Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History > 2004 Quasars to Sea Stars Program

Quasars to Sea Stars Program: Summer 2005 Research Areas

Marine Invertebrates
Instructor: Patricia Sadeghian, Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology

Quasars in this class were introduced to scientific methodology by performing research on marine invertebrates commonly found in our tide pools. This summer, Quasars became experts on the Purple sea urchin, Yellow crab, Giant sea star, and Giant Keyhole limpet. Quasars learned to use libraries and the internet to search for scientific information. Students also observed their animals live, conducted dissections, and used the museum's new Scanning Electron Microscope (S.E.M.) These scientific tools allowed Quasars to create hypotheses and make discoveries on animal behavior, anatomy, life history, taxonomy, species interaction and habitat. Quasars presented their scientific data to peers, family, and teachers utilizing PowerPoint.

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Entomology
Instructor: Michael Caterino, Curator of Entomolgy

In the Entomology course, Quasars learned the basics of insect identification and regional insect habitat diversity. This year's main goal was to gain expert knowledge in a local beetle group and to share this newfound knowledge through the museum website. Research had included:

Building the beetle collection through fieldwork
Adding data to the California Beetle Survey
Providing photographs and natural history information on beetles on the internet.

Click here for information regarding the California beetle project

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Astronomy Class 2005

Astronomy
Instructor: Krissie Cook, Astronomy Programs Coordinator

Astronomy students concentrated on learning the proper operation of the educational and research tools used in museums to teach basic categories of astronomical objects and processes. Considerable emphasis was placed on use of scientific equipment and orientation to the planetarium. Quasar research included radio astronomy and the summer alignments of planets and constellations. Activities included evening labs, exercises designed to promote understanding of the exhibits in the Space Lab, and operation of planetarium equipment. The Quasars researched, developed, and presented a class group project at the end of the summer.

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Comparative Anatomy + Physiology
Instructor: Michelle Berman, Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Zoology

Comparative Anatomy focused on the study of the internal and external anatomy of marine mammals and their physiological adaptations to different habitats. Students learned the differences between pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), cetaceans (whales and dolphins), and sea otters. This class involved collection based research of osteological material, library research of internal anatomy and function, and necropsies. The students then presented explanations of marine mammal anatomy and scientific reasons for specific adaptations.

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Quasar Summer Theme 2005

This year's Quasar summer theme was Survivor Mexico, in honor of the Celebration of Souls exhibit. Every year, the Quasars come up with a summer theme and separate into different teams to compete with each other. Here is a list of all the teams:

Los Pollos Locos (Crazy Chickens)-
This crazy team dominated the other teams in both team spirit and outlasting many of the competitions.

Los Elefantes Picantes (Spicy Elephants)-
This team has been firey hot this summer, as they succeeded in outwitting the other teams.

Los Puercos Espinos (Porcupines)-
This sharp team has been able to outplay the other teams throughout most of the competitions.

To view more summer gallery click here >>