Project-Based Science
Grades
7–8
Bolsa Knolls Middle School
Salinas, CA
Major Objectives
- Build a functioning ROV
- Use ROV to collect water samples
- Analyze water samples
- Record water sample data on a national database
Description
Students at Bolsa Knolls Middle School used the second quarter of a semester class on electricity to build a functioning underwater ROV. The class designed and built a water sampling mechanism to attach to their ROV. Students then used their ROV to gather a water sample from Elkhorn Slough, a local estuarine environment. The water was tested for pH, salinity, turbidity, nitrate and phosphate levels and dissolved oxygen. The students hope to enter their data on a citizen science database.
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Project Length:
9 months -
Outreach:
120 students -
Community Partners:
California State University, Monterey Bay; Monterey Youth Fund -
Related Aquarium Teacher Program:
Project-Based Science Teacher Institute
Notes from the Field
"I have learned the importance of having students make predictions and supporting predictions with reasons for making those predictions."