Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 15, 2025
Weather Data:
6:29 PM Eastern Time
The current temperature is 27ยฐC (80ยฐF). The wind speed is 6 knots. Source: Windy app.
Science Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary students: Ahoy from the sea! Weโve set sail this morning to Newport, Rhode Island. Thereโs a port there that our ship will dock at. NOAA Ship Pisces has been sailing smoothly, or without any issues.
We spotted a lighthouse! Did you know that lighthouses were made to help ships travel safely? They shine bright light at night to warn sailors about dangerous rocks, reefs, or shorelines. Theyโre almost like traffic signals for boats.
Itโs colder inside the Lab Room to make sure the computers donโt overheat. Iโm typing this post on one of the deck tables. It feels amazing with the ocean view and breeze.
Today, Iโm introducing you to a special instrument, or tool, that helps us learn about sea water. Itโs called a CTD instrument.
CTD stands for Conductivity-Temperature-Depth. Video credit: NOAA
The CTD is very important for science missions at sea. Do you remember the goal, or purpose, of our mission? Hereโs a hintโฆ.
Yes, thatโs right. Weโre surveying, which means collecting and studying, baby bluefin tuna (larvae). The CTD will help us learn about the sea water where we find the larvae. Like how warm the water is and what itโs made of.
Conductivity tells us whatโs in the water, like salt. Salt helps electricity move through water. If the water has more salt, that means it has higher conductivity.
Temperature tells us how warm or cold the water is. Some sea animals like warm water and some like cold water.
Bluefin tuna larvae like warmer water, so that means grown-up bluefin tuna swim a long way to find warm water to lay eggs. The area where they lay eggs in are called spawning areas. Photo credit: NOAA
The life cycle of bluefin tuna. Photo credit: Planet Tuna
Depth tells us how deep the water is. The deeper you go, the darker and colder it gets, so we have find the depth where temperature and conductivity are just right for bluefin tuna larvae.
This information helps scientists learn the physical properties of water where bluefin tuna larvae are found. This is important because larvae need just the right kind of living conditions to grow and survive. Photo credit: Discover Wildlife
By using the CTD, scientists can figure out where the best places are for them to live. This helps protect their habitat and make sure their population can last a long time. It also helps us find them next time, knowing where to come back to find them.
During this mission, weโll be using the CTD to sample, or study, the water. This requires a big crane like what you see at a construction site! Photo credit: NOAA
The CTD is connected to computers in our Dry Lab. This means we can see water information live, or real-time.
The CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) apparatus.
Learning how to read data, or information, from the CTD!
Personal Log
Thereโs been plenty of time to review, practice, and set up equipment for our mission. Here are some updates.
Do you remember the drifters from our last post? Well, theyโre finished! Look at the photos below. These traps will be attached to the drifters. The drifters will be thrown into the ocean. The light will attract bluefin tuna larvae and then trap them in the net. Each drifter also has a GPS so we know where they are always. Here, scientist Kristen was making sure the nets stay in place.
Kristen adjusts a trap
Larval fish trap
Two larval fish traps
Discussing the trap design
Scientists Chrissy and Sarah were helping me review this blog post. I wanted to make sure I can explain everything to you correctly. All scientists have been helpful. Theyโve been explaining a lot of scientific words and information that I donโt know.
Scientist Betsy was working on a part of the CTD (right). Bongo nets (left) are also in this picture. They are shaped like a pair of bongo drums and used to catch very small sea creatures.
Scientists were walking me through books that scientists have created to identify sea animals.
Hereโs scientific information about Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae. Theyโre called Thunnus thynnus.
Scientists Amanda and Allison were observing birds.
In the lounge room with Autumn, one of the scientists who will be on 3PM โ 3 AM duty with me once we begin our survey. Here, crew members can watch TV, read books, or work on their laptops during free time.
Tomorrow, thereโs a full day of practicing emergency drills. Iโm about to sleep early to rest and to feel better from sea sickness. The shipโs been rocking back and forth so itโs time to turn off my laptop for the day!
Did you know?
Chief Scientist Dave was tying each drifter to a float.
To make sure each drifter is tied securely to a float, we tied a special knot called the bowline knot.
People have been using this knot for a very long time. It was confusing for me, so Dave and Kristen gave me plenty of chances to practice!
Can you find some rope and try to tie a bowline knot?
Here’s a helpful video! Video credit: Youtuber NightHawkInLight
Hereโs a fun way to memorize it!
“The rabbit comes out of the hole, Goes around the tree, And back down the hole.”
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 14, 2025
Weather Data:
1:32 PM Eastern Time
Norfolk, Virginia
The temperature is 32ยฐC (89ยฐF)
Career Spotlight
Uplift Education, Mighty K-12 scholars: Did you know some people have jobs where they explore the ocean, study sea animals, and help take care of our planet?
Some of you, even those already thinking ahead in middle or high school, might be wondering what kinds of jobs or studies you can pursue one day. Well, today weโre going to meet some real-life ocean heroes: the scientists on the science crew who are sailing aboard NOAA Ship Pisces for the larval bluefin tuna mission. They come from all over the United States and are experts at what they do.
Why are they awesome? If youโd like: go ahead and think, share, and then draw or write your responses on this digital whiteboard:
Based on some of your responsesโฆ these scientists are curious like inquirers, hardworking and knowledgeable, and they show they are caring by helping protect sea life. They are communicators who share what they know, and courageous learners who explore the unknown! Now, letโs learn more about our science crew to find out how you might be a sea explorer one day!
Hi, Iโm David Richardson! I live in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, but grew up in Sierra Madre, California. I studied Natural Resources at Cornell University, then went to grad school at the University of Miami. Iโm the chief scientist on this cruise, which means I help plan how we collect data to meet our science goals. My research focuses on larval fish, fish migrations, and how ocean conditions affect fisheries. My favorite marine animal’s the sail fish. Theyโre beautiful at every stage of life! I love science because it helps us make the world better. In fisheries science, our work helps keep fish populations healthy so people can continue to enjoy fishing and have access to food.
Fun fact: My first research was on baby eels near Barbados. I discovered and illustrated six types of eel larvae that were new to science! That experience showed me how much of the ocean is still a mystery. My advice: Pay attention in math and writing but also get outside! Observing nature is one of the best ways to become a great scientist.
My name’s Allison Black! Iโm from eastern Connecticut and often at sea. I studied Zoo and Wildlife Biology at Malone University and worked briefly as a zookeeper before focusing on ornithology. My favorite (yet unseen) marine animal is the Wandering Albatross. They can travel over 75,000 miles a year! On this project, Iโm surveying seabirds and marine mammals. I love the oceanโs mystery and the chance to keep learning through different cruises. Fun fact: by yearโs end, Iโll have 500 sea days! My advice: stay flexible, stay curious, and seize opportunities you didnโt know existed.
I’m Chrissy Hernรกndez! I grew up in New Jersey and now live in Oxford, England. I earned my bachelorโs from Columbia University and my PhD from the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography. Iโve worked as a researcher at Cornell and Oxford. Iโm a population ecologist who studies biological oceanography and theoretical ecology. My favorite marine animal is the bluefin tuna! Aboard the ship, I help deploy plankton nets, identify tuna larvae, and guide sampling efforts. I love the oceanโs vastness and mystery, and how tiny organisms like phytoplankton produce half the worldโs oxygen. Fun fact: I once shaved my head and tossed the hair overboard during an equator-crossing tradition!
Hi, I’m Autumn Moya! Iโm from Colorado and now live in Silver Spring, Maryland. I studied Biology at Western Colorado University with a focus on environmental biology, and Iโm finishing my Masterโs in Coastal Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. My research models how offshore development might affect the Atlantic surf clam fishery. I’m currently a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow with NOAAโs Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. I support communications, policy, and events. Iโm excited to join research cruises like this one. My favorite marine animal is the cuttlefish. Did you know they can change color as fast as a blink? Iโve always loved the ocean, even growing up in a landlocked state. Since finishing my bachelorโs, Iโve lived in seven states! My advice to future scientists: stay curious and never hesitate to reach out. Science is for everyone!
Hi, I’m Amanda Jacobsen! I’m from Rhode Island. I studied Environmental Studies at Connecticut College and now I’m working on my masterโs in Marine Biology at UMass Dartmouth. On this cruise, I help deploy nets and collect seawater to study the carbon in it. My favorite sea creature is the lumpfish. Look it up, itโs cool! Iโve worked on over 80 boats, and I love biology because it lets me explore the hidden world of ocean life.
Sometimes only visible under a microscope.
My advice to you: Stay curious and try new things, you might discover something amazing or meet someone who inspires you!
