Marine science researchers with the The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are using drones to gain newfound insight into the behaviors, physical cost of migration and humanity’s impact on marine mammals. 

We chat with Lars Bejder, Director of the Marine Mammal Research Program at The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (www.mmrphawaii.org), about this innovative program. 

Who: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Marine Mammal Research Program 

Where: Kaneohe, HI 

What: Using Drones to Analyze Migrating Marine Mammals 

Marine mammals are fascinating animals, some are resident, others (like most baleen whales) migrate. Those whales feed and breed in different habitats, so they have to migrate over large distances. When humpback whales leave their foraging habitats [in Alaska for breeding grounds in Hawaii], they might not feed for four or five months. They have a thick layer of blubber to sustain the costs of migration, giving birth, lactating and fattening up the calf before they make the journey back to the foraging grounds. They change their body composition quite dramatically. Using this drone program, we are finally able to quantify those changes. Preliminary results show lactating females are losing 35-45% of their body mass. 

At issue is the conservation around these animals and how that relates to impacts of human activity. We use drones to follow these animals and getting repeated measurements throughout the breeding system, while working with the Alaska Whale Foundation to find some of the same animals to measure their volume as they change throughout the foraging season. Linking the whole cycle will allow us to work out the cost of living for a whale, so we can look at the bigger picture of what are the impacts of climate change and change of prey distributions on these animals. That's the overall goal for this project.

Positive Results

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New technology is allowing us to answer questions we felt we'd never solve. Typically, dolphins or whales were approached by boat, so we only get a glimpse of them from the side. Launching the drones afforded a bird’s-eye view letting us see behaviors from above and more importantly, using custom-built altimeters and precise lenses to quantify the true size and volume of these animals. When you observe specific individuals repeatedly over time, you can see precisely how the animal’s health and condition changes, which is really important. Non-invasive suction cup tags bearing cameras, hydrophones and accelerometers help us understand how they move in three dimensional space and how they respond to stimuli. Coupled with the drone footage and cameras, we can observe fine details and the foraging behavior. We can see how they are capturing prey from the whale's perspective.

Biggest Challenge

The first hurdle was getting the animal ethics Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees’ (IACUCs) approval, then the federal approval to work with marine mammals. That’s a pretty large step to get through. Then there are the practical challenges. 

One of those is clearly weather; we wouldn't work in more than 15 knot winds. The drones could handle it, but the water is so choppy that the images wouldn’t be of use to estimate size or accurately obtain measurements. You need to learn how to fly a drone, then how to fly a drone and capture it from a boat (usually you are flying and landing a drone from solid ground). In this situation, you have the added challenge of catching the drone from a moving object with swell and wind.

Finding Funding

I applied for an Equipment Grant from the Office of Naval Research to help equip my lab, so most of these drones were purchased through that grant. We are also collaborating with Stanford University and Hopkins Marine Lab on non-invasive suction cup tags to put on whales that have cameras, hydrophones and accelerometers.

Pro Tips

Drones are a hot topic, there are hundreds of drones out. Do a lot of homework on what tech you actually need to answer your question, what fits your purpose. There's no need to buy a Lamborghini if a Volkswagen will do. We have several types—some have very good altimeters and cameras which is key for estimating volume, but when we are doing an extended focal follow, you don't need those kind of lenses, you need an instrument that can stay in the air a long time. Figure out what you need from your instruments and choose wisely.

What’s Next

We’re keen to work with the Computing Department to help us develop 3D models of some of our measurements. There is a wide scope of potential spin-off projects. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be developed to automate detection of the same individuals instead of having to be done by human eye. They could search footage and find the particular telling aspects of a fluke [markings on the tale, or fluke, are unique like fingerprints]. Visit www.mmrphawaii.org for the latest findings and developments.

Tech Tools

• DJI Inspire 2 unmanned aerial system (drone)
• CRYSTALSKY ULTRA 7.85INCH MONITOR
• OLYMPUS*25MM F/1.8 - MICRO 4/3 lens
• DJI ZENMUSE X5S CAMERA

Videos

*Acknowledgments to Martin Van Aswegan, and to Frederic Christiansen who pioneered how to analyze this data.

uHandy

Microscope attachment for mobile devices inspires field investigation

Pros: Accessories such as sampling stickers and the light stage make handheld microscopy easy.

Cons: Higher quality and more expensive than most cellphone microscopes; consumable stickers need to be replaced each year.

