Group Programs
What is a Discovery Cruise
OceanQuest is unique!
The Discovery Cruise is an introduction to the major disciplines within oceanography aboard a fully equipped research vessel. Students gain a better understanding that all life on Earth is interconnected and in the total scheme of existence, without our seas, life as we know it could not exist. It is the OceanQuest mission to open eyes to the wonders of science through hands-on learning experiences. The Discovery Cruise gives students tools to make well-informed decisions that will ensure a healthy sustainable ocean. During a 2-hour cruise students are actively involved manipulating equipment, collecting data, and discovering the wonder of ocean sciences.
Time during the cruise is divided among three stations. Students are given the appropriate data sheet for their work; everyone actively participates during this mini ocean research voyage. Teachers and/or group leaders can use the data collected in follow-up sessions and in the future OceanQuest will use the data to compile a baseline database for classroom and research use. The student data will show trends in fish populations, seasonal plankton abundance, temperature and salinity variances, and other basic oceanographic details from the study area.
At the stern of the vessel student work focuses on the biology of the study area. The group sets out a plankton net to capture various species of plankton (tiny surface organisms that are the primary ocean producers.) They may observe the setting of a bottom dredge or otter trawl that is towed along the sea floor to capture organisms that live near or on the bottom. Lobster traps are used as a benign method of sampling bottom dwelling organisms. The group observes and handles sea life and makes observations about the diversity or lack thereof in the study area.
On the bow students use the instruments and equipment necessary to study physical and meteorological oceanography. A Van Dorn water sampler collects the water the students use to determine water temperature, density and salinity. These data lead the group toward discovering thermoclines and salinity gradients. A Secchi disk is used to determine clarity and a Forel/Ule scale is used to determine the color of the water.
In the cabin the group explore the chemistry of seawater. The students determine dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, pH, and salinity. These are the basic chemical parameters that affect the quality and diversity of life.
Other projects may be undertaken as well, to numerous to list and outline here. Teachers and group leaders are encouraged to request specific tasks for their group before they arrive. The OceanQuest staff will assist teachers and group leaders design a program that will be the most relevant, comprehensive, interesting, and fun for their particular group.
The vessel is fully Coast Guard inspected.
Comments from Teachers
The quality of materials, the boat activity, and the expertise of the presenter... Great! It was always interesting. I feel I really will be able to use the activities presented with my class. The research vessel was an awesome adventure.
Excellent, excellent, excellent! I have tried other floating classrooms, and I feel there's no comparison. All marine educators should check out this program!
The crew received rave reviews...the (students) were quite impressed with what they had learned and I was impressed with what they retained, especially details…They wrote in their journals...it was the best writing they have done all year.
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Select from the list of alternative activities for the Bow and Cabin that can be substituted for the Discovery Cruise Core Program curriculum.
