were trying to collect and identify animals that inhabit the coastal waters, they were happy for the free meal.

After collecting some animals the kids had the opportunity to use various scientific equipment to observe obscure life forms and to measure their physical parameters while at sea!

 Not a bad way to start a school day!

Quick stop at the Estuarium

We had some time before lunch, so we all went to the Estuary. It was a small but interesting museum that had not only exhibits but educational hands-on learning opportunities.

And of course it had fish too...

It's all about the plankton

That afternoon was a class and lab on plankton. They learned about the plants and animals that make up the plankton in the oceans and provide over 80% of the worlds' oxygen.

The kids broke into groups and made a plankton. The objective was for the plankton to sink as slowly as possible...

Then they collected more plankton. 

The plankton they collected were isolated and put on slides:

They even got to view their plankton on large screen televisions through the use of video scopes as well as microscopes.

It was a busy day. And it was packed with learning and fun! I opted to go to sleep, while Jackson opted to go to a night beach trip and hang out with his new friends.

Dauphin Island - Day 1

Marine Biology & Oceanography in Action

Now that my son is homeschooling too, we took the opportunity to go to Dauphin Island for a sea lab. It was four days of learning and fun....

especially when your day consists of studying something fun. (For me, it was four days of driving, lesson planning, & napping.)

Day 1...

We left!

We drove!

And drove some more!

We arrived!

Then we dormed!

After a long drive, I opted to stay in to unpacked and sleep, while my son went with the other kids to the beach... priorities!

Friday is Bowling

Homeschool Bowling League...

Callie is learning how to bowl 

&

thrilled I am taking pictures!

Volleyball Awards

Callie had an amazing volleyball season. She was named the Most Improved Player!

Her team worked hard each week and gave it their best. In the end, they came in 2nd place. However, tonight was just a night to celebrate a great season.