With 33,000 miles of coastline
and an abundance of marine resources, Alaska offers an incredible
living laboratory for marine scientists who conduct
field research. The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) opened
in May 1998, providing a modern
research and wildlife rehabilitation facility with a collection
of resident marine animals where scientists can conduct
controlled studies. Operating
a designated marine mammal "Stranding Center"
within a marine research facility allows scientists to learn
a great deal about these animals during the rehabilitation
process, and now teachers and students can capitalize on
this relationship!
Because travel to and within Alaska can be
difficult, educators at the ASLC developed Project MASTER
(Marine Animals and Satellite Telemetry for Education and
Research). Funded through the generosity of the M.J. Murdock
Charitable Trust, Project MASTER addresses the relationship
between research and rehabilitation at ASLC. The program
focuses on satellite telemetry as a tool that scientists
use to track marine animals, and shows how data can be used.
Project MASTER includes selected Internet-based tracking
of the animals' locations and dive behavior. This program
allows students and teachers to follow a living subject
through a variety of lessons on natural history, marine
ecology, mathematics, social studies and geography. Through
Project MASTER, students are given an opportunity to take
advantage of technology to learn about marine animals, connect
with working scientists, and gain a greater understanding
and appreciation for research and its role in marine resource
management.
Project MASTER also provides
access to references and links to federal agencies such
as National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and other outside
researchers who use satellite telemetry to study the marine
ecosystem of the north Pacific. The curriculum links include
information on Native use of marine resources, and how Alaska
Natives have worked with marine scientists to help sustain
animal population and keep cultural traditions alive.
If you have specific questions related to
Project MASTER, please e-mail education@alaskasealife.org,
or try the "Ask A MASTER
Scientist" link on our web site.
