What's New in the BBSR Education Department?
News and new ideas to help you plan your next visit
This lab mimics the research methods of coral biologists worldwide. Using images captured from video transects of Bermuda's coral reef, students learn to identify common coral species, count the relative abundance of these species and complete a simple data sheet. In the discussion that follows, students consider
the accuracy of their data, ways to use the data to answer questions about coral growth and decline, and the importance of statistics. (Approximately 45-minute lab, 'powerpoint' presentation) This is a great way to explain what coral biologists really do and the difficulties of collecting 'good' data. The lab gives students insight into experiment design.
BBSR now owns a 'Video Ray' state-of-the-art dual camera Remotely Operated Vehicle. This is a mini tethered submarine that produces high resolution video of any underwater habitat your group is studying. Your students can learn to drive it (this may be that one time when playing video games really pays off!), may use it for informal fish and coral surveys, and may record video clips of their research site for reference
later. Several groups have already used this new 'toy' and have captured images of reef and sea grass habitats to put on their school web sites.
Use of the ROV costs $335 per half day, which includes the services of a BBSR intern / staff member. The fee is required to cover maintenance of the equipment which should ensure its safety and longevity. The intern will demonstrate how to set up the equipment and pilot the machine, will help to teach students to be ROV pilots, and will ensure that all safety and clean up procedures are followed.
Some curriculum planning ideas: 1.
Divide students into three groups: one group pilots and manages the ROV, one group snorkels with the ROV and performs a simple coral survey, and a third group performs a fish survey at a small distance from the ROV (a near by reef). Each group spends 30 minutes on each activity. At the end of the field trip or during the evening after, the video can be edited. 2.
Deep reef / shallow reef comparison: Many groups compare inshore to offshore reef communities - it is now possible to compare shallow with deep. The ROV has 500 feet of tether and is licensed to descend beyond that range. Your group can perform an inshore coral survey and then spend a few minutes driving the ROV along the bottom in 300 feet of water outside the boiler reef line. Where is the abundance of corals greater? Where is the biodiversity less? Which species are most common in each zone? At what depth do corals cease to grow, and can you determine this accurately with the ROV alone?
3. Cave exploration: Bright lights, compact size and powerful thrusters mean that this little ROV can explore where few people could venture - Bermuda's fascinating cave systems. An advanced group may wish to tackle some ground breaking research!
On September 5, 2003, Hurricane Fabian took its toll
on Nonsuch Island. The good news is that the restored native woodland withstood the 150 mph winds with barely any damage (testament to the well-adapted indigenous vegetation). The bad news is that the shipwreck HMS Supply (Sea Fern) is no longer safe to use as a dock. Educational groups who wish to visit Nonsuch Island must now use a small boat for access to the concrete dock. Groups with more than 12 members have to use two boats (R/V Stommel and a 'shuttle'). 2005 fees for boat use to Nonsuch are $350 per boat trip (groups of over 12 will have to book two boats at a cost of $700).
Scholarships
There are some funds available
for visiting educational groups whose students find it difficult to meet the expenses of the trip. Some of these funds are earmarked for minority and underprivileged students. Please contact the Education Department to ask about availability and application procedures. Please contact BBSR's Education Department at any time before or during your visit to find out about the latest opportunities at BBSR, to ask for assistance planning, and to fine tune your program schedule to best suit your students' needs: JP Skinner, Education Officer
Tel: (441) 297-1880 x241
Fax: (441) 297-8143
E-mail:
