16 Summer 2006 science scope C R E A T I V E C O N N E C T I O N S O ver the past decade, much has been learned about the ocean’s secrets and especially about the creatures of the deep sea. The deepest parts of the oceans are cur- rently the focus of many new discoveries in both the physical and biological sciences. From the abyssal plains to the animal communities around the hydrothermal vents, our knowl- edge is rapidly increasing. Middle school students find the deep sea fascinating and especially seem to enjoy its mysterious and “spooky” side. Bringing the deep sea to a landlocked classroom has produced some of my most memorable moments, and this activity has never failed to motivate and interest middle level students. Launching the study Giving students a feel for the physical parts of the deep sea should include a brief explanation of why the hydrostatic (water) pressure can be as much as 16,000 pounds per square inch, how it is cold and stable, and especially an understanding that no visible light reaches to this depth. Additionally, background information should cover deep-sea smokers, also called hydrothermal vents, which may be familiar to some students. A hydrothermal vent is a geyser on the seafloor. It continuously spews super-hot, mineral-rich water that helps support a diverse community of organ- isms. Many middle school students can begin to understand the difference between black and white smokers, and get an idea of how chemistry and physics tie into biology from learning about these “hot spots.” The different minerals that occur determine the type of smoker. The white smokers are the rarest and hottest type of vents, with the black smokers being slightly cooler and more numer- ous. A short PowerPoint show that lasts about 10 minutes with pictures and an introduction to the Gwynne Rife (rife@findlay.edu) is an associate professor of biology at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. DEEP SEA A FUN ACTIVITY WITH BIOLUMINESCENCE Adapting to the by Gwynne Rife