Marine scientists test everything—they gather samples, do experiments, try things out, and watch to see what happens.

Scientists do experiments. They ask, "What happens if we do this…?" and then collect the data. Some science happens by trial-and-error. Scientists test things to learn what they’re like. One of the things they test is their idea (hypothesis testing).

Visit the testing pod to check out tools scientists use to gather samples and run tests. These instruments are invented for investigating life on Earth and are used in the depths of the oceans, with marine mammals in water and air, and to sample the environmental toxins that accumulate everywhere.

DR. PEGGY DELANEY - Ocean Drilling Project (ODP)

In the ODP, the JOIDES drillship can drill 9,150 meters down—through five miles of water, then a mile or more of mud and rock. The core samples represent a cross-section of the record of deposits on the seafloor over geological time. Dr. Delaney subjects the cores to a wide variety of tests to gather clues to Earth’s history. Take a trip back in time to the Cretaceous period. What secrets are hidden in the sea floor? How can we use this information to answer questions that are important today?

DR. RON SCHUSTERMAN - Pinniped Sensory Abilities

Dr. Schusterman runs tests to determine both in-air and underwater sound detection thresholds of California sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals. He fits the animals with headphones to test how they respond to various tones. The seals are trained to press a button if they hear the tone.

Listen to a telephone conversation with a seal. It can be hard to hear them! Learn how hard it might be for them to communicate with each other while under water.

DR. RUSS FLEGAL - Heavy Metals in the Environment

Dr. Flegal uses a variety of sophisticated instruments to test marine soil and water samples for heavy metals such as lead, copper and chromium. He studies how such elements move through the environment and into the food chain. Metals like lead and copper are some of the most useful elements we know, but when they build up in the air, soil, and water, they can be deadly.

Find out how scientists test for these toxins and where they come from.

Exhibits: looking | testing | puzzling | questioning