Week 10

Science happens regardless of the weather. At 7:30 Sunday morning in the pouring rain I was on a reef with Erin in the Tapuae marine Reserve. There was a good low tide and I was showing her where I would be doing my transects. I also demonstrated how I would conduct a quadrat study and how I could identify the different species I might find there. I still get some snails a little muddled, especially when they are small. I am learning how to distinguish between cantheridella, melagraphia aethiops, and diloma nigerrima. There are differces that I am learning and remembering. There are quite a few different seaweeds on that particular reef as well and I need to learn more of those.
On Monday I accompanied two other scientists from the Regional Council on a wet weather run. Yes more rain in Taranaki. I helped lift manhole covers, collect samples from stormwater drains, took sample temperatures, and helped where I could so they could be taken back to the lab for testing.
Wednesday I was back behind the microscope looking for species in soft sediment samples.
Tuesday and Thursday mornings found me back at school for meetings and class photos. I also went and talked to my class about what I have been up to and showed them a couple of little videos I have made.
On Friday I went and explored the rock pools at Kawaroa Reef. It is outside the Marine Reserve but it is easily accessible for schools. I also need to compare it to what I find in the Marine Reserve. I found different species there, but in particular a lot of kina. Saw one being eaten by a dark rock whelk, not quite as exciting as a lion catching a zebra, but fascinating to see anyway.
Here is a little video I have made showing some differnt seaweeds, and an anemone. It is from last week and the sunny weather.

The other thing I have been working on this week is an assignment from my course in Dunedin. It's like having to do homework and I need to get more focused and not leave it to the last minute. Then again maybe I should look at it as just another challenge as part of my learning.