Cristina Veresan
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STOKED ON MARINE SCIENCE!

4/9/2017

 
Departing for Coconut Island
What is it like to spend 24 hours on a private island in beautiful Kāneʻohe Bay conducting scientific field work? A group of my 7th grade students from Le Jardin Academy just found out. I had the privilege of bringing 15 students, all stoked on marine science, to the Hawai'i Institute of Oceanography (HIMB) on Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island) for an overnight trip. Scientists from all over the world come to HIMB to access the marine environments and utilize their world-class laboratory facilities. Saturday afternoon, our group took the quick shuttle boat rides over to the island to begin our own marine science adventure. 
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The small shuttle boat to the island had to make a few trips
Setting Up Camp
Our guide Leon from the HIMB Community Education Program welcomed us to the island and, after a safety briefing, everyone got to work pitching tents and organizing our gear. We had a long day (and night) of science ahead of us, so we had to get camp set up. We were all happy to be on the island and were impressed with the view from our campsite!
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Setting up camp
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Pitching the tents
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Happy campers!
Touring the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology
Next, Leon gave our group a comprehensive tour of Coconut Island and the public areas of HIMB, sharing information not only about their current oceanographic research projects but also about the fascinating history of the 28-acre island. Students were impressed to learn how the island has evolved over time. Some of the island's uses include: an outpost for native Hawaiian fishermen; a lavish private estate complete with exotic zoo; and a world-renowned research institution operated by the University of Hawai'i.

​You can read a detailed history of the island here.
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Leon addresses the group at the "beach house"-- our home base for meals
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Who doesn't love a touch tank?
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Rice coral and mushroom corals on display
Students observed many different tanks in HIMB's labs, but I think they enjoyed the touch tank most of all because they got to get up close and personal with many of Kāneʻohe Bay's invertebrate animals such as feather-duster worms, conspicuous sea cumbers, tiger cowries, hermit crabs, and more. Later that day, students would get a chance to see many of these creatures in their natural habitat while snorkeling in the bay.
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Sea cucumber
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Leon explains the "Super Sucker" barge that helps remove invasive Gorilla ogo algae from Kāneʻohe Bay
Not surprisingly, some of the most popular destinations on the tour were the shark labs. In two different pens, we observed blacktip reef sharks and hammerhead sharks getting fed. We also visited a large enclosure and watched scalloped hammerhead sharks and sandbar sharks cruise below. Students learned about HIMB's current shark research projects involving shark-human interactions, spawning migrations and foraging strategies of top predators, and digestive physiology and navigational abilities of sharks. Students gained a new appreciation for our local sharks; in fact, Kāneʻohe Bay is an important breeding ground for the hammerheads. 

