On Friday 23rd
of November pupils at Perth
High School found
themselves connected directly with researchers on the other side of the world
in a live internet link up organised by the company Digital Explorer. Digital
Explorer and Perth High were brought together by Dr Joyce Gilbert, the
Education Officer at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
On a wet and
windy November morning the Higher Managing Environmental Resources and Advanced
Higher Biology classes were transported to warmer climes as they took part in a
live Skype chat with researchers on the Great Barrier Reef off the north-east
coast of Australia. Pupils spoke to a marine biologist and a
geographer who were aboard their research vessel some 15,000km away, and
learned about some cutting-edge research which is now underway.
The pupils
were fascinated to hear about their innovative research project, their
adventurous dives, and their findings so far.
Amongst other observations, the researchers reported evidence of coral
bleaching on the reef and a close encounter with Tiger sharks earlier that
day! Pupils also got an interesting tour
of the boat, which gave them a great insight into life aboard a research
ship.