Hi! My name is Kristen Walter and I live in Miami, Florida. I graduated from the College of William and Mary with a master’s in marine science. I now work for the University of Miami/CIMAS studying coral reef fishes and bluefin tuna! My favorite marine animal is probably the nudibranch! Iโm here on this cruise to help locate larval bluefin tuna, set and recover nets, preserve and identify fish, and test out new methods of capture using light traps. A fun fact about me is that I got to participate in the Aquarius Reef Base Underwater Habitat in Key Largo when I was in grad school. If you’d like to get into marine science, look for summer internships. Many places offer programs for high school students. Get your feet wet. Anything is possible!
Scientist Betsey observing the sunset.
Scientist Sarah sailing at the Nauticus Museum when we were in Norfolk, Virginia.
A group photo of the science crew!
Personal Log
Over the weekend, we moved back onto NOAA Ship Pisces. It felt nice to return after a few nights in a hotel while crew members got everything ready for our big mission.
When weโre not setting things up, we spend time working in a place called the dry lab. The dry lab has computers, machines, and tables for us to study the ocean data we collect during the mission. Iโve been using this time to write my blog!
Many scientists also bring their laptops, journals, or books to read or work on. Itโs a quiet place where people come and go, but when itโs time to work, everyone jumps in to help!
Scientists Kristen, Chrissy, and Sarah are making sure the light traps for our drifters (for catching fish) are ready.
Just like we practice fire drills and safety rules at school, there are also important rules and practice drills in case of emergencies.
Staying safe is super important when youโre out at sea.
Lieutenant Musick, one of the operations officers, is giving us safety training. Heโs showing us how to use an EEBD (emergency escape breathing device).
We were given a tour of places to know for emergencies. All crews were involved including members from science, NOAA Corps, engineer, and deck teams pictured here
Outside of each stateroom, or everyoneโs rooms, there is information on where you report to and what your role is during emergencies. Itโs a good idea to study this information!
With our floaty rescue dummy!
Safety first! I need to make sure I can stay afloat in case I ever have to evacuate into the water.
I tried on an immersion suit, or “Gumby suit,” to make sure I can float in water. It’s also designed to keep people warm in the water in case they have to abandon ship or go into the water.So far, Iโve really enjoyed getting to know everyone on board. Iโm a lot more familiar with everything around the ship, including where all the rooms, crew members, and emergency equipment are. Iโm feeling excited about our mission once we set sail.
Next time, Iโll be writing about a special tool we use called the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth), which helps us learn more about the ocean!
Did you know?
NOAA ships have their own weather stations right on board. That means they can measure wind, rain, temperature, and more. Even while theyโre sailing across the ocean! What do you think scientists do with that information?
The station also shows navigational information, which gives everyone exact locations (coordinates) of the ship.
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 8, 2025
Weather Data:
12:06 PM Eastern Time
Currently, the temperature is 28.9ยฐC (84ยฐF). The wind speed is 10 knots.
Career Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary scholars: Howdy from the sea!ย Mr. Nguyen here.ย I hope youโre enjoying your summer (and reading lots of books).ย Yesterday, I moved onto NOAA Ship Pisces.ย It was a long day at the port meeting everyone and learning the rules.ย
I arrived early morning at the port in Norfolk, Virginia
Right away, everyone made sure I felt comfortable, safe, and prepared for the sail.
On the ship are the following crews, or teams: NOAA Corps, deck department, engineering, survey, stewards, electronics, and scientists – which Iโm a part of. Excitingly, there was a Change of Command ceremony, a special event when one commanding officer (CO) gives the ship to a new one. So, in honor of this celebration, Iโll be dedicating this post to the ceremony and to the career stages of NOAA Corps officers!
NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They study and protect the ocean, weather, and animals.
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary scholars, what kind of animals do you think NOAA study in the ocean and in the sky?ย Letโs think, act them out, and draw!ย If youโd like, ask your parents to post your work in the comments!
A NOAA Corps officer is like a scientist and a ship captain. They wear uniforms and lead missions (special tasks) on ships. We respectfully address an officer by his/her rank or ship position. Yesterday, I got to see a Change of Command ceremony. Thatโs when one commanding officer (CO) finishes his/her job, and a new commanding officer (CO) takes over the ship. Itโs kind of like picking and celebrating a new class leader. It shows respect, teamwork, and leadership.
NOAA Corps Officers and crew members set up the Change of Command ceremony.
NOAA Corps outside NOAA Ship Pisces.
