By Anders, Colette, and Julia

**Broadcasting from Team Mako…

Today was packed, but fortunately started off a little slower than yesterday, leaving us with some much needed time to get going.

After our daily knot, it was time to sit down and learn about Kay’s past research. Using some Google Slides templates, we began the process of creating a field guide for our home environments. Next up, we learned all about “do it yourself”, or DIY, data collection methods from Kay as she showed us what her research experience has taught her. She provided examples that showed us how to make cheap, DIY alternatives to expensive scientific tools. Fortunately for our wallets, marine science is very accessible. Oftentimes, expensive equipment can be replaced by common – sense creations. 

After lunch, we had the awesome opportunity to meet Liz Smith, a scientist and filmmaker with experience in many different fields. Having studied and worked in the field of scientific communication, Liz taught us all about her work as both an independent contractor and NASA employee. We were also extremely grateful to be selected as one of the very few groups to view Liz’s newest film, YOUTH v. GOV. With confidentiality in mind, let’s just say… Wow! If we were to sum up the film in one word, it would be Empowering.

After we had all taken the time to view the documentary, we wrote about our thoughts in a short survey. This was a nice way to debrief what we learned and to provide critical feedback for the production and editing teams. It’s crazy to know that our feedback is helping to create what we hope will be the next big documentary!

We reconnected on zoom to discuss our feelings about the film with Producer Liz Smith. Both team Mako and team Bottlenose Dolphins voiced the inspiration we felt and agreed that we all had an overwhelming urge to make our voices heard. Every voice counts, and if anything is going to make a difference in this critical time, it’s the youth. Whether it’s by protesting, signing petitions, or creating posters: all efforts are critical during this global fight for climate justice.