Year 12 Columba Biology students ventured out on a crisp Monday morning, headed for the Portobello Marine Centre. The harbour was still, the skies were clear and the tide was out. It was the perfect day to survey the life found along the rocky shore.

When we arrived at the marine centre, we were met by marine scientists Rob and Elle. The day started with some instruction in the learning space before teams broke off to look for and identify various forms of life in the touch tanks. Pleasingly, both the sea creatures and the students came through the close-encounter un-scathed.

After a break for morning tea, we headed for the rocky shore to complete a transect survey. Our students found numerous snails, tube worms, barnacles and chitons, with the occasional crab, sea star, anemone, isopod and even an olive rock fish. We were treated to a guest appearance by Adelle Heineman who helped with identifications and demonstrated the righting response of a flatworm. Our students were engaged, enthusiastic, and left our instructors with a positive impression.

All in all, it was a lovely day, a fun experience, and the students collected excellent data that they need for an upcoming internal.