Journey to Jenkinson’s Aquarium

7th Grade Track 1A Science Class

7th+Grader+Katie+Zaranski+tries+on+the+scuba+gear

7th Grader Katie Zaranski tries on the scuba gear

On Thursday March 14, 2019, Miss Killeen’s period 2 class embarked on a journey to Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant New Jersey. After an hour and a half bus ride they arrived. Spending about two hours with the wonderful workers, Jen, Mindy, and Diane, they worked on density, learned about ROV’s (remotely operated underwater vehicle), and were shown the basics of scuba gear. After being put into groups of 4 students and brought to the basement of the aquarium, they were off. With nothing but two hours, three propellers, PVC pipes, pool noodles, and their new knowledge on ROV’s, the assignment was given. Groups had to design and construct an ROV that could move left, right, forwards, backwards, up to the surface and back down. Students feverishly began to work, running and shouting over the noises of the water tanks only feet away. When groups had began to finish up their first design they tested the ROV’s. In the meantime, workers brought the groups to a restricte

d area in the back of Jenkinson’s where they were put to the task of navigating a pre-set ROV through one of the main exhibits. With this opportunity, teams were sent back with a mind full of new ideas for their dysfunctional creations. When the two hours were over they gathered their belongings and made their way back home to GW. This experience has enhanced their knowledge on remotely operated underwater vehicles and will for sure help them in their official competition at PCTI in May of 2019.