Home Florida Bay Coastal Clean up Public Science Day 1999 Creative Writing Teacher Tips

Diamondback Terrapin Turtles
and
Our Florida Bay Project

As part of this project, 5th grade students at all three schools in this collaborative partnership are involved in an on-going research being conducted by scientists, Brian Mealey and Greta Parks of the Miami Museum of Science. Along with Brian Mealey, Greta Parks and project coordinator Mara Hernandez, students visited Biscayne National Park in the Florida Bay. There, they had the opportunity to be scientists for a day. Using technology, equipment and skills new to them, they had their hands on these turtles as they examined them closely. As part of their investigation, they learned about issues concerning the turtle population in the Florida Bay and how humans may possibly be having an effect on their survival.

First hand experience of how scientists conduct their research, included using an electronic scanner. With the scanner, students were able to determine if the turtle had been previously captured. If this was the first time captured, students observed scientists injecting the turtly with a micrchip. After this, they were able to scan it and read a number which they then recorded as data. Certain mathematical calculations were also performed and students took turns exchanging roles as they applied they science inquiry skills.

While holding he Diamondback Terrapin Turtle, students were also taught how to "palpate" the female turtles by reaching deep underneath its shell, to check whether or not she was carrying any eggs. This is important to the scientist because of the manner in which the turtles are marked for the research. Students listened as scientists shared with them the procedures used for their release and later recapture in an effort to study their habits and population.