While at the Clearwater Aquarium, we participated in an educational boat tour. This was a hands-on tour with a marine biologist. We were greeted by the boat staff and were each given a pair of binoculars and field journal. We used these binoculars to watch out for dolphins and participate in an active population study using dorsal fin identification. We also used the field guides to identify various types of birds. In addition to this, we participated in scientific testing of the estuary water quality. We checked the temperature, salinity, ph level, and oxygen level of the sample that we took. There were only three kids on the tour, so Olivia and Owen got to participate in all of the activities. We also examined plankton under a microscope and learned about ways that we can better protect our environment. This was a really cool and educational tour.
The kids thought the binoculars were cool and wasted no time putting them on.
We saw many (about 12) wild dolphins during our outing.
We also got to see an osprey nest. As we got closer, the babies popped up.
Marine biologists in training.
Brian was on the lookout for wildlife.
Olivia is helping test the water quality.
Owen helps gather the water sample.
Checking out the plankton in the sample.
Viewing microscopic organisms in the water.
We played "bird bingo" to keep track of all spotted birds.
Owen got bingo and won a keychain.
He had some help from Granny Mel.
Olivia was working on both her and Brian's bingo board.
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