Touchpoint 1
The Great Salt Lake is drying out – Meet the scientist writing its obituary
What is it?
A massive lake in Utah has fallen to it’s lowest level since measurements began in the 1800s. There is real worry the lake will disappear for good. She made a video obituary for it in hopes it would be a call to action (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXN3cOLg2ak).
Potential message to students:
What do you think of scientists writing future obituaries for things in nature and sharing them in present day? If it disappears, do you think the sediment at the bottom of the lake is dangerous and wind will blow it into residential areas?
Touchpoint 2
Blazing a career path in conservation
What is it?
Student Abilene Mosher wanted to be a vet and did an internship after her first year of college. She suddenly realized being a vet was not a good fit. This caused her to shift to wildlife conservation, where she is very happy.
Potential message to students:
Do you think a lot of college students just tough it out and no matter how miserable, they force themselves to get a degree that is not a great fit? What so you think gave Abilene the confidence to make such a huge change?
Touchpoint 3
A 12 mm fish produces 140-decibel sound to communicate in turbid waters
What is it?
A half inch fish can produce sounds that are comparable to a jet engine. This sound is used to communicate with other fish when the waters are cloudy or muddy and visibility is limited.
Potential message to students:
Can you think of something humans have made that is only one half inch and sounds like a jet? Do you think we should spend more time studying nature looking for features we can adapt to human needs?