REMOTE OPERATED VEHICLES ENHANCE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 07/30/2015 04:13 PM EDT
Campers test their remotely operated vehicle underwater.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve's (GTM Research Reserve) education department incorporated new hands-on technology into its “Adventures in the Estuary” summer camp program curriculum. Campers ages 7-12 remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) underwater, used a 3-D scanner and controlled a research drone to reinforce science and math skills as part of their week-long camp experience. “Using these technology tools enhances students’ understanding of basic science and math principals and brings the GTM Research Reserve's education curriculum in line with a comprehensive STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program,” said Kenneth Rainer, environmental education coordinator at the GTM Research Reserve. “The camp also increases their environmental literacy and ability to make science-based decisions related to estuaries and coastal watersheds.” In another activity, campers created fish out of clay and discussed how a fish's anatomy affects its behavior. A 3-D scanner was used to generate digital files of the campers' handiwork and accurate models of the fish.
Campers also had the opportunity to identify and monitor
the vegetation within the reserve’s salt marshes. To reinforce estuarine conservation, students used a research drone to access remote areas of the salt marshes. Marsh grasses, such as
smooth cordgrass, play an important role in the estuary, acting as a
buffer from storms and boat wakes, and improve water quality, filtering
out sediments and pollutants.
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About the GTM Research Reserve
The GTM Research Reserve is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the nation focused on researching, educating and protecting the natural biodiversity and cultural resources within the estuary. It is managed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Environmental Education Center is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082. For more information about the GTM Research Reserve, please call 904-823-4500 or visit our website at www.gtmnerr.org. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1119a5c |