SATLAB - day 4

Today's trip started out with the drive to Whitney labs in St. Augustine. The labs are marine science labs run by UF. We were given a tour of the labs and got to see a bunch of the animals they keep there for observations. 

Animals in the tanks.

Animals in the classroom. 

Starfish! 

We also got a tour of the actual labs and saw some students and scientists working on their projects. One of the scientists was studying the eyes of horseshoe crabs to learn about how their eyes adjust during the day and night. We also saw small organisms that release cells that sting and stun their prey under a microscope and being shot at with a tiny laser- same results. It was really cool. 

Super cool microscope. 

Baby horseshoe crabs. 

Then we headed to Fort Matanzas. It was built in 1740 out of coquina, a sedimentary rock made out of shells. We walked on the nature trail to see a spot where the Spanish and French solidness fought and found a new little green friend.

Along the trail.

Snake! 

Then we took a ferry to the fort. It's about three stories tall. On the bottom were crew quarters and on the top are officers quarters. We also climbed all the way up to the observation deck at the top. There was a park ranger that filled us in on history, but there was also a ranger in a full Spanish soldier costume. He actually showed us how to fire a musket. 

Flag at the top of the fort. 

Up close of the coquina. 

Musket lessons. 

Playing around at the fort. 

My awesome students and chaperone! 

We're headed back to Orlando tomorrow then we're off to Kennedy on Monday! See you next week!