Basic Field Oceanography

Marcia Bicego, Oceanographic Institute of University of São Paulo

Summary

In this activity, students are introduced to the field activity to sample basic oceanographic parameters.

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Context

Audience

This activity is designed for students in an introductory oceanography course.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

This exercise requires only the knowledge of basic oceanography as salinity, nutrients and primary productivity.

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is situated in the end of an introductory course of oceanography.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goal of this activity is to allow students to familiarize themself with sampling activities and interpretation of some oceanographic parameters.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Students will work in a small group. Students will produce a report on the collection and results of analyzes of samples collected.

Other skills goals for this activity

Group collaboration and writing skills.

Description and Teaching Materials

The activity is carried out in boat during an oceanographic fixed station for each hour for 12 hours. This is done in an estuarine system, and groups of students turn collecting samples, measuring parameters and perform analysis in the laboratory. At the end of this activity data are compiled by the students in a report of collection and analysis. All tasks are accompanied by a teacher since the students have never participated in field work before. the students begin to develop skills in data collection and observation of the environment and also initiate an interpretation of environmental data.

Teaching Notes and Tips

Assessment

References and Resources