Distance Learning Through Technology

Sites like BEEMNET enable students to participate in "Distance Learning," a concept which allows students to learn from scientists and other students around the world via the World Wide Web. Working with BEEMNET has led to a Seaside Tour of Neuroscience, which covers comparative neurobiology, intertidal ecology, circadian rhythm studies, behavioral experiments, interviews with scientists, and visits to aquariums and universities, and is accessible to all students through the use of information technology. This is a continuing project, and students will participate in Brain Awareness Week sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience.



Long Marine Lab
Located near Monterey Bay, the Long Marine Lab, working in conjunction with the University of California at Santa Cruz, conducts research on marine mammals and invertebrates. Researchers at the lab investigate reproduction and sea floor ecology by studying elephant seals, California sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, and sea otters. Currently, sea lions are being trained to wear harnesses, a very specialized experiment that directly links to neuroscience. Science classes can learn more about the Long Marine Lab on the Internet by going on a virtual field trip. http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/html





Mudflatting
Similar to tidepooling, mudflatting involves going out on the water at low tide to observe marine life. In the mudflat one commonly finds clams, sea cucumbers, shrimp, and apleasia. The clams are usually buried 3-4 feet in the mud, while the shrimp are found only a few inches under the surface. Apleasia can be found underneath a thick layer of kelp, hiding themselves from predators. We visited a mudflat formed by sediment at the head of Elkhorn Ridge.



Supercomputer Center on the Internet
The Internet has made it possible to interact with powerful Supercomputers from computers at any school. An example of the application of a Supercomputer is the TeleManufacturing Facility at the San Diego Supercomputer Center(SDSC), which is used to make three dimensional models that make complex research possible. The SDSC website is a resource for the study of scientific modeling and visualization. Visitors to the website can first view what they are researching and then continue to study the topic by using links to other sites.