What an AWESOME day we had today in Room 204!!!! We were lucky enough to connect with Milo’s dad, who is currently floating around on The Knorr about 800 miles from the coast of South America. He is a scientist who is working with a great team to study all kinds of interesting topics – you can visit their blog here!
Our lesson focused on salinity levels, and how they can vary in different parts of the ocean. Before we Skyped with Milo’s dad, we spent some time watching videos to build our background knowledge. Check them out!
After watching the video, we were ready to get started! Follow our photo trail below to see how the afternoon went!! Milo’s dad gave us all the materials we needed, and we used our Ladibug to display the entire process on the SMARTBoard.
Listed below is the chat we had with Milo’s dad on Skype when the satellite video feed went astray. Check out all the great questions and interesting answers we received!!
Suzy Brooks: How long is the Amazon River?
Suzy Brooks: That was from Michelle
Milo’s Dad: Thousands of miles long. It is not the longest but it is the one with the most water coming out of it!
Milo’s Dad: Great question Michelle!
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Suzy Brooks: How big is The Knorr and does it rock a lot, asks Gabriella.
Milo’s Dad: Gabriella. The knorr is 279 feet. It ususally rocks but we are having very calm weather! Lucky us!
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Suzy Brooks: Do you do science experiments about water all by yourself? Mia would like to know.
Milo’s Dad: We are a team out here! All of us work together, just like you did with you lab experiment about salinity! Thanks Mia!
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Suzy Brooks: Maksim would like to know how many people are on the boat all together?
Milo’s Dad: There are 44 people on board. About half operate the ship, and the other half are scientists
Milo’s Dad: Great question Maksim!
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Suzy Brooks: Have you seen any animals while you are out on the ship? Davhid was wondering.
Milo’s Dad: Davhid! How are you? We saw sperm whales just this afternoon. And we’ve seen lots of flying fish!
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Suzy Brooks: Shelby asks… How long have you been on the Knorr so far….
Milo’s Dad: We’ve been on the Knorr for 29 days, and we have 16 left! It is a pretty long cruise. I miss Milo and his sister and mom quite a lot.
Milo’s Dad: Good question Shelby!
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Suzy Brooks: Abigail asks what the lowest measurement of salinity is that you have gotten so far.
Milo’s Dad: The salinity measurement measurement I just made it the lowest! And you were with me to see it! Good question Abigail.
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Suzy Brooks: A question from Sam – What is your favorite part of being on the ship?
Milo’s Dad: Thanks Sam. I’m an oceanographer, so being on the ocean is the coolest part of my job. Imagine if you were a musician? It is like playing a concert out here.
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Suzy Brooks: I’ve never seen a whale, says Adam. He’s wondering how big it was, and how many there were? What does it look like?
Milo’s Dad: It is hard to say how big the whales are exactly. They are mostly underwater! Adam, you should consider taking diving lessons so you can check them out for yourself someday
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Suzy Brooks: Cecilia can’t help but wonder how far down from the top the fresh water is in the ocean?
Milo’s Dad: Neat question Cecilia! The freshwater is about 20 meters down? How many feet is that?
Suzy Brooks: Ben would like to know how many miles have you voyaged so far? Milo is guessing about 60 feet.
Milo’s Dad: We have travled about 5200 miles. That is the distance from Boston to Tehran!
Milo’s Dad: Milo is correct!!!!!!! about 60 feet!
Suzy Brooks: 🙂
Suzy Brooks: Wow, what a long distance! Okay, we have all asked questions, and we’re going to have Milo use the refractometer next before we wrap up for the day. Thank you SO much for a great lesson!!
Milo’s Dad: It was my pleasure to communicate with you all today!!! Sorry the video was brief, but it was great to see you all (Milo in particular)!!!
Milo’s Dad: Good luck with the refractometer!
Suzy Brooks: Thank you!!!
Milo’s Dad: Your questions were all so great! I can tell you are learning a lot in Mrs. Brooks class!!!
Suzy Brooks: awwwww, they are smarty pants! Have a great evening!!! Bye!!
Milo’s Dad: Bye bye!