Students collect a water sample.

1. Curriculum Outline for 1-credit “Puget Sound Oceanography” class Introduction • Day 1:(2.5 hrs. in classroom) • Introduction using Virtual Puget Sound (VPS) to provide background and context (see Figure 2.) • Demonstrate web interface for examining in-situ data andvisualizations of computer model (see Figure 1.) • Work with data to discover major temporal cycles and spatial patterns, including prior in-situ data. • Check in-situ data vs. predictions from the computer model. • Predict temperature and salinity at cruise sampling locations • Case Study considering the use of Secchi disk depth as a measure of water quality. Is it possible to use a single indicator for the health of Puget Sound? • Day 2:(7 hrs. on ship in Puget Sound) • Oceanographic research & education cruise with Ocean Inquiry Project: sample physical and biological properties at 3 different locations. Deploy CTD, plankton nets and secchi disk at each station. • Day 3:(2.5 hrs. in classroom) • Compare data collected to predictions from both model and prior in-situ data. • Use VPS for circulation context and model visualization for temperature & salinity context. • Create concept map for Puget Sound processes. • Revisit Secchi depth case study. • Test & Evaluations. Puget Sound is a complicated estuary and an excellent place to learn about oceanographic concepts. Since 1999, Ocean Inquiry Project (OIP) has involved introductory level students in field-based research experiences on Puget Sound. OIP participants are primarily community college oceanography students, who sample a number of monitoring stations using a CTD, plankton nets, secchi disk, etc. Recently, OIP created a web-based system for exploring a numerical model of Puget Sound (POM model by M. Kawase, Univ. of Washington) as part of a partnership program called the Puget Sound Marine Environmental Modeling (PSMEM) group. Using OIP’s new web-based exploration tools for the model data, students will be able to investigate the Sound before getting into the field, thus getting exposure to additional facets of oceanographic science. The system is available to anyone with access to the Web at www.oceaninquiry.org/modelvis. Using this tool for quick insight into the circulation of Puget Sound will form an excellent precursor to more in-depth investigations, both by interested lay-persons and researchers alike. When fully implemented, the computer-based and field-based curricula will be evaluated to see which approach, or combination, helps students learn best about Puget Sound and oceanography. Students collect a water sample. Students get a close-up view of some benthic animals. Development Guidelines for Model Exploration Interface • The interface should: • Be easy and intuitive to use. • Allow user-driven inquiry. • Illustrate time-dependent phenomena at multiple temporal scales via animations. • Allow comparison of model data to in-situ data collected in the field. An amphipod that couldn’t escape our nets. Figure2: Screen shot from Virtual Puget Sound. Water speed and direction for one tidal cycle are represented by vectors that repeat continuously. An interactive tide chart enables students to stop and start the tides in order to test their ideas about the relationships between water speed, direction and tidal cycle. Future Directions Ocean Inquiry Project Concept • Complete profile tool for sampling model and archived data at multiple locations in the Sound (e.g. PRISM, DOE, KC-DNR and OIP stations) • Complete fully functional interface simultaneous to PSMEM “now-cast” model data becoming available. • Improve pre- and post-cruise curricula with context for extant research and opportunities to pose questions. • Focus on promoting inquiry while at sea. EDUCATION COMMUNITY NEEDS RESEARCH COMMUNITY NEEDS EVERYBODY WINS!! Knowledge of Scientific Process Catalyst: OIP Validation of Models Stimulating Science Experiences Water Quality Monitoring Fun & excitement about Scientific Discoveries Positive Science Experiences Public Interest in Research Learning through Inquiry Sense of Ownership of Puget Sound Increases Likelihood of Good Stewardship Outreach and Public Education Teaching Opportunities for Graduate Students Field Experiences Secchi Depth Measurements Interaction with Scientists Stir Well Effective Observations Hands-on Learning Connections between Students and Researchers Increased sampling resolution in time and space Multi-disciplinary Learning Experiences Watch for Invasive Species Increased Sampling Rates Seeing the Sound: Learning Through Model Visualizations and Field Experiences GB/PSRC POSTER #6-4 Christian P. Sarason and Frederick R. (Fritz) Stahr; Ocean Inquiry Project, P.O. Box 23189, Seattle, WA 98102 email: info@oceaninquiry.org EBB SLACK FLOOD Figure 1: This screenshot shows the controlling page for running model animations. The boxes indicate areas for which zoomed in animations are available. The images at right are individual frames from temperature and salinity animations. Ocean Inquiry Project is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. We are seeking project funds, ship time, instrumentation, and a vessel. For more information about our programs please see our web site at: http://ww.oceaninquiry.org/ This work is supported by NOPP grant number N00014-02-1-0502.