Students measure and record temperature, salinity, density, and pH in surface waters.
Students analyze and discuss the data they have collected to get a clearer picture of the bay's habitats. Students examine the organisms collected in a surface plankton tow with the aid of a video microscope to monitor and discuss adaptations to life in the water column . Students study a wide variety of benthic fish and invertebrates collected in the trawl and learn about some of their adaptations for living on the sea floor. Students are introduced to principles of navigation, locating topographical features on nautical charts for Marina del Rey and the Southern California Bight. Use of latitude and longitude in plotting the ship's course is emphasized and navigational instruments on the bridge are viewed and explained.