Ocean Lab Research

Stage 2 – Setting Up Research Objectives and Assembling Instrumentation

2.1. Research Planning

• Based on your selected role, develop at least three research objectives for your expedition. Some examples:

• • Marine Biologist: Study marine species, food web interactions, or biodiversity.
  • Marine Chemist: Analyze ocean salinity, nutrients, or pollution levels.
  • Marine Geologist: Investigate underwater volcanoes, sediment layers, or seafloor structures.
  • Marine Engineer: Design or optimize tools to support data collection.
  • 2.2. Selecting and Understanding Instruments
  • Identify the equipment most relevant to your research objectives.
  • If any tools require assembly or setup, outline how they should be configured.
  • 2.3. Documentation
  • Choose three scientific tools or instruments related to your hypothetical research.
  • Draw a schematic of each tool and outline all the parts you can recognize.
  • Write a brief manual (a few sentences) describing how each tool or instrument operates and how it will be used for data collection. Please include these three manuals in the Lab 0 Worksheet 2 section of the handout.
    

    Stage 3 – Planning Expedition Routes and Stations

    3.1. Designing Your Expedition Plan

  • Analyze the map provided in Lab 0 Worksheet 3 section of the handout and mark 10 oceanographic stations that your research cruise will visit. Try to justify why each location was selected based on scientific objectives, accessibility, and logistical considerations.
  • Create a short, free-form presentation using the tools of your choice to defend your expedition plan. Make sure it is no longer than 3 pages. Explain why your chosen route is effective and how it balances various research needs. If you choose to record yourself, you do not need to create a presentation. Instead, you can pitch your objectives and research plan in under 2 minutes. Keep it simple and don’t spend too much time making it all perfect.
    

    Final Reflection and Wrap-Up

    After completing your expedition plan, reflect on the following topics, as you will need to respond to them on Canvas:

  • The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in oceanographic research.
  • The logistical challenges of conducting marine fieldwork.
  • The role of flexibility in adapting research plans.
  • How this simulation helped you understand real-world research expeditions.
  • Lab Submission and Questions:
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  • Q1.What was your role during the expedition?
  • Q2. What were the biggest challenges in planning the expedition?
  • Q3. How do different scientific disciplines collaborate? Do you expect conflicts to occur, or would the process always run smoothly?
  • Q4. If you were to design a real expedition plan, how would you ensure a more inclusive environment where all researches’ voices are heard and valued, especially considering that cruises navigate both international waters and the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of multiple countries?
  • Q5.Reflect on the importance of teamwork in oceanographic research, especially considering the logistical complexity, physically and mentally draining environment, as well as harsh and unpredictable environmental conditions at sea during expeditions.
  • Q6. Upload the completed PDF handout with all worksheets filled out.
  • Q7. Upload the photo you took as proof of your completed lab work, which can be your handwriting notes, a drawing, or a screenshot.
  • Q8. Upload your short presentation (max three slides). Explain your route and how it meets research needs.
  • Q9. If you are unable to upload your recorded presentation due to space limitations, please upload it somewhere and paste the link to your video.
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