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Creek teacher joins seabird research expedition in Alaska
  
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A biology and anatomy teacher from Clear Creek High School spent part of her summer on a research trip to Alaska.
Mary Jean Slazer joined an Earthwatch Institute research expedition team studying the seabirds of Prince William Sound near Valdez, Alaska. Earthwatch Environmental Awards for Educators, a fellowship given by the LyondellBasell Corporation, sponsored Slazer’s 14-day trip.
Slazer joined four other volunteers from around the nation to study a colony of black-legged Kittiwakes on Shoup Bay in the northeