At the high school level, Outreach Program projects focus on introducing students to current issues/technology in biology, oceanography, and marine science.  Students are instructed in an advanced biotech unit giving them the tools to monitor the spread of an invasive mussel species.  They also are introduced to gel electrophoresis, an involved procedure commonly employed in academic biology and chemistry, using advanced scientific equipment. In addition, students are given the opportunity to learn about the various career paths available in science through guest lectures and lab tours.

Chemistry: Electrophoresis ExplorationHigh school students use pipettes to load samples into agarose gel.

This series of labs introduces students to the process of electrophoresis, a crucial tool used by chemists and biologists alike. Through these labs, students are taught to use advanced, collegiate equipment such as micropipettes, agarose gels, and electrophoresis chambers. This hands-on process methodically explores how the process of electrophoresis works to separate molecules by size, shape, and charge.

A gel electrophoresis chamber.High school students pour TAE.

 

 

 

A high school student pipettes samples into gel to determine mussel species.

Biology: Invasive Mussel Project

Students are given a practical use for the electrophoresis process in this assessment of the spread of an exotic species of mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis. During this 9-day lab, they use these sophisticated electrophoresis techniques to identify the mussel from its DNA fingerprint, which is the only way of separating this cryptic species from native species found in the San Juan Islands. In addition to doing a field survey to collect specimens, students will spend time in the lab learning how to use micropipettes and electrophoresis chambers, prepare a PCR cycler solution, make agarose gels and read stained DNA gels.

Marine Biology: “Diver for a Day” activity

This activity revisits the Diver for a Day activity in more depth. In this field trip, students are taken to the Friday Harbor Laboratories docks, and get to meet and learn from two FHL research divers. These experts will explain the equipment, procedures, and experiences of scientific research dives. The activity culminates in a practical demonstration of the equipment and procedures as the experts dive below the docks with a camera and radio, answering questions from students and showing them the rich diversity of organisms that can be found even near Friday Harbor.

Marine Biology and AP BiologyStudents viewing plankton with dissecting microscopes.

Plankton tows are conducted in the late fall and spring. Then students observe and identify the planktonic collection, focusing on diversity and seasonal differences.

Oceanography

College-bound oceanography and marine science students are introduced to the importance and purpose of the Department of Ecology’s ongoing water column monitoring project. From FHL’s R/V Kittiwake, students collect water column samples to assess water column parameters San Juan Channel.

Griffin Bay School projects

Learn by DoingGriffin Bay school students on FHL's docks.
Students participate in experiential learning opportunities covering the following projects.

  • Tour of Friday Harbor Labs focusing on the scope of science and research that is conducted here.
  • Labs exploring the tools and techniques used in biotechnology.
  • Observations and student designed experiments with marine invertebrates.
  • Labs with freshwater, saltwater and temperature changes to model Salish Sea water dynamics.
  • Activities concerning the carbon cycle, climate change and ocean acidification.

Griffin Bay students modeling seawater stratification.Griffin Bay scA Griffin Bay student tests for ocean acidification.hool students on FHL's docks.

 

 

 

 

 

San Juan Islands Watershed Project

The watershed project was initiated in 2002 in partnership with the San Juan Islands Conservation District, with the purpose of collecting baseline watershed water quality data and educating local students about watershed health. Up until 2009, the water quality of 12 major watersheds was monitored on San Juan, Lopez and Orcas Islands every 6-8 weeks. Seven parameters were assessed at most sites: dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, turbidity, pH and temperature, nutrients (nitrates, orthophosphates), and flow. Although the regular data collection ended in 2009, watershed education and field trips are still occurring to introduce students to the importance of watershed health and water quality monitoring. Students continue to research island watershed systems and compare and contrast sites within the San Juan Island watershed.  Through a series of projects, fieldwork and lab work, students gain a strong understanding of watershed health. Students from Friday Harbor High School, Spring Street International School, Lopez School, and Griffin Bay High School have been involved in the project. To find out more about this project go to our Monitoring Projects page.

Check out the projects we are doing at the Elementary School level and Middle School level.

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