Hello, my name is Barbara Muren, Network Manager at Snively Elementary in Winter Haven, FL. I am also a Teacher Consultant with the Florida Geographic Alliance. The purpose of this site is to provide information about the project and a place to communicate Live from the Field with the students at Snively Elementary. The subjects we will be focusing on are science, geography, math, music, and technology. From August 27th to Sept. 2nd, I will post pictures and keep a journal of the daily activities aboard the research sailboat, Silurian. This is all possible through a generous grant given by National Geographic Education Foundation in support of the Earthwatch Education Fellowship Program and a grant from the National Geographic Education Foundation to promote geographic literacy through field research, technology, and collaboration. Thank You, also, to Polk County School Board, my principal, Dr. Joann McKinney, and all the teachers and students at Snively Elementary for their ongoing support. Especially Ms. Lambeth, thank you for making it possible to video conference.
Where are the Hebrides?
The Hebrides are a group of inner and outer islands off the west coast of Scotland. This link www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk is a great description of the Hebrides and also includes a map. * Use this United Kingdom Map to find Tobermory, Isle of Mull, an inner island of the Hebridean Sea. It is our rendezvous point for this project. For a real cool view, use your Google Earth program and fly to Tobermory.
What specific Whales and Dolphins are we researching?
The focus of our research includes the harbor porpoise, minke whale, bottlenose dolphin, grey and common seals and basking sharks. * Check out: HWDT for great descriptions and images.
Why are we collecting data on the Hebridean cetaceans?
The information will identify particular areas of importance or "hotspots" for cetaceans. This will provide an effective conservation strategy, the conservation of marine environment. Results: economic and social benefits to the whole region and protected areas for the cetaceans. * Check out: HWDT
Is there a specific time to do this research?
This project has expeditions running from mid April till the end of September. Moreover, the community members of the area are thoroughly involved with the research. Even visitors can fill out an online form of their exciting sightings. * Check out: HWDT
Did you know...that in Scotland... a lake is called a 'loch' and a strait is called a 'firth' and a sound is called 'kyle'?

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Day 4 - Anchored in Loch Tarbert Jurar

Day 4 – Wednesday Lat 55° 57.584N Lon 55° 55.048W Anchored in Loch Tarbert Jurar after passing through the Sound of Islay. We are met with wind gusts up to 25 knots and rain. It is mighty chilly for the Floridean – the Brits are even wimping. We had a quiet tour of
The Sound of Jura but there was a peak time of sightings of porpoises earlier on in the day. After that it was pretty quiet on the mammal watches. Lots of birds though which were charted and then recorded. We are all finding our sea legs and nobody seemed to feel sick today. A BIG relief! As we were sailing by the coast of Jura we could faintly see the top of Northern Ireland on the horizon. Observations are an important tool of our research on the boat. Try this observation technique. Find a quiet place on campus and observe how many birds you can identify and count in 15 minutes in a radius of 0-90°.

posted by barefootin' @ Thursday, August 31, 2006   0 comments

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