Our first day @ MBL
November 11, 2019
This morning began with a series of lectures. The first of which gave us an overview of protocols and safety measures that need to be taken into account when working with animals, which we will be doing in lab throughout the week. After that, David Remsen, Director of Marine Research Services, gave a lecture on the biodiversity and history of Woods Hole, MA. Woods Hole's unique geographical location contributes to a wide-rage of biodiversity. With colder waters to the north and warmer waters towards the south, Cape Cod is the boundary between two biogeographic sub-provinces. This results in MBL being able to study organisms that thrive in both locations. As sea temperatures change, MBL is beginning to find organisms that are migrating north to find colder waters near Cape Cod. Next, we headed to the Marine Resource Center where we learned about the different organisms housed there for research and how different organisms are selected for various types of research. We saw and learned about sharks, skates, horseshoe crabs, and cephalopods while there. On our way to lunch, we stopped by the water where we were able to spot a few harbor seals sunning themselves.
After lunch, we had a quick overview on setting up fish tanks before heading to the lab where we split into groups of two or three and set up our own fish tanks that we will be monitoring throughout the week. Each group picked what features to include in their tanks (rocks, plants, etc.) and what organisms (crabs, fish, sea urchins, etc.). We also had a chance to live-stream with a second grade science class, where we answered their questions about the ocean and setting up aquariums. We ended our day with dinner and movie night.
After lunch, we had a quick overview on setting up fish tanks before heading to the lab where we split into groups of two or three and set up our own fish tanks that we will be monitoring throughout the week. Each group picked what features to include in their tanks (rocks, plants, etc.) and what organisms (crabs, fish, sea urchins, etc.). We also had a chance to live-stream with a second grade science class, where we answered their questions about the ocean and setting up aquariums. We ended our day with dinner and movie night.