You can read an overview of the research conducted at HIMB's labs here.
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Blacktip reef shark
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Scalloped hammerhead shark
Setting Up Our Coral Larval Experiment
Next, we joined graduate student Raphael Ritson-Williams of HIMB's Gates Lab. In his graduate work, he is studying how corals respond to local and global stressors, including climate change, and he told students about the recent coral bleaching events in Kāneʻohe Bay. Raphael also explained his work in larval ecology, and he gave us the unique opportunity to participate in an actual coral larval experiment that was set-up in the lab's outdoor seawater system. 
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Raphael introduces students to the Gates Lab
Raphael had collected lace coral (P. damicornis) from the bay and put them in the seawater system. Because of our trip's timing (two days before the full moon), Raphael explained that these brooding corals will likely be releasing their larvae (babies). We helped him set up the collectors that will trap any larvae released overnight. Raphael will use any larvae that are released to test for settlement preference in the next generation of corals. Here's hoping we see some babies in the morning!
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Lace coral (P. damicornis)
Getting in the Water...
Now it was time to get in the water and explore the bay! Raphael and I explained how scientists quantify habitat and biodiversity in different environments, including coral reefs, by conducting a transect survey. Students grabbed their transect lines and quadrats and used these real scientific tools to survey an area of coral reef next to the island.
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Ready for the reef transect survey!
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Working together to conduct the survey
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Collecting data
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Quadrat down
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"Upside-down" jellyfish
Students worked in teams of five to conduct their reef transects, and they traded off roles of snorkeling along the transect line, dropping the quadrat, observing what was under the  point intercepts of the quadrat, and recording the data. One group noticed a Cassiopea ("upside-down") Jellyfish and narrowly avoided a sting. Students observed coral reefs and some of the diverse life they support. And I think we were all happy to get wet!
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Manini swim among the coral heads
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Is it possible this group's having too much fun? #photobomb
Conducting a Night Plankton Lab
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Campsite at dusk
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Getting ready for dinner
Once we got cleaned up, the sun began to set and it was time for dinner. We had to fuel up before our night plankton lab. We were not done science-ing yet!
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Engineering the plankton traps
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Attaching the LED lights
In the classroom, students engineered simple plankton traps using 2-liter soda bottles and duct tape. Traps were also outfitted with an LED light. Students made predictions about whether the red or blue LED lights would attract the most plankton. Next, it was time to deploy our traps. Under a nearly-full moon, we took a silent walk and listened to the sounds of the island. When we got to the floating dock, every partner group laid down in a line and each held their traps under the water for ten minutes to collect plankton. A startling moment was when a sea turtle cruised right underneath the traps! 
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Red light
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Blue light
We found that blue LED lights attracted more plankton than the red...Do you know why?
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Sketching the plankton
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Crab larva (zoea)
Once we got back in the classroom, students used microscopes to look for the animal plankton (zooplankton) collected in their traps. Both holoplankton (organisms that are plankton their whole lives), and meroplankton (larval forms of organisms) were found and identified using a field guide.  Then, students completed sketches of the intricate forms. A favorite was the fast-moving "spike head" crab zoea, but we also saw fish larvae, copepods, mysid shrimp, euphasids, sea jellies, and more. Everyone was amazed at the diversity of the plankton.  
Rising and Shining
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Sunrise from Coconut Island
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Time to wake up...
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Yes, it's morning already!
The sun rose and so did our group this Sunday morning. We only had four hours left on the island and we wanted to make the most of it. After packing up camp and eating breakfast, we were ready for action.
Counting Coral Larvae 
We have babies! I am happy to report that many of the corals in the experiment released larvae overnight. Students worked together to count hundreds of coral babies and then shared these data with Raphael. We all appreciated observing the tiny planktonic coral larvae, a life stage of the animal not usually seen.
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I see larvae!
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Can YOU spot the baby coral?
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Hands-on, authentic science
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Gathering and counting hundreds of coral babies
Giving Back
Mangroves are not native to Hawai'i, but they were introduced here over one hundred years ago and have become invasive. The thick masses of established mangroves here on Coconut Island continue to change the shoreline habitat and water chemistry. Before we left, we wanted to mālama the island and give back. Service learning is a big part of Le Jardin Academy's program and my students loved pitching in to remove invasive mangroves and their propagules. Working together, we cleared a large area adjacent to our campsite. 
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That's service with a smile
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Invasive plant removal
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#mudnation
Giving Thanks
A big mahalo to the 15 7th graders on this marine science enrichment trip. I appreciated your enthusiasm and cooperation during our time together on Coconut Island. Your insightful questions, passion for field work, and clever humor made the trip a success! I hope this experience has inspired you to care for our ocean and possibly pursue a career in marine science.
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One last group photo...this time I joined in! #squadgoals
And a big mahalo to each of the following people:
  • Mark Heckman, HIMB Community Education Program Director, for accommodating our unique program and providing logistical assistance. 
  • Leon Weaver, HIMB Community Education Program Staff Member, for guiding us through the entire trip and taking such good care of us. 
  • Raphael Ritson-Williams, Graduate Student in HIMB's Gates Lab, for sharing your expertise and volunteering your time to facilitate two authentic scientific investigations. 
  • Luke Thompson and Amanda Lei Perron, Le Jardin Academy faculty, for joining the trip as chaperones and volunteering your time to benefit our students.
  • Julie Do, Le Jardin Academy Middle School Principal, for supporting this trip and helping to make it possible.
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Time to head home...
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My awesome students and I say a hui hou to Moku o Loʻe! #boatselfie #becausemarinescience
Jeffrey
4/11/2017 12:24:49 pm

This looks like such a cool adventure. My favorite part would also be the shark tanks. Next year I would love to go, this looks like such an amazing opportunity that I would one day love to experience.

Keenan
4/11/2017 12:25:32 pm

This looks so FUN!!! I wish I can go next year.

Tehani Nuʻuanu
4/11/2017 02:18:38 pm

WOW! I can't wait to see those sharks, they look so cute! I can't wait to go there next year!

Maile
4/11/2017 02:18:55 pm

This looked like so much fun and I would love to go next year!! What did you do with the coral when you were done conducting your research? Was the coral healthy and doing well? Was the amount of larvae average, under the average or over abundant?

Ms. V
4/11/2017 11:28:37 pm

Maile, Great questions! The coral larvae will be used in experiments to test settlement preference--that is, Raphael is trying to figure out what chemical cues the larvae use to determine a place to settle and grow. The amount of larvae can sometimes be in the thousands for an experiment this size! We were likely a few days early for that type of abundance. The coral we used was healthy. Mahalo, Ms. V

Tea
4/11/2017 02:19:27 pm

I thought it was really cool that they got to look and touch a bunch of sea animals in the touching fish tank. I want to touch a sea cucumber because I feel like it would be really cool to touch.

Kameron
4/11/2017 02:19:34 pm

When did you find the sharks?

Ms. V
4/11/2017 11:29:58 pm

Kameron,
We saw the sharks in their pens. HIMB has a few different large enclosures for sharks used in research.
Mahalo, Ms. V

gwen
4/11/2017 02:19:58 pm

I wish i could go next year because it looks really fun and looking for baby coral sounds fun.

Ellie
4/11/2017 02:22:07 pm

I thought that it was super cool that they got to to observe the ham head sharks and that they got to scuba dive and obverse things them self. I also thought that the setting was super pretty

John Ryan Myrdal
4/11/2017 02:22:21 pm

This looks like such a great time! I really like the coral larva activity and the plankton catching experiment with different lights. I can't wait to have this opportunity next year.

