ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Code.org Careers with Computer Science: Software Engineer at MBARI
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with robots and computers to explore the deep ocean? At the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, or MBARI, that’s exactly what I do as a software engineer. MBARI is a research center that uses advanced technology to study the mysteries of the ocean.
In my job, I help scientists learn about the ocean by using computers to analyze sounds, images, and videos. For example, I write programs that can identify jellyfish or starfish in our video footage. I also create software that listens for whale sounds in our audio recordings. One of the coolest parts is sending these ocean sounds directly to your phones!
One of my favorite deep-sea animals is the barrel eye fish. This incredible creature has a transparent head and eyes that can look upwards, making it truly unique and fascinating.
When I was in elementary school, I dreamed of becoming an artist because I loved to draw. I believe that art and science are closely connected. Being creative is a big part of both fields. In programming, there are often many different ways to solve a problem, which makes it exciting and fun.
What I enjoy most about my job is helping scientists make new discoveries. It’s amazing to work by the ocean, watch our videos, and see all the unique and wonderful animals. Listening to the sounds we record is simply incredible. Every day is an adventure, and I love being part of it!
Imagine you are a software engineer at MBARI. Design a robot that could help explore the deep ocean. Draw your robot and describe what special features it has to help scientists learn more about ocean life. Share your design with the class and explain how it would work.
Using a basic programming tool like Scratch, create a simple program that can identify different sea creatures. Choose a few creatures, like jellyfish or starfish, and program your project to display their names when clicked. Present your program to the class and discuss how software engineers use similar techniques in real life.
Listen to a selection of ocean sounds, such as whale calls or underwater recordings. Write a short reflection on what you heard and how these sounds might help scientists understand ocean life. Discuss with your classmates how technology can be used to capture and analyze these sounds.
Choose an ocean creature, like the barrel eye fish, and research its unique features. Create a short presentation or poster to share with the class, highlighting what makes this creature fascinating and how technology might help us learn more about it.
Reflect on how art and science are connected, just like the software engineer’s journey from artist to engineer. Create a piece of art that represents a scientific concept or discovery related to the ocean. Share your artwork with the class and explain the science behind it.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
I’m a software engineer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, also known as MBARI. MBARI is a research center that uses robots and other technologies to study the deep ocean.
At MBARI, I help our scientists understand the ocean through sound, images, and video. I use computers for everything; I program them to find jellyfish or starfish in our videos, and to listen for whales in our audio recordings. I also use computers to send our sounds to your phones.
My favorite deep-sea animal is the barrel eye fish. It’s a fascinating creature with a transparent head and eyes that can look upward.
When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be an artist. I loved to draw. I believe that loving art and science are closely related. Being an artist helps my work because it is very creative. There’s often not just one way to solve a problem; there are usually many different approaches, which is one of the fun aspects of programming.
What I love about my job is helping our scientists make discoveries. How cool is that? I enjoy working next to the ocean, watching our videos, and seeing all the unique and wonderful animals. Listening to the sounds we record is simply amazing.
—
This version removes any informal language and unnecessary filler while maintaining the essence of the original content.
Computers – Electronic devices that process data and perform tasks according to a set of instructions or programs. – Computers are used in schools to help students learn and complete their assignments more efficiently.
Science – The study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. – In science class, we learned about the different states of matter and how they change.
Ocean – A large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface and is home to diverse marine life. – Scientists use technology to explore the ocean and discover new species of fish and plants.
Software – Programs and applications that run on computers and perform specific tasks. – We installed new software on our computers to help us edit videos for our school project.
Engineer – A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures using scientific principles. – The engineer created a new type of bridge that can withstand strong winds and earthquakes.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Technology has advanced so much that we can now communicate with people across the world instantly.
Analyze – To examine something in detail in order to understand it better or to draw conclusions. – We used a computer program to analyze the data from our science experiment.
Sounds – Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person’s or animal’s ear. – The software can detect different sounds and help identify the species of birds in the area.
Creatures – Living beings, especially animals, that are part of the natural world. – Scientists study ocean creatures to learn more about their habitats and behaviors.
Programming – The process of writing instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks. – In our technology class, we are learning programming to create our own video games.
