Coastal Studies-Region One Workshop

Went to the UTPA Coastal Studies Laboratory as part of the Region One Science Texas Regional Collaborative. The workshop was led by Bridgette, research assistant at the lab and who is part of the educational outreach programs.

Using concepts from Ocean Literacy and C-MORE, discussed red tide and red tide rangers along with observing samples of red tide. After observing red sample and counting number of plankton encountered, we moved on to observing brine shrimp. Bridgette was nice enough to give us samples that we could use in the classroom.

We then moved on to shark dissection. Bridgette discussed how to go about dissecting the shark and what in particular to look for. She wasn't kidding when she mentioned the liver was very oily!

After dissection, we moved on to look at different samples of echinoderms and mollusks. The teachers had some hands on with starfishes, sea urchins, some crabs and a sea cucumber.

We then headed to the Sea Turtle Inc, a turtle hospital at South Padre Island. Kat gave us some great info on what Sea Turtle Inc. does, besides helping turtles, they also do conservation and education. Discussed five Gulf of Mexico species, Leatherback, Kemp's Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green, and that they have treated most of them except Leatherback.

We then finished up by going out on the bay on a boat. We were able to look at some live ocean life that Kyle collected and then looked at some dolphins. Great professional development, lots to take back to classroom to discuss with students. :-)