The ceremony took place outside Pisces. All officers wore white uniforms with badges and stripes that showed their rank (like how high their job is) and accomplishments (the amazing things theyโve done). Families, friends, and crew members said goodbye to the former CO and later cheered for the new CO. There were speeches and salutes to celebrate! After the event, there was time for lots of photos and personal congratulations.
The former CO and new CO saluting each other.
The ceremony went great! The rain stopped and the weather was nice when everything started.
Seeing this ceremony was a great way to understand NOAA Corps officers and the importance of their work.
It takes a lot of practice and leadership skills to become a NOAA Corps officer! Hereโs how it works:
If accepted, go to Basic Training Academy as an Ensign.
Complete Basic Officer Training Class
Serve as a Junior Officer aboard a NOAA Ship
Show leadership, earn sea time, and complete more training.
Be promoted to Lieutenant Officer and you may be selected as an XO.
Get more leadership training and experience and you may be selected as a Commanding Officer (CO).
Can you list and write the steps someone takes to become a NOAA ship leader?
Document source: Sinh Nguyen
The NOAA Corps supports all crews on ship in many important ways. For the science crew, they make it possible for scientists to do their work safely and successfully on sea. Learning more about NOAA Corps makes us appreciate their incredible leadership and accomplishments!
In the classroom, how can you start developing your leadership skills? Just like NOAA Corps officers, we can show leadership skills in many ways. Every day is a chance to grow into a leader. Which learner profiles can we demonstrate to help others, take responsibility for our actions, and work together as a team? Go ahead and point to a trait that you can commit to for the new school year.
These are International Baccalaureate (IB) attributes that help us become great leaders at Uplift Education, Mighty Primary.ย NOAA Corps officers show these traits when they lead their crew and support science missions on the ship.ย How can we practice these traits every day to grow as leaders? Photo credit: IB/PYP Website
Personal Log
There was so much to learn about crew members and rules, but everyone was so helpful. I felt like many of you have before, like a new student on the first day of school. A challenge was figuring out the layout, or set-up, of Pisces. At first, it felt like a maze as I was trying to figure out where to go and which rooms are in which deck. However, after asking for help, I was able to understand the layout better.
The hallways can be tight, but it taught me to be respectful and safe moving through a shared space.
I really felt welcomed by my Chief Scientist, Dave Richardson, and by his science crew. The Chief Scientist is responsible for leading science research during this mission. In my next post, Iโll share more about the scientific work weโre doing at sea!
Some of us explored Norfolk, Virginia, as we walked to a restaurant for dinner. Downtown Norfolk is about a 15-minute walk from the dock, with a lot of beautiful ocean views and history.
Hanging out in Norfolk
Norfolk StreetsBattleship Wisconsin
At the restaurant, we played and placed 3rd in a game of trivia.
On deck on NOAA Ship Pisces
There were lots of opportunities to get to know the scientists, who are very supportive and friendly, just like all the crew members Iโve met so far!
We continued preparation. Iโm excited to share more about this for the next post!
Did You Know?
On NOAA ships, there are different names used for what weโre usually used to. For example:
Bedroom = stateroom
Bathroom = head
Floor = deck
Kitchen = galley
Dining Room = mess deck
Front of the house: Bow (front of the ship)
Back of the house: Stern (back of the ship)
This is a photo of my stateroom (bedroom) on the ship. I share it with three other crew members. We all work at different times, so we have to be quiet and respectful so everyone can rest.
Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Todayโs Date: June 19, 2025
Embarkation Date: July 7, 2025
Personal Introduction
Howdy from Fort Worth, Texas! My name’s Sinh Nguyen, and I’m a 2nd grade teacher at Uplift Education Mighty Preparatory.
I grew up in Aliso Viejo, California – bordered by Laguna Beach – along the southern Pacific Coast. Some of my favorite memories were made at its beaches: Catching our breaths while trailing down Laguna Beachโs infamous โThousand Stepsโ for a workout; blasting music around San Clemente Beachโs firepits while huddling for bonfire warmth; and scrambling around with food trays at Dana Pointโs Doheny Beach Park while searching for a picnic site.
A family photo taken in Laguna Beach, California.
I then relocated to Los Angeles for my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where there was a travel-study opportunity in Honolulu, Oโahu, for environmental conservation work. One day, at the top of the Diamond Head trail, I stared into the ocean. She was so mightyโฆ and vast. So spectacular that everything else around seemed incomparable. The feeling was humbling; and it taught me to seek out beauty among the unknowns of our worldโs depth. I reminded myself to not only learn more about the waters, but to share that experience with others.
