Format
1. This program will begin with an introduction to Alaska and the SeaLife Center.
2. We then discuss endangered Steller Sea Lions and their dramatic population decline. We will see how researchers are using remote video monitoring to study these animals.
3. Using pre-recorded video and still images, we will do our own scan, census, sea lion identification, and behavioral observations - just as the researchers do.
4. We view the sea lions here at the center while answering questions.
Objectives
Through this Distance Learning Session your students will be able to:
-Explain why remote video monitoring is a useful tool for noninvasive research with endangered species.
-Positively identify known animals using marks such as fungal patches, scars and flipper tears.
-List several ways male Steller sea lions define and defend their territories.
-Count animals on a known rookery and identify gender, age, and behavior.
-Understand the possible correlation between the reproductive behaviors of sea lions and their status on the endangered species list.
-Describe ways in which remote monitoring can be used to solve scientific questions.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Science as inquiry
-Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
-Understandings about scientific inquiry
Life science
-Behavior of organisms
Science and technology
-Abilities of technological design
-Understandings about science and technology
Science in personal and social perspective
-Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
History and nature of science
-Science as a human endeavor
-Nature of scientific knowledge
-Historical perspectives