Scientist in Schools
Dear Editor: For many years now, I have had the opportunity to participate in the WhaleFest Scientist in the Schools Program. When a WhaleFest scientist steps into the classroom, it brings science up to a whole new level. This year’s WhaleFest BMS sixth grades science activity involved Steve Lewis preparing students for Marnie Chapman who led students in an analysis of local waters for invertebrate invasive species. It was an incredible experience for our students because in three days they learned enough vocabulary, local species, and concepts to be able to do a settlement plate analysis that will be recorded then used as a comparison in years to come.
The data is important for many reasons beyond documenting the spread of invasive species in Sitka harbors. It can be used to demonstrate the effects of climate change and ocean acidification in our fast changing ocean ecosystem. Just the process of collecting the data taught my students: how plate analysis data is collected; how percent is figured in data analysis; how students can contribute to monitoring the ocean that they depend upon; how students can do real science that counts.
This experience was in the planning last spring. Steve and Marnie kept me in the loop from the beginning. Marnie actually set out the plates last July and they soaked collecting many different invertebrate species. Marnie and crew brought over UAS microscopes and stages to put the plates on. She made hauling seawater, plates and ice to my room look easy. I prepared the students by doing a marine ecology unit that included collecting plankton and looking at it under microscopes beforehand.
All of Steve’s work with an improvised bingo game using a homemade “ID book” to identify organisms they might find got the students excited. When the students walked in to examine their plates they were good to go.
Besides teaching our Blatchley Middle School students important science skills, Sitka WhaleFest Scientists in the Schools Program is a wonderful professional development for teachers and enable them to incorporate meaningful monitoring type activities year after year.
A UAS whale monitoring class that I took years ago (from Jan Straley) and SWF scientists in my class over the years have enabled me to improve my techniques for teaching students to collect data on annual sea mammal boat field trips. A SWF plankton scientist that spent a week in my classroom taught me (along with my students) how to identify plankton, teach students to collect and monitor it year after year. Another SWF scientist taught me how to teach experiential lessons for ocean acidification way before it was brought to the attention of our media that it receives today. I could give you many more examples, but just know that the SWF Scientists in our Schools is a very powerful presence in my students and my education.
I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all the people who support Sitka WhaleFest either by funding, teaching, organizing, researching, volunteering, and presenting. I know personally the Sitka Sound Science Center WhaleFest team stretch every penny they get for the maximum benefit for our marine community.
Jan Straley’s vision of a forum to enrich our scientific knowledge enables us to learn the latest and greatest findings right away so we can make informed decisions and that impact life as we know it. Gunalcheesh Marnie Chapman, UAS, and Steve Lewis, for creating a research project that Blatchley Middle School sixth-graders can contribute to in years to come! I would also like to thank all the parents and teachers that encouraged their children to attend WhaleFest lectures this year. Their commitment is our hope for the future.
Patty Dick,
Blatchley Middle School
Sixth-Grade Science Teacher
Tribal Council
Dear Editor: A big thank you to all who voted for me for Sitka Tribe of Alaska Council.
Benjamen J. Miyasato, Sitka
Throw-A-Thon
Dear Editor: On Nov. 9, Brave Heart Volunteers and University of Alaska Southeast held their fourth annual Throw-a-Thon in preparation for the Brave Heart Bowls event on Dec. 4! Sitkans of all ages came to share their creativity in throwing, shaping, and painting bowls to donate to the Brave Heart Bowls fundraiser.
Brave Heart Volunteers is deeply thankful to all who attended and donated their time. Together, we made over 200 bowls to sell at our biggest fundraiser of the year, coming up on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
Brave Heart Bowls raises critical funds that allow us to continue our free services for individuals and families who are facing the challenges of chronic or terminal illness, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, those who are homebound, frail, are recovering from hospitalization, or facing end of life.
We would like to especially thank the potters that have worked for months to ensure we have enough bowls for this year’s event, and for coming out to the throw-a-thon to guide fellow Sitkans on how to successfully throw bowls. Special thanks to: Liz Zacher, Auriella Hughes, Robert Rose, Ritch Phillips, Tom Brown, Wes Holloway, Ron McClain, Phyllis Hackett, Korbin Storms, Alli Gabbert, Zachary Desmond, Heather Hanson, Melody Kinsley, Erin Wamsley, Joy Light and Karen McIntyre. A huge thanks to UAS for allowing us the use of their space.
Lastly, to all of you who attended the throw-a-thon and/or to those of you who will attend our Brave Heart Bowls event on Dec. 4, thank you! Your support makes everything we do possible.
Willow Moore, Executive Director,
Brave Heart Volunteers
SAR Thanks
Dear Editor: Words cannot adequately express exactly how grateful and impressed I am with the Sitka Search and Rescue Team. The command team was so professional at sorting through the ever-churning Sitka rumor mill to focus on the relevant information that ultimately kept resources marching toward the goal. The outpouring of volunteers was a heart-warming source of inspiration. Thanks to those who stepped up with donations of food and other support. A special thanks to those who have spent their time to train search-and-rescue dogs. the level of dedication shown in adverse and uncertain conditions is a credit to humanity.
In what sometimes can seem like an ever-deteriorating human condition it is hard to find hope. In a fast-paced, high-tech world the tresses of life can seem insurmountable. We should all take a little more time to safely use the modern tools that we have. Let’s not forget the most important tool we possess is the mysterious human brain. Like all tools it needs maintenance of compassion, understanding and sometimes a few hugs and tears. Try to keep your chin up, for we are all in this together, on the same team.
Bert Bergman, Sitka
