Coastal Bend Nature Challenge: UT Marine Science Institute

*Joey and William will be guests here on the blog as they document our Nature Challenge journey for 2016.

The Challenge: Check out an Explorer Kit to become a scientist at the Reserve.

W: We went to the UT Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. We checked out an Explorer Kit.

J: We followed the map and went to different stops along the way.

W: At each stop, we stopped and made observations.

J: Auntie Jessica read the cards from the kit to us which asked us questions. We had to be scientists to answer the questions. For example, we used the microscope to look at leaves and the refractometer to measure the salinity of the water.

W: I learned that an estuary is where freshwater mixes with salt water and the salinity changes rapidly. I also learned that animals use the sand dunes as protection.

J: I learned that the sand dunes block the wind and provide shelter for the animals who live at the estuary. I already knew what an estuary was since we visited Ms. Pringle last year.

W: We learned about barrier islands, too. I really liked going down on the dock. I saw a few brown pelicans there.

J: After the trail we headed into the Explorarium. I went fishing and I put the fish where I thought they belonged. There were lots of fun things to do there.