The short video above was recorded in November 2020, when we did a typical plastic sample collection and deployment at the Scripps pier . That was the month when we ran the first iteration of the online version of the project, for which we developed a bunch of video material. National University’s video team, Saul Torres and Nelson Fernandez spent hours with us, armed with a drone, a fancy GoPro, even fancier cameras and recording equipment, and the results have been impressive.
The final videos are almost done, and they include a detailed pier video with interviews, and a more detailed lab video documenting the process from piece of plastic to shiny PCR band under UV light. We just finalized our second round of the online version of the field trip experience, and the truth is, we were able to reach this way over 100 students in one month- many more than in one onsite course. And it was clear that the documentary we always show, Into the gyre, together with the videos and pictures of what was happening on the pier and the lab, made an impression. When we had our live Q&A with Jeff, Emelia, several members of Jeff’s lab, and NU instructors and students, students came with questions and ideas about how to prevent and solve plastic pollution in the ocean. These students were not science majors, but they cared about pollution, the ocean, and the environment in general. It was a stimulating discussion, and showed us that when people are engaged there is hope.
And of course, big part of the engagement was thanks to the power of images. Thank you Saul and Nelson for providing invaluable materials for our project!
