NOAA Ship HI'IALAKAI
Education Cruise
March 23, 2010
Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary proudly sponsored an education cruise for high school students aboard the NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai on March 23, 2010. Twenty students were afforded the opportunity to learn from the scientists on board the ship and participate through hands-on experiments and activities. The day proved to be a wonderful experience for both students and scientists alike; learning from each other and sharing their experiences.
Students were divided into small groups and participated in four workshops, each providing them with a different perspective on the daily work of a marine scientist. Students were given a detailed tour of the Hi'ialakai, including the hyperbaric chamber and a talk on fire fighting. Research was conducted on identifying the four most common types of algae found in the waters of American Samoa, and the role of algae in coral reef environments. Another class that was of special interest was the live rock study. Students were given the chance to examine live rock for invertebrates and other critters that utilize this special habitat. Students also had a chance to partake in small boat operations and participate in a water quality activity in Pago Harbor utilizing a handheld conductivity, temperature & depth (CTD) recorder.
The Hi'ialakai Education Cruise provided the youth of American Samoa a rare and unique opportunity to work directly with NOAA scientists on one of the leading research vessels in the South Pacific. The ship provided a perfect platform for students to participate in real-time marine science.
FBNMS hopes that the experience provided by the education cruise will inspire American Samoa's students to take an interest in the ocean and marine environments, and possibly pursue careers related to marine science and conservation.
