Science at Sea: A morning on the Research Vessel Plymouth Quest

Information about this Science Story

Resources: 14 Suitable Ages: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Topics: Deoxygenation, Ocean, Climate, Ocean Chemistry, Ocean Temperature, Ecosystem Services, Nutrient Pollution

Objectives and Outcomes

Identify the purpose of research vessels and the types of scientific work they support.
Understand the different pathways there are into marine science careers.
Describe onboard technologies used on research vessels such as the Plymouth Quest, and what samples they can collect.

Introductory gif of ProBleu Science Story

Meet the team

The scientists/ educators behind this Science Story:

Name: Amy Kenworthy.
Role: Presenter/ Science Communicator, Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
About: Amy has worked as a project manager and science communicator on various international projects that address pressures on the marine environment. With ProBleu , she develops ocean literacy activities for schools, to share her love for the marine environment with children around the world.

Name: Amanda Beesley.
Role: Zooplankton analyst / Science technician , Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
About: Amanda has had many roles at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, including being a zooplankton analyst. She now works as a science technician aboard Plymouth Quest.

Name: Georgina Ramm.
Role: Deckhand / Ship’s Safety Officer, Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
About: Georgina is a Deckhand and Safety Advisor on board a Scientific Research Vessel. This involves everything to do with marine operations from collecting water samples to helping service the main engine for a smooth operation.

Background

Samples collected at sea are brought back to the laboratory where they are analysed .
The data collected at sea helps inform long-term monitoring of the marine environment, which can inform policy and management decisions.
The crew on research vessels play an important role in ensuring that data and samples can be collected.

Downloadable Science Story

This Science Story includes videos and activities that link to each other. Videos in this lesson plan provide background knowledge for the activities. We suggest watching the videos and choosing the activities that best suit your class or adapting them to suit your class.