By Michael R. Ebert
Robert Minott, a fifth-grade teacher at Burr Intermediate School in Commack, received an Earthwatch Educator fellowship allowing him to track mammals in Nova Scotia this month. He was the award’s only New York recipient, according to Earthwatch Institute.
"This is the perfect opportunity to use 21st-century technology to bring the far reaches of the world into the classroom," said Minott, who received $5,000 as part of the fellowship.
During the expedition, Minott and two Chicago educators will assist a field researcher in setting camera traps, walking transects and observing the behaviors of raccoons, porcupines and other animals to determine how human activity can impact temperate ecosystems. He'll also communicate with students worldwide through the Earthwatch web site and blog.
"My school and classes around the world have been following this expedition," said Minott, who noted the district could apply the Earthwatch material to its curriculum. "My school’s principal is at the forefront of supporting this type of classroom education."
No comments:
Post a Comment