There is a mystery out at Tern Island to the northwest of Hawaii. Site seeks solution
to seabird mysteryThousands of Hawaiian albatrosses leave the nesting area for days and even weeks, only to return fully fed.
Where these hard-working seabirds go and what they eat are under study on a Web site, http://www.wfu.edu/albatross/, sponsored by Wake Forest University and U.S. National Science Foundation.
"We are using sensitive satellites in space, miniature transmitters on birds, and rapid e-mail communications to investigate the travels of these animals on the open ocean," the Web site's authors explain.
Schoolchildren across the globe are joining in solving the mystery because the Web site is used in science classes.
The project is targeted at fifth- and sixth-graders, and the package is appealing because the students and scientists are getting the same data e-mailed to them.
Teachers can sign up to join the investigation by following the links at the Web site.
"Home on the Web" is a weekly Friday feature of the Star-Bulletin.
Richard Borreca can be reached by e-mail at rborreca@pixi.com