This week our Year 12 Biology students embarked on an educational journey to the Portobello Marine Centre.

This week our Year 12 Biology students embarked on an educational journey to the Portobello Marine Centre.

The aim was twofold: to enrich their understanding of marine biodiversity, and to conduct hands-on investigations that align with their curriculum standards on Diversity in Form and Function and Intertidal Investigation.

The adventure kicked off on Monday with our first group of budding marine biologists eagerly exploring the diverse roles of sea animals in their natural habitats. Through engaging and informative sessions, students discovered the intricacies of filter feeders, scavengers, and predators. They learned about the importance of each species in the marine ecosystem and how these creatures have adapted over time to thrive in their specific zones. A highlight of the day was mastering the technique of conducting a transect, a method used to count species biota and observe the fascinating zonation patterns that contribute to the survival of these marine organisms.

The educational journey continued into Tuesday. Blessed with better weather, our second cohort of students were able to complete their investigations with great enthusiasm.

The hands-on experience was not only educational but also awe-inspiring, especially when the first group witnessed a majestic octopus gracefully gliding around its tank. In a surprising turn of events, they learned about the harsh realities of marine life, discovering that the octopus had consumed two adult crayfish overnight—a vivid example of the predator-prey relationship in the aquatic world.

Now, as the fieldwork concludes, our students are poised to delve into the analysis phase where they will process all the invaluable data and observations collected during their visit. This experience at the Portobello Marine Centre has not only provided them with a solid foundation for their upcoming assessments but has also sparked a greater interest in the marine biology field.