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Fanciful Phytoplankton

December 21, 2012

In 2006, WHOI biologist Sonya Dyhrman and research associate Sheean Haley created “Artistic Oceanographer,” a program to engage fifth-grade students in ocean sciences through art. After learning about phytoplankton and their importance in the ocean ecosystem and practicing how to use a microscope, students design and draw their own, unique phytoplankton, five of which are shown here. Each invented organism has adaptations for movement, defense, nourishment, and other requirements of single-celled life in the sea. This picture is featured in the 2013 WHOI wall calendar, which is available from the Exhibit Center in Woods Hole.(Illustrations by students of Morse Pond School, Falmouth)