Dolphins + Mirror = Thrilling Science Investigation!

What’s it like to work with some of the most intelligent animals on Earth? Ask marine mammal lovers Cecilia and Serena, who just wrapped up a dolphin behavior research study in the Florida Keys. The girls teamed up with research scientist Dr. Jill Richardson from the University of Miami, to study dolphin personality in a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at Dolphins Plus, in Key Largo, FL.

The girls also wondered if dolphins could recognize themselves in a mirror, since the ability of an animal to recognize its own reflection in the mirror is a sign of high intelligence. The famous mirror study had never been done before at Dolphins Plus, so our SciGirls lead the charge and put their research question to the test with dolphins Elvis--a 4 year old male, and Nica--a 4 year old female. The girls got to shadow expert dolphin trainers throughout the investigation, learning how trainers and dolphins communicate through a special language of hand gestures and whistles.

When they weren’t busy collecting data, Ceci and Serena loved swimming with these gorgeous dolphins and hearing their underwater “songs” of clicks and whistles--just check out the video!

SciGirls Partners | Florida State University

SciGirls TV is an expansion and transformation of our national outreach program, also called SciGirls. Through grants, SciGirls outreach helps informal educators deliver hands-on science encouragement and career guidance to girls in their communities. Here is one of our partner's stories.

Since 2006, Florida State University’s Magnet Lab and public broadcasting station (WFSU) have been offering a two-week, hands-on SciGirls summer camp in Tallahassee, FL. The camp is split into two age groups. SciGirls I is for rising 6th and 7th graders. SciGirls II is for returning SciGirls campers and rising 8th, 9th and 10th graders.

These SciGirls just wanna have fun! Last year, SciGirls I campers conducted an invasive species survey at Wakulla Springs, explored the Marianna Caverns, and spent a day at the Magnet Lab learning about water under the Earth's mantle as well as water from outer space. They also snorkeled in the Gulf of Mexico to explore sea life. In the 2008 SciGirls II camp, girls enjoyed in-depth science experiences such as digging up bones for a forensic anthropology exercise; making models of comets from dry ice and other ingredients; and using computer programs to track invasive species.

Check out some Tallahassee SciGirls’ blog.

Applications for the 2009 camp are due April 3. Learn how to apply.