Bottom Line: The use of stickers instead of slides helps students examine their world at the microscopic level with safety and convenience.

Read more 

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

Celebrate World Egg Day on October 11th by visiting the Incredible Edible Egg Eggcyclopedia. Learn about  egg candling, one of the tasks of the egg grader. This Eggcyclopedia is a searchable dictionary for all things having to do with eggs.

Brought to you by Knovation, powered by ACT  

Vernier Software & Technology recently launched the Go Direct Spirometer and Go Direct Blood Pressure sensors to engage students in hands-on data collection. These new sensors join the suite of technology and curriculum resources for high school and college-level physiology which includes 11 Go Direct sensors and the recently-published Human Physiology Experiments lab book.  

With the Go Direct Spirometer, students can record human respiratory flow rate and volume via Bluetooth® wireless technology or USB. The sensor can also be used to measure air pressure and respiration rate. 

With the Go Direct Blood Pressure, students can record blood pressure parameters on a computer, Chromebook™, or mobile device. Using the oscillometric method to calculate blood pressure non-invasively, students  attach the cuff to the subject, connect the sensor to a device running the Graphical Analysis™ 4 app, pump up the cuff, and watch as the sensor automatically records blood pressure parameters as the cuff pressure decreases. Students can use the sensor to collect data on mean arterial blood pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate.  

The Human Physiology Experiments lab book contains 14 ready-to-use experiments—including Introduction to Electromyography, Simple Neuromuscular Reflexes, Blood Flow and Skin Temperature, and Effect of Exercise on Oxygen Usage—designed to encourage students to explore the physiology of various human organ systems.

To learn more about the robust suite of human physiology resources, visit https://www.vernier.com/biology/physiology/.

8/13 is Left-Hander's Day. Why are more people right-handed versus left-handed? This video explores the theory behind the way the brain works and processes language, and the genetics behind favoring one hand versus the other.

Brought to you by Knovation, powered by ACT  

Color Uncovered

Engaging ebook combines art with science in playful ways 

Pros: Cool optical illusions and surprising facts.

Cons: Could use links to web resources or other experiments on their site.

Bottom Line: Color Uncovered is a great way to enhance an art curriculum or to bring a more playful and artistic side to science. 

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

Celebrate Zoo Lover's Day (4/8) by checking out the Smithsonian’s National Zoo website! Click on the “Animals” tab at the top to search for or select any animal you want to know more   about; picture, physical description, habitat, size, eating habits, lifespan, and more.  Watch lions, panda bears, elephants, and more as they walk about in their habitats, eat, play, and sleep.

Courtesy of Knovation   

ARKive

Captivating catalog of biodiversity with great classroom resources 

Pros: Resources are polished, engaging, and include the necessary support materials.

Cons: Some games lack baked-in learning, and resources could use more support for diverse learners.

Bottom Line: Powerful images and videos capture kids' attention and make them want to learn more. 

Read more here.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed byCommon Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

March 21st is Fragrance Day and a perfect day to teach kids about perfecting their sense of smell. This TED Ed site can assist. Kids can watch the video about how to train the sense of smell, followed by taking a short quiz. Click on “Dig Deeper” to find more links for teaching and learning about the sense of smell.

Courtesy of Knovation   

Zooniverse

Real research powered by volunteers makes classroom content relevant 

Pros: Students make a difference by contributing to actual investigations.

Cons: Research tasks usually involve more classifying than higher-order thinking.

Bottom Line: Engage in meaningful, relevant research with citizen scientists from around the world. 

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed byCommon Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

What better way to celebrate International Polar Bear Day on February 27 than to take a deep dive into learning about polar bears! Learn all about these amazing creatures through the lens of their evolutionary history. Discover everything from polar bear cubs and adaptations to status and threats. Content includes polar bear I.Q., hibernation facts, adaptations, myths, hunting capabilities, and more.

 Courtesy of Knovation   

Cell and Cell Structure

Visually stunning tool great for supplementing lessons about cells 

Pros: Tons of information is provided in a visually engaging style, and interactivity is built into the learning experience.

Cons: Quizzes could be improved with some hints and feedback.

Bottom Line: Cell and Cell Structure is an interactive and engaging reference tool that takes kids on a journey to learn about cells. 

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

Two free interactive platforms that teachers can use to help students learn about molecular biology have been developed by researchers at Imperial College London and will be showcased at Bett19.