K
4/11/2017 02:26:05 pm

Cool. I cant wait.

Catherine
4/11/2017 02:27:32 pm

This looks so much fun, I hope I get to do it next year! I loved looking at the cool unique pieces of coral. What did you all learn about the coral?

Ms. V
4/11/2017 11:33:01 pm

Catherine, We learned about the anatomy of coral animals, as well as their reproduction strategies. We also discussed how our corals are in danger because of local stressors like increased sediment in the water and global stressors like increased ocean temperatures due to climate change. Mahalo, Ms. V

Reid
4/11/2017 02:28:54 pm

This looks so fun! I think my favorite part was the shark tanks. It looks fun when you set up the plankton traps. I really want to go next year! #becausescience

Sydney
4/11/2017 02:29:04 pm

I found this to be an amazing informative article, I am so exited and hopeful to be fortunate enough to go along. Marien biology has always been my favorite study. The water is so beautiful and learning more about the waters in Hawaii is an amazing opportunity. Getting to research about plankton and seeing all these different species of coral seems like such an amazing opportunity.

Keaton
4/11/2017 02:29:36 pm

I am really jealous that the sixth graders couldn't go but I cant wait to see if I can go see it this summer and hopefully go next year. I also liked how we get to spend the night and also do several labs there and see all the sharks and looking at the plankton. I can wait till I can!!!

Jenna
4/11/2017 02:31:18 pm

This was such an amazing web sight I thought it was well describing of the trip and I learned a lot from it. I really hope that I am able to go next year.

Abraham
4/11/2017 04:11:30 pm

Sick, trip. Awesome trip for science. Lets do it again

Campbell
4/11/2017 04:12:29 pm

'Twas Muy Muy interesante! Very fun and WOW what a nice hat I had

David
4/11/2017 04:17:25 pm

Nice hat indeed.

Breeze link
4/11/2017 04:13:30 pm

SO cool! Hope this trip is an annual/semi annual activity! Such a great activity, I hope I can go next year!

Ms. V
4/11/2017 11:34:08 pm

Breeze,
I hope I can take you to Coconut Island sometime, too!
Mahalo, Ms. V

Kai Toonen link
4/11/2017 04:14:12 pm

#BoatSelfie Awesome Trip!!

Kai Toonen link
4/11/2017 04:16:16 pm

#TeamDysfunctional

We Put The Fun In Dysfunctional

Danicka
4/12/2017 11:11:00 am

Haha, We totally did even though we had jelly fish problems!

Lana
4/11/2017 04:15:01 pm

That looked really fun!

Siena
4/11/2017 04:15:35 pm

Wowowow! Such a great trip!

Jessica
4/11/2017 04:17:00 pm

Looks super fun! I wish I could've come

Hayley
4/11/2017 04:18:16 pm

This was really fun! There should be an 8th grade trip next year 2.

Breeze link
4/11/2017 04:23:57 pm

YEs! Definitely! Especially for the kids who didn't get to go!

Amelia
4/12/2017 11:17:16 am

That would be awesome! It looked so fun!

Elena
4/12/2017 02:12:34 pm

Yes totally agree. Wish I could have been there!

David
4/11/2017 04:18:52 pm

Looks like it was a fun and very educational trip!

Nicky Thompson
4/11/2017 04:19:28 pm

wow this is so cool!!! I wish i could be there

Alex
4/11/2017 04:22:31 pm

I wish I was there...........................>>The Sharks looked so dank

Logan link
4/11/2017 04:22:59 pm

This trip was so much fun! Hope we have more stuff like this in the future.

Keira link
4/11/2017 04:25:38 pm

This trip sounded awesome! I hope they hold another trip next year too! Also, great writing Ms. V!

Jason Yee
4/11/2017 04:27:33 pm

Great pics! The trip looks like it was a lot of fun, wish I could have been there!






Alissa
4/12/2017 11:10:18 am

Looks like fun!

Nico
4/12/2017 11:12:02 am

Awesome pics!! The trip looked so much fun! :))

Cat
4/12/2017 11:12:08 am

This was so much fun! I loved learning more about Marine Biology, I really hope I can do it again next year. Thanks Ms. V!

Monroe
4/12/2017 11:13:16 am

Such a fun trip! #TeamDysfunctional :)

Gabe link
4/12/2017 11:18:37 am

I heard Dante's group got stung a bunch by a jellyfish. Trip sounded awesome but sadly I had two basketball games so couldn't go. :(

Kyla
4/12/2017 11:18:45 am

Sounded like such a fun trip! Hope I can make it to the next one!

Luc
4/12/2017 02:11:35 pm

I wish I could go. I had an all day coding project

Ava Wisnom
4/12/2017 02:12:57 pm

Looks super fun. SO jealous. I love marine science, let me know about any other opportunities.

AManda
4/12/2017 02:13:27 pm

I love this, this looked like so much fun.


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Cristina Veresan
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Science Educator
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