Background
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is located in Moss Landing, CA on Monterey Bay. It is a world-class ocean research organization that works with its sister institution, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to communicate scientific information to teachers for use in classrooms. The MBARI Web site is a treasure trove of scientific data and pictures, as well as background information on research technology and the scientists involved with it. This activity encourages students to explore the MBARI Web site and begin to glean information from it that may help to answer questions that interest them.
During this unit, students will investigate the science, technology and
people involved in ocean exploration and the questions behind the research.
Activities | Back to top
“Eye in the Sea” Video | Back to top
Use the links below to access some recent video footage from the Eye in the Sea deployment in the Monterey Canyon. Activities that incorporate these videos will continue to be posted here, so please check back soon!
Eye in the Sea Video
|
|
 Flash Video (Progressive Download) |
 Quicktime Video (Approx. 11 MB each) |
Observing Deeply | Back to top
This activity uses the “Eye in the Sea” video to illustrate body form and function. Students carefully observe the animals seen in the video and use background information on form and function to describe the animals’ habitats and lifestyle.
Critter Characteristics | Back to top
This unit provides students with a new medium to merge their understanding of concepts related to the properties of matter, forces and motion, the transfer of energy, diversity and adaptations of organisms, regulation and behavior, and ecosystems with an exploration of the technologies used to investigate the earth�s hydrosphere. During this unit of study, students will conduct research, collect data, and design an observational tool.
Who’s New in the Deep Sea? | Back to top
This activity helps familiarize students with the technology and methods scientists use to study the deep sea, and teaches students how technology informs scientists about remote environments. Based on observation, students make possible connections between organisms and their habitat using near-real-time data via the Eye in the Sea (EITS) underwater camera system. Further, they are encouraged to pose and investigate their own questions about the ocean.
Ocean Observation | Back to top
This activity will help familiarize student with methods scientists use to study the ocean floor, and will encourage them to pose and investigate their own questions about the ocean.
Career Exploration | Back to top
This activity will help familiarize student with various careers in marine science and technology, and will help students find out what responsibilities, interests, aptitudes, schooling and experience are necessary to follow a particular career path.
Ocean observing in the news | Back to top
Oceanus (WHOI): (07/23/08)
Revealing the Ocean's Invisible Abundance
Nature (PBS): (06/11/08)
The Beauty of Ugly—Interview with Dr. Edith Widder
Science News for Kids: (12/12/07)
Eyes on the Depths
Science Daily: (04/20/07)
Marine Geophysicists Probe Sea Floor
Science Daily: (04/17/07)
Researchers Setting Up Observatories To Examine Changes Under The Arctic Ice
NOAA Magazine: (04/16/07)
March temperatures second warmest on record for U.S.;
global march temperature fifth warmest on record
NOAA Magazine: (03/28/07)
NOAA national marine fisheries service launches web site for tracking and verifying dolphin-safe tuna products
Web Resources | Back to top
MBARIIncludes a wealth of information about the scientists working at MBARI, their current research projects, data sets and technology involved in studying the oceans.
Eye-in-the-Sea
- PBS Nature Interview: June 11, 2008
The Beauty of Ugly—Interview with Dr. Edith Widder - NOAA Ocean Explorer: Explorations article
Eye-in-the-Sea: An Innovative, Unobtrusive Camera System
- Astrobiology Magazine article, April 02, 2007
Taking the Ocean’s Pulse - C-MORE Research Theme
Remote and continuous sensing of microbial processes
and links to climate variability - ESP field experiments
- An overview of the ESP—goals, objectives, workplan
- Data from an early 2000 ESP deployment
- Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI)
Focuses on the science, technology, education and outreach of an emerging network of science driven ocean observing systems.
- U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
National office for integrated and sustaineed ocean observations that includes eleven regional centers. - Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
A permanent global system for observations, modelling and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services worldwide.
- Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS)
Delivering information to solve problems, predict events and better understand the Gulf of Maine.
- Pacific Coast Ocean Observing System (PaCOOS)
Providing ocean information for the sustained use of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem under a changing climate. - CORMP—Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program
- Cape Fear River Basin Monitoring Coalition's Water Quality Data
- Neuse River Estuary Modeling and Monitoring Project (ModMon)
- North Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing System (NCCOOS)
- Carolinas RCOOS—Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System
- Army Corps of Engineers—Field Research Facility
- Sea Grant Marine Careers
- MATE Careers, Jobs, Internships
- MBARI Ocean Sciences Career Information page
- MBARI AUVs
- Rutgers "Mission to Cross the Atlantic Ocean": A Robot's Underwater Voyage
- Woods Hole ABE/Sentry
- Autonomous underwater vehicles: a collection of groups and projects
Back to top