Eleven students from TDR recently enjoyed a marine environmental work experience at the Dove Marine Laboratories in Cullercoats.
During the 5 day placement the students participated in a range of activities with staff and supervisors from the Dove Marine which enabled them to see the importance of marine science and technology in our everyday lives.
On the first day the students took part in an ocean-wide safari and investigated the classification of organisms from the vast amount of fascinating life in our seas. The learners were then required to identify organisms commonly found in coral weed using microscopes and examples found included marine snails, sea spiders and juvenile brittle stars.
The second day began with at trip to St Mary's Lighthouse where learners were not only introduced to ecological sampling techniques using quadrats and transects but also had the opportunity to use scientific equipment such as pH, temperature and salinity probes. To consider the value of the coastal environment for the provision of renewable energy the students then took a trip to
Bright and early the next day the students put their scientific skills and knowledge into practice in order to plan an independent scientific investigation. Drawing on their earlier work the students picked projects focusing on rock pools which had been their primary study site for all their previous work. Through this practice the students picked up valuable investigation skills relating to the logistics of scientific study including selecting the best equipment for specific tests and reducing bias.
The following day it was time for the students to undertake their planned investigations. Peter Chaniotis supervised the students and said "Groups worked meticulously and as a result produced some excellent pieces of work in the form of scientific investigations".
On the final day the students undertook a number of hands-on investigations and discussions researching the oceans and climate change. The students also came face to face with the Chinese mitten crab, which has been introduced to European waters accidentally, and now causes ecological damage.
To investigate the link between marine technology and marine biology the students were tasked with designing and constructing economically efficient and environmentally friendly ship which they scientifically tested in the mini-towing tank testing facility
To end the week friends, family and TDR staff were invited to the Dove Marine to participate in the presentation of the posters the students produced based on their results from their individual scientific investigations. After the presentations, Peter commented that 'Overall the learners performed exceptionally well throughout all activities undertaken and were a fun and enthusiastic group to work with'.
All the learners will receive their BA Bronze Crest Award, recognising innovation in designing and executing scientific investigations.
Well done to all the students who took part in the placement and a big thank you to all the staff and supervisors at the Dove Marine Laboratories.
