Workshop kit No. 2 for promoting marine education including resin-embedded specimens illustrating food chains

Abstract

To enhance marine education, the National Institute of Polar Research initiated the distribution of a “Workshop kit” in November 2021. This kit includes resin-embedded specimens, observation tools, a booklet, worksheets, and introductory videos. Based on the user feedback and requests, we created new materials that allowed participants to directly observe food (phytoplankton) and grazers (preserved copepods revealing digestive tract contents) effectively illustrating an aquatic food chain. In keeping with a tablet-based teaching style, we have prepared a Wi-Fi-equipped digital biological microscope, tablet PCs, and electronic booklets. In addition to continuing to lend our expanded kit, we plan to conduct observation workshops and awareness-raising activities.