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.