Me atop the Puสปu Pia Trail near the University of Hawaiโi, Mฤnoa, our travel-study host campus.
Our group, following an exploration and clean-up project of protected lands in Honolulu.
Fast forward to today: I moved to Fort Worth in 2016 to complete teacher training through the urban education model with City Teaching Alliance and Johns Hopkins University. Since then, Iโve been working as a primary school teacher here. Iโve noticed that even though oceanography is slightly covered in our science curriculum, students are particularly fascinated by the sea and its inhabitants (e.g., they fall in complete silence during Finding Nemo).
While there are pockets of water in North Texas, most of my students have never experienced the coast. โMr. Nguyen, how can SpongeBob SquarePants live under the sea?โ โDo octopuses behave like Ursula?โ and โCan we make sand angels like they do in Lilo and Stitch?โ are oftentimes asked as I hook students with sea world experiences. These โtricky questionsโ – inquiries – are my motivation behind this excursion. This sail will help me contextualize and gain first-hand experience of oceanic research, while exposing students to world-renowned scientists. My students are feeling extra curious and excited about the tripโs findings. They predicted a lot of seasickness (as a first timer aboard a ship) and plenty of โfish [to catch and study] because the waters are warmer in the summer.โ
As Iโve told my students, for the following weeks in sea, the mission is clear: โTo research, to inform, and to find Nemo!โ Photo courtesy of Uplift Education.
Preparing for Research at Sea
Howdy, from Los Angeles! After flying out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, I planned to take the Amtrak down to Orange County for a family reunion. But thereโs been a delay on the train, which means time to kickstart my travel blog. This trip is a chance to revisit loved ones before sailing, as not everyone has been caught up to speed yet in this process.
For preparation, Iโve been studying more about NOAA Ship Pisces, internalizing excursion protocol, and learning more about larval bluefin tuna. Because there are physical demands to this expedition, Iโve been following a daily running and fitness regiment.ย Mentally, Iโve been maintaining an open mindset as weโre told throughout training: anything can go once in the ocean!
All to be aboard NOAA Ship Pisces! (Photo credit: NOAA Ship Pisces Facebook page)
On Monday, July 7th, Iโll be joining NOAA Ship Pisces in Norfolk, Virginia. Iโll have the honor of attending her Change of Command Ceremony; and there were arrangements made to ensure a warm welcome from the crew. Iโll spend that first night acclimating to life at sea and familiarizing myself with the crew and daily operations. The fishery research will begin on the following Tuesday and involves me participating in shifts of up to 12 hours, assisting the science crew, and documenting the experience through weekly blog updates. Essentially, I am supporting the mission as directed by the scientists and officers.
So, as I prepare to sail the waves aboard NOAA Ship Pisces, I carry with me the excitement and wonder of the students and school community I serve. I hope to bring back a wave of discoveries that will inspire the next generation of scientists to explore, protect, and appreciate (and demystify) our waters.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Kiersten Newtoff Aboard NOAA Ship Pisces January 6 โ January 27, 2025
Mission: Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Coast Date: February 3, 2025
Nearly every blog post was an interview with a group of folks working towards a common goal. Well, for this final post, Iโll interview myself (Iโm sure thereโs a literary term for this, but alas, English was never my best subject) about how it all went! Also, I hate actually talking about myself, so when someone in real life asks me about the trip, I can just tell them to come here. Plus they get pretty pictures. We all win.
What was your favorite interview? (asked by Rob!)
Honestly, I canโt even remember my answer when Rob asked, but it probably wasnโt that insightful. But now that I am home and reflecting, I think all my interviews with the quietest people on the ship were the best. Once we started talking one on one, so many people opened up about their journey and had great advice for people interested in the field. One memorable moment was with Tom, one of the engineers, who I literally had not even heard him say a word to anyone (partly because he wasnโt around at dinner due to his shift, partly because I donโt pay attention). I just went up to him during lunch and asked โHi, Iโm interviewing everyone on the ship and was wondering if we could chat laterโ to which he just started talking to me about his time in maritime school and how his class would go tutor at the local high school and tell them about the maritime trade! Like bro, I am not prepared for this yet. We did catch up later and I learned even more cool stuff about him. A lot of the crew kind of just minded to themselves or with their smaller crew, but I am glad I kind of forced myself into each โgroupโ and learned from everyone. It definitely strengthened our relationships throughout the trip. Many people had sailed together for years and learned about each other from my blog! It was cool to hear that I got to share their stories.
