Big Al Goes to Sea (cruise)

Your Experience

“Big Al” comes to life aboard the R/V Sea Explorer during a brief trip outside of the harbor to view the local sea lions and other marine mammals. While aboard, students learn about oceanographic equipment such as a drop camera, plankton net, and a benthic sampler. Onboard, students will get a tour designed to familiarize them with research materials and equipment. The boat will remain inside the harbor while the students rotate through the various stations. Students will have the opportunity to gently touch some of the invertebrates the the Ocean Institute has to offer. By using field guides, the students will have the chance to identify each animal and learn about its survival techniques. Students will identify the different types of zooplankton and phytoplankton found in that day’s sample. Through discussion, the students should come to understand the importance of plankton in the ocean food chain. Students will find animals living in the sample of mud taken earlier in the cruise. Using forceps, they will pick out the invertebrates and match them as best they can to pictures of benthic animals and place their specimen in the corresponding tray.