MBFE - Days 15-16 - And class and research go on

We have worked into a class and research routine over the past few days of the 2017 MBFE.  We are entering another series of low tides, this time in the morning.  The tides have been early, around 6-7am the past few days so students have been getting up and out to do field work and collect organisms as needed for their projects.

In the afternoons we have 2-3 hours of class.  Just in case you're wondering what we've been covering in class...on Day 15 we discussed non-fish marine vertebrates.  Those include marine mammals (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and manatees), marine reptiles (turtles and snakes) and a little about marine birds.  Then on Day 16 we took a look at life in the deep sea pelagic zone.  That's the part of the ocean below the surface layer where photosynthesis can take place and the bottom, but not including the bottom.

The evening of Day 15 we had a weekly class meeting where we talk about scientific writing and research.  During that meeting I emphasized the importance of staying on top of research projects and spending significant amounts of time in the library doing background research in order to become expert on both the research topic they are asking and the organisms they are working with.  I really worked to make a point with them about how important library research is and I think I may have freaked them out a bit.  Well, we got that cleared up so the students understand that each day needs to include class, research and time in the library or writing.  Mission accomplished.

The evening of Day 16 we traveled into Coos Bay to attend a meeting of the local Audubon Society to hear Larry Basch (a friend of mine from graduate school days) talk about his time in the Galapagos Islands.

Here's info from their advertisement:

Cape Arago Audubon Society, Coos County, Oregon

Our mission is to promote appreciation and understanding of the birds and natural environment of Coos County through education, field trips, and local restoration and conservation projects that enhance our community.

CAAS Chapter Meeting - Wednesday May 10, 2017 7 pm

"A Biologist's Dream: Wet and Wild Life of the Galapagos Islands" will be presented by CAAS member Dr. Larry Basch on May 10 at 7 PM at the Coos Bay library. From the air above, across this renowned archipelago, and under nearshore coastal waters, come and see island endemic birds, other animals and plants unlike ones you've ever seen! Open and free to the public.

He did a great job covering a rich topic and making it accessible to scientists and non-scientists alike.

The MBFE is going well and students are making good progress on their research and from all accounts are thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Stay tuned for future updates.