A free web-based molecular imaging program, EzMol brings to life the complex three-dimensional shape of proteins and nucleic acids. Via the EzMol web site, students can upload the structure of a molecule, choose a view, interactively select and colour the regions of interest, and then save images to use in essays.

EzMol also has a schools portal, which links its graphics to a quiz about the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids.

BioBlox2D is a mobile game based on docking shapes, jointly developed by Imperial and Goldsmiths, University of London. This Tetris-like game is inspired by how biological molecules work, recognising one another in terms of both their shape and electric charge. In the game the player has to manipulate small fragments into a target, matching not only shapes but also complementary red and blue colours, which represent negative and positive charges.

As the game progresses players score points and win bioblox coins. To progress through the levels, players have to answer a biology-based quiz.

BioBlox2D is free to download from the App store and Google Play.

The two new resources will be promoted at the Bett Educational Show in London 23-26 January 2019, where Imperial and Goldsmiths will be demonstrating the benefits of EzMol and BioBlox for education in schools. 

Do you know what your blood type is? Maybe you have heard people say that they have Type A or Type O blood. Blood type is a way to describe the type of antigens, or proteins, on the surface of red blood cells. Learn more about blood types to celebrate National Blood Donor Month in January 2019.

Courtesy of Knovation   

Celebrating Evolution Day on the 24th of November? Learn more about Charles Darwin's trip to the Galapagos Islands in this video documentary then use scientific inquiry to answer questions posed by the  three levels of study about ecosystems and biodiversity from the American Museum of Natural History.

 Courtesy of Knovation   

I Forgot Day is July 2nd. Did you ever wonder why don't we use all our brain cells and what do we do with the ones we don't use? Find out from Hannah Iaccarino, a graduate student in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT and a researcher at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory.

courtesy of Knovation

[Yoga 3D by 3DToad.com]

Wisconsin Fast Plants

Easiest way to use plants in K-12 science classrooms

Pros: Teachers will find this site exceedingly helpful in making sure that students get the most out of a plant-based inquiry experience in the classroom.

Cons: Most resources are only useful to teachers who purchase the plants and other supporting materials.

Bottom Line: Detailed resource and support website for those teaching science through plants.

[Free Resource Supports Young Scientists' Research & Learning]

Read more here.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

By Common Sense Education

Journey North

Long-standing citizen science site continues to inspire learners

Teach Conservation, Natural Selection, Biodiversity and More With Free Ecology Resource

Pros: Journey North moves beyond other citizen science websites because it helps kids do more than just upload pictures -- they actually get to ask questions and form conclusions.

Cons: Without a teacher dashboard, teachers can't track progress of their class online.

Bottom Line: Extensive resources can help kids collect, share, and analyze evidence about seasonal change.

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

By Common Sense Education

Earth Rangers

Kid conservationist's paradise with great images, vids, animals galore

[Ecology Sim Game Provides Fun, Learning]

Pros: Bring Back the Wild lesson plans are well-written with tons of inquiry and exploration.

Cons: Although they're not a huge part of the site, games don't really prioritize learning.

Bottom Line: Great ecology lesson plans and videos are rich with engrossing animal goodies, but the accompanying games don't teach much science.

Read more here.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

By Common Sense Education

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

Tyto Ecology

Well-developed biome sim provides cheap, endless learning

Pros: Infinite replayability, biome variety, and low price keep the lessons flowing.

Cons: The game's slow start may frustrate some students, and it's not obvious when populations die or multiply.

Bottom Line: This affordable ecosystem balancing game teaches life science skills while keeping students engaged.

Read more here.

By Common Sense Education

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. Biointeractive was named a Best EdTech Tool of 2017

Title: Biointeractive

Summary: High-quality multimedia brings biological research to life

Pros: Hundreds of interactive materials and activities highlight actual research.

Cons: Pulling together so many resources into a coherent learning sequence can be overwhelming.

Bottom Line: Superb multimedia tools and lesson plans help kids explore biology through real-world examples.

Read more here.

By Common Sense Education

LEARN.GENETICS

This interactive site (with videos, virtual labs, and games) explores different areas of this hot topic in science. It’s updated regularly and features an in-depth section on pigeon breeding to help students see and understand inherited characteristics.

DNA Play

Adorable open-ended genetics app gives students mutation power

Pros: Students will enjoy observing and experimenting with cute creatures, and there's room to explore topics for future learning.
Cons: With limited play options, older students may long for more.
Bottom Line: Engaging DNA app will keep younger students' attention while they build a foundation of biology knowledge.

Read more here. 

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education