Summer Institute: Baylis Research Vessel
Today was the day most of us were looking forward to! (However, some of us had concerns about seasickness.)
We spent the day on the Derek M. Baylis research vessel, carrying out the investigations we designed the previous day at the RTC. There were four different research groups: two water quality group, one plankton group, one water surface group.
Our first stop was at Diablo Cove, just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge.
There was a bustle of activity as everyone collected data for the first time. Everyone was learning how to use the tools, and the project leaders and professional scientists helped us a lot.
Once we got underway again, the plankton group was able to lower their net and collect their sample. The net was dragged underwater for five minutes before being brought back on board.
The group made slides from the water sample. We discovered many different types of zooplankton! However, figuring out what live, moving creature matched the black-and-white line sketch proved challenging.
As the day went on, our stops became much more smooth. Our teams built confidence in their skills now that they had practiced. Proof of the value of doing things over and over again.
