Science Center
Dear Editor: Last week, the University of Alaska Southeast and the Sitka Sound Science Center held a three day teacher training called “Getting Kids Excited about Science – Building Partnerships Between Scientists and Educators.” Sixteen teachers from around the state participated in the workshop that was funded with a grant from the USDA for a program called Taking AME (Aquaculture and Marine science Education).
Taking AME partners the Sitka Sound Science Center with the University of Alaska fish tech program and the Sitka School District which helps expose our students to education and careers in marine science and aquaculture through a K-5th grade Scientists in the Schools program. The program education coordinators are Marilyn Guhl and Karen Jones.
We’d like to thank the scientists who came to participate in the workshop including Megan Gahl, Ellen Chenoweth and Marnie Chapman. Bonita Nelson, bioenergetics scientist at the Auke Bay Lab at the NOAA fisheries research facility in Juneau also presented and helped with the workshop. UAS’ Jan Straley led the training and Jim Seeland, faculty for the UAS fish tech program, gave instruction on aquaculture and fisheries careers and led the “Spawning Olympics” activity. Alaska Department of Education science specialist Bjorn Wolter and UAS science education specialist Chip McMillan also gave presentations.
Thank you also to Stacy Woolsey of the Sitka Conservation Society for her wonderful presentation on the Fish to Schools program. Acting out how different commercial fishing boats work was informative and entertaining! We are appreciative of the participation of Cheryl Fecko, a retired science teacher from Craig. Thank you also to UAS’ Owen Kindig who went above and beyond to create the program design.
The Science Center would like to thank the University of Alaska Southeast for its willingness to partner on this workshop, and we are particularly excited about future collaborations with the UAS Fisheries Technology Program which is now based on the Sitka campus.
We’d like to thank the teacher participants whose enthusiasm for teaching science reminds us that they are on the front lines of science education which is critically important in a world that is reliant on solid scientific understandings for innovation and good citizenry.
Lisa Busch, Executive Director,
Sitka Sound Science Center
Music Festival Concerts
Dear Editor: This morning I was once again feeling gratitude for living in Sitka, such a great community with so many opportunities. During the last three days I attended a hearing feast at the Sitka Summer Music Festival.
I can’t believe how very fortunate we are to have such world class music without having to travel far, or spend a fortune. (Some of the concerts are free!)
I love the format of the festival. I love how the performers interact with us and allow us to share their personalities, the personalities of their instruments, and their obvious love of everything musical. Sometimes with the ease of access to music we forget what a great treasure it can be. I know my life would have lost a lot of depth without music. It has lifted my spirits when I was low and brought expression to my happiness. If you haven’t gone to a performance do NOT lose this opportunity. Thank you, Sitka Summer Music Festival.
Connie LaPerriere, Sitka
