After spending a week at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a group of fifth graders realized there was a major problem with tickling chains disrupting and damaging the sea floor and disturbing marine life. This group has invented an amazing solution called "The SeaBeat" which is an underwater drone equipped with a 45-degree sound bar that emits vibrations, effectively scaring marine life away from the sea floor without harming them. This allows scientists to study the seafloor and its ecosystems more safely, preserving the health of the animals living there. By using "The SeaBeat," they can also reduce by-catch, which occurs when unintended sea creatures are caught in fishing gear.
To refine their design, the students interviewed their Sea Lab instructors (Mr. Kyle & Ms. JoAnn) and even polled their classmates through Google Forms, gathering valuable feedback. Through their innovative design and collaborative research, these students are helping protect the ocean and its delicate ecosystems, all while applying their creativity and problem-solving skills to a real-world environmental challenge.