How big was the boat?
Iโm getting this question a lot, but this was my first legit boat ride, so I have very little frame of reference. Smaller than a Carnival cruise ship. Bigger than a yacht on Below Deck. From the engine area, it takes 7 flights of stairs to get to the flying bridge. Here, take a look at the picture, me for scale.
Kiersten standing in front of the NOAA Ship Pisces. Boat is big, Kiersten is small.
Did you know anyone?
Nope! I had lots of mutual connections with folks though! Yin and I shared a connection with someone I went to graduate school with, I had a student in 2013 who ended up working with Rob in California, and someone I met recently who works 5 minutes from my house was a close colleague and (current! friend!) of Allisonโs. The ecology world is small!
What was the coolest thing you saw?
Iโm not a very decisive person and am really bad at superlatives. So hereโs the top 4:
Seeing North Atlantic Right Whales, some of the rarest and most endangered whale species in the world, off the coast of Virginia Beach
It snowing, and sticking, on the deck
Tons of water spouts forming and breaking up
Being outside in a T-shirt while in the Gulf Stream
North Atlantic Right Whale. NEFSC permit #27066.Water SpoutSea Snowman (Cred Annamaria)
How was the motion sickness?
If you havenโt read the Ode to Scopolamine, youโre missing out on my finest work. But after three weeks, it was mostly โfine.โ I only puked once, but had a few instances where I decided being horizontal was in my best interest. At night though, rocking softly in bed โ I understand why waterbeds were a thing. The nights where things are crashing around and you are getting airborne while sleeping, not as pleasant. But the meds really helped, thank you modern medicine.
What was living on the boat like?
I was in a bunk room, with the best roommate Tasha. She was mama bear and was always looking out for me when I needed to be horizontal. She was also so fun to work with on deck and she is just a cool person. (But also a literally cool person, we had low key thermostat wars fueled by love). We had three cooked meals a day and limitless snacks (when all the chips werenโt being stolen!) and dessert. I learned you are not allowed to work out in the galley, but that it is also the roomiest place on the ship, so I exercised only 1.5 times. Iโd rank boat living 5/7.
What did you learn?
Literally everything. Everything about this experience was brand new to me, except that I knew maybe 20% of the seabirds. Although my masterโs was in marine biology, my research was on ecotoxicology of Brown Pelicans, which arenโt around this area this time of year. They have the right idea and hang out in the Caribbean. All the science was new, the boat living was new, the struggling to stand was new. Every day I learned new science or new boat things.
One of the ways I really felt like part of the team was going into the acoustics lab and seeing this new snazzy screensaver. I pointed it out to everyone that day. (original pic taken by Kelsey).
What do you do now?
My commitment to NOAA Teacher at Sea isnโt over! While the blog portion is done, the main goal of the program is to disseminate to students the important research by NOAA. I am working on a lesson plan for students that I will be test running in Fall 2025 when I return from sabbatical. I used to do a population sampling lab on grid paper and students learned about and tested the accuracy of different population estimation techniques: point, transect, quadrat, and mark and recapture sampling. I am adapting this activity a bit to actually apply the AMAPPS protocol where students will have to consider a sampling technique, and then how to actually implement it given X amount of time at sea, the need for Y conditions, and following an observational protocol Z. The chief scientist Debi developed a map for me to use with students that shows the North Atlantic with contour lines that students can use to develop their sampling regions based on 6 species of concern I provide them. Iโm excited to test this out with students! Iโll also be presenting at the Maryland Collegiate STEM Conference to community college faculty about the NOAA Teacher at Sea experience and with students about all of the careers they can pursue with NOAA. And the program also has an alumni organization to keep previous teachers connected with each other and with the organization!
The other thing that really made me feel like part of the team was making it into Ian’s meme of the day. Peak.
Who do you want to thank?
Well of course, my mom, who has always believed in me for all the random things I pursue! Of course, the NOAA Teacher at Sea program for hosting this incredible experience for 35 years! And thank you to everyone who had to approve me to join this cruise โ which Iโm sure Commander Kliewer and Debi had a bit of say in that! Everyone on the ship who let me bother them with my questions and to everyone who made me feel like one of the team, even when I was clearly an outsider. The people made this trip. The experience was fun, but the people were it.(But I swear, Iโm not an extrovert).
So long, and thanks for all the (whales).
PS. Do you feel like you missed a blog post or 10? Here’s a quick index to all of them.
