Sequence | Background | Objectives | Materials | Activity | Extensions | Evaluations

TOPIC-TITLE Deep Sea Technology - Slurp Guns AUTHOR Michael DiSpezio Roger Torda (JASON IV-Deep Sea Technology Authors) GRADE SUITABILITY Middle and High School SCOPE Oceanography

Sequence Explain that although much information can be gathered remotely through the use of probes and cameras, it is often desirable to retrieve actual samples and examine them topside. Devices such as slurp guns and elevators allow scientists to collect and retrieve samples for further observation and testing. < < go top

Background Summary Scientists use several types of collection devices to retrieve samples from the ocean depths. One such device, the "slurp gun," produces a vacuum to pull up samples. The JASON scientists will use a slurp gun to gather samples of the algal mats unique to the hydrothermal vent in the Guaymas Basin. < < go top Objectives Students will be able to do the following: Construct a classroom slurp gun device. Use their slurp gun to obtain samples from a simulated sea bottom. < < go top Materials An aquarium or other large wide-mouthed container filled with water Sand or fine aquarium gravel to cover the bottom of the bowl. (Multiple colors can be used to represent different kinds of bottom features.) Newspapers to cover the work surface For each student team Small Erlenmeyer® flask Two-hole stopper with glass tubing inserted Two sections of plastic tubing Large plastic syringe that can fit the plastic tubing Waterproof clear tape < < go top Activity Set up the aquarium and put it in a central place. Sprinkle gravel on the bottom. Follow the directions in step 4 to test the plunger assembly, then remove the tape, syringe, and tubing so a student can complete the process. Leave the glass tubing connected to the holes of the stopper, since this is a risky procedure for students to do on their own. Connect glass tubing in advance to as many stoppers as your class will use. Divide the class into teams or small groups. Distribute materials. Have one student in each team place the two-hole stopper with glass tubing into an Erlenmeyer(r) flask. Emphasize safe handling of the equipment. Within each team, students can take turns assembling, disassembling, and testing the device. Give these instructions for the construction of the slurp gun: Carefully connect a length of plastic tubing to each of the stopper's glass tubes. Carefully fit the syringe opening to the free end of one of the plastic tubes. Make sure the connection is airtight by wrapping it with sufficient tape, then place the free end of the other plastic tube into the aquarium. The syringe plunger should be pushed all the way in. Pull back on the syringe plunger. Water should be drawn into the Erlenmeyer flask. Challenge the students to take turns slurping up samples from the simulated bottom materials. < < go top Possible Extension For younger students Instead of constructing a slurp gun from tubing and a flask, have students obtain samples with a large dropper-like oven baster. For older students Supply students with different types of targets and challenge the groups to develop the skills needed to collect "pure" samples, with as little extraneous material as possible. Challenge students to collect samples by remote control. One student will guide the syringe while another gives directions, as in the robotics activity in the last lesson (2.1, Activity two). < < go top Teacher Evaluation Help students draw conclusions about the operation and use of "slurp" sampling devices. Ask the following questions: What does a slurp gun do? (It uses pressure to force a sample into a collection chamber. In this year's JASON expedition, the slurp gun will be used to collect samples of bacteria and other life forms.) How was the suction produced in your model slurp gun? (When the plunger was pulled back, it created a partial vacuum, so that the greater outside pressure pushed the sample into the chamber.) Do you think a slurp gun could be used to obtain rock samples? (Probably not. Rocks and other hard materials are more easily collected with corers and dredges.) < < go top