Marine biological research activities provide a rich and engaging basis for geographic educational activities with a strong foundation in STEM content. In this presentation, learning activities based on marine biological research are described, as activities conducted in field and lab were documented and delivered to audiences from pre-K students to professionals. Multiple research activities conducted with scientists from NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego State University, State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other organizations, provided the data and experiential content for engaging students in both passive and active, student-centered, learning activities. Research technologies applied included GIS, GPS, satellite, UAS/drone; piloted aircraft; small boat and ship platforms; and various observation and data collection techniques. Research subjects addressed included the presence and movements of dolphins, whales, sharks, tuna, and marine schooling fish. A centerpiece in the geographic narrative is, of course, the map. In addition, the richness of data and its use for inquiry and summary can lead aspiring geographers into statistics, charting, photographic and image analysis; photogrammetry, and other pursuits. The key thread among all these considerations is the geographic narrative with emphasis understanding our living Earth from a spatial perspective.
All Grade Levels | STEM | Interpretation | Narrative | Technology
Joshua Tree
Alex G. Kesaris, B.S., M.A., GISP, is a volunteer educator who loves presenting geographic knowledge
through narratives about the research with which he is most familiar. He has conducted field research
from shore, small boats, ships, and aircraft with scientists from SDSU, UCSD SIO, NOAA, and CDFW.
Along the way, he developed and delivered educational activities, posters, presentations, technical
memoranda, and peer-reviewed publications for diverse audiences. For the past 12 years, Alex has
provided GIS services with Sustenant, CDFW, GISinc, Axim Geospatial, and NV5 Geospatial.
