Beginning in 2014, Patriots Point and the College of Charleston’s Dr. Erik Sotka teamed up to create a research study on an invasive seaweed. The main idea was to monitor how the abundance of the algae changed over time (seasons and years) using data collected by students and the public.
The science team pulled on their boots and went to the same spot once a month over the course of 4 ½ years. The team took pictures, put the pictures on the web and BOOM! From the comfort of your home or classroom you could- and still can- count what you see and submit the counts to Dr. Sotka!
The key word: counting. Scientist observe things with numbers. L.A.M.P.S. and the Oscar Challenge are similar in the way they count: using a tool called a quadrat.
We encourage you to become familiar with L.A.M.P.S. so your class can participate using the included postcard and on the internet.
The science team pulled on their boots and went to the same spot once a month over the course of 4 ½ years. The team took pictures, put the pictures on the web and BOOM! From the comfort of your home or classroom you could- and still can- count what you see and submit the counts to Dr. Sotka!
The key word: counting. Scientist observe things with numbers. L.A.M.P.S. and the Oscar Challenge are similar in the way they count: using a tool called a quadrat.
We encourage you to become familiar with L.A.M.P.S. so your class can participate using the included postcard and on the internet.
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Below you will find instructions on how to count using a quadrat and the point intercept method. Note that this specific method is only pertaining to L.A.M.P.S.- not the Oscar Challenge.
You will also find additional worksheets in the “Extension” section of this kit. Happy Counting! Visit the LAMPS site for more. |
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One Way to Count: Point Intercept Method
Every place two strings cross within the large square (technical term: quadrat) is an intersection. Only the intersections with algae directly beneath them are counted. In the image below, the only intersections with algae directly underneath where two strings cross are circled in red. Therefore, the count for this image is 8.
The Oscar Challenge: Observe like Oscar uses a square (quadrat) but uses a much simpler method.
If you would like to continue counting algae for Dr. Sotka, fill out your included postcard (in the physical kit) and check out LAMPS.
The Oscar Challenge: Observe like Oscar uses a square (quadrat) but uses a much simpler method.
If you would like to continue counting algae for Dr. Sotka, fill out your included postcard (in the physical kit) and check out LAMPS.
