Third Graders Dive into Deep-Sea Exploration with the E/V Nautilus

This past week, third-grade students in Dr. Roeder and Mrs. Terry’s classes on the Historic Downtown Campus embarked on an unforgettable virtual journey into the deep ocean, connecting live via Zoom with the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. The E/V Nautilus is an exploration vessel (ship) owned and operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust, replete with a team of 52 engineers, scientists, technologists, educators, students, and mariners and is currently located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Palau. The exploration team on the E/V Nautilus is gathering data about physical and chemical oceanography, geology, biology, and archaeology of the deep ocean.

This unique opportunity was a highlight of the students' multidisciplinary unit exploring the question, Why and how do people explore the sea? Through art, literature, and science, students have been investigating the history and tools of sea exploration, learning about pioneers like Jacques Cousteau and studying marine life such as sharks and giant squid.

During their live interaction, students had the chance to ask the Nautilus team some of their most curious questions, such as:

The team on board amazed students with their responses and visuals, showcasing creatures like a massive juvenile sperm whale, sharks, eels, jellyfish, vibrant corals, and even marine snow. Students also learned about the cutting-edge technology used for exploration, including ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and the ship’s satellite systems.

This incredible experience was made possible through the initiative of Moravian Academy parent Dr. Santiago Herrera, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University. Dr. Herrera connected with Dr. Abby Mahone earlier this year to share this opportunity, which brought the wonders of the ocean right into our classrooms.

We are deeply grateful to our community of scientists and collaborators for enriching our students’ learning in such a meaningful way.