Submersible Hawaiian Aquatic Research Camera System: STEM Initiatives Fostering the Study of Hawaii's Marine Biota Using Underwater Time-Lapse Photography

Abstract

AbstractIn contrast to the traditional mentor-apprentice relationship inherent in most high school science research projects, a team of high school students designed and executed their own research study that focused on engineering a low-cost (<$1,000) camera and light apparatus to perform underwater time-lapse photography. With the advice of mentors from the University of Hawaii, the STEM community, and 'Iolani School, the team used their apparatus to study biota living underwater in caves near Makai Research Pier offshore of East Oahu, Hawaii. The photographic system consisted of a Raspberry Pi microcomputer and camera board synchronized with a homemade LED lighting system housed in aluminum or PVC piping with acrylic windows. Several deployments in shallow water (<5 m) yielded images of Hawaiian Whitetip Reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), Hawaiian Green Sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), and other marine animals in their natural reef habitat. The project demonstrates that, in less than a year, high school students can overcome the challenges of building an inexpensive, underwater time-lapse camera system to study the behavior of marine biota. This article describes the team's engineering project, scientific research, lessons learned, and outreach efforts in the hope that other educational, scientific, and governmental institutions will be encouraged to offer similar, enriching opportunities to nurture high school students to conduct STEM studies that advance ongoing, related research.