I want to live 10 days under the ocean in Aquarius because
What we learn there is good for all and it is for a justifiable cause.
For this contest I try to rhyme so that my entry will stand out
Certainly not to take away from the seriousness this subject is about.
Aquarius, an eighty ton chamber attached to the ocean’s floor,
Is a place where the scientists can live and work or go out to explore.
State of the art technology and advanced undersea capabilities
give scientists the tools to conduct all the studies that they please.
Equalizing valves transfer dry items to Aquarius and back
So that there is very little for the scientists there to lack.
In Aquarius’ main lock all the earthly amenities can be found
Like microwave, telephone, internet and I guess even stereo sound.
Aquarius has changed the way scientists work in the sea.
We all need to pass this on so more of the public will agree.
The number of aquanauts who live in Aquarius are few
And they can live underwater for days not just an hour or two.
Ten days is time to see and to learn so much more
Than scientists could on just regular SCUBA diving trips before.
Yes. The study of our oceans should be of major concern
For the earth’s sake there is so much we still need to learn.
To most of the people the facts of ocean research still elude
Don’t they realize nearly three–quarters of the Earth is water, Dude?
We can learn a lot from your studies of coral reefs and such.
Using what we learn is everyone’s responsibility, pretty much.
Ultraviolet radiation is damaging to the coral reefs as we know
From your past studies of how these coral feed and how they grow.
The health of the near shore ecosystems we must assure.
For this should help make our water quality be more pure.
Our near shore ecosystems are our national treasures
We must protect them from harm for everyone’s pleasures.
Reef changes and long term studies are two things that can
Help explain disease epidemics and the climate changes to man.
With mapping at just over 5 percent of the ocean’s floor
There is so much more to this task that we just can not ignore.
The mapping of the ocean’s floor is just one task
Discovering new ecosystems is another we can ask.
There is a lot to be learned from what we study in the sea
Like weather, energy sources and medicines for you and me.
At this laboratory that's 20 meters deep in inner space
One can work and observe a world at a much different pace.
Considering the fragility of the reef you must take care
For to endanger this research site you would not dare.
As is usual, common sense and good skills are essential
For making your research excursion live up to its potential.
On each mission scientific and technical support is in place
Just like there is for astronauts on missions in outer space.
Safety at Aquarius is always paramount
Comforting to know, on this we can count.
Stored on board, emergency air and special gas is kept nearby
So not to worry in case of failure to the MSB umbilical supply.
There is a manual to govern all the rules of operation
Like length of the dives, and the depths and duration.
The exemplary safety record allows scientists to continue
Their valuable research in a sometimes very hostile venue.
After the mission a good scientist is responsible to report
All the facts in a journal and newspaper or magazine of some sort.
It is so important for this program to continue to operate
Without all these studies who knows of the ocean’s fate.
The work in research at Aquarius is so noble
It is important to realize its impact is truly global.
The research at Aquarius for which the taxpayers pay
Is very useful to all of us and therefore rightly deserves to stay.
The money spent on the undersea research we find
May well be the salvation of all human kind.
I want to live 10 days under the ocean in Aquarius
Because with this awesome opportunity no one should fuss.
I read with interest about your great work
Where getting to SCUBA dive is certainly a perk.
I’m anxious to learn more about a future career for me
Where I can earn pay to SCUBA dive in the deep sea
As science is my favorite subject of all in school
To learn more about a career in science would really rule.
My teacher is so knowledgeable and surely one of the best
At teaching science to students without losing their interest.
I hope for her the trip to Aquarius is the prize that I can earn
Think of all the knowledge she’ll bring for her students to learn.
My Dad, my teacher and I are all certified divers who are ready to go
On an adventure that takes us to the ocean’s surface and then to Aquarius below.
As an Eagle Scout, I have also learned to prepare
And as I plan for each trip it is with the utmost care.
My teacher and my parents and I would all be so thankful for
The chance of a lifetime to travel to Aquarius on the ocean’s floor.
I can only hope that we are chosen from all the rest
To participate in the awesome prize in this great contest.
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