National Geographic Marine Animal Project in DC
April 22, 2002 - Two dozen teachers from eight Washington, DC public middle schools are part of a special training and implementation project with students.
The two-day April In-service has set the stage for students to explain the nature of the movement of whales, sea turtles and porpoises using earth imagery.
"The geography of the ocean shore and ocean floor, and the movement of marine animals have some connections. Many habitats in the ocean are critical to the health of marine species, and satellite imagery can give clue to these important areas," says Meghan Conk, a lead Signals of Spring teacher and marine biologist.
The stage is set for students to make new discoveries and present them in a context for future research to Signals of Spring scientists. National Geographic's Education Foundation is supporting this effort which will culminate in the fall with a special Loggerhead Turtle investigation. Marine science and geography promise to be important topics in the years to come, and utilizing technology in schools to look at connections between the content and real marine animals can be a motivating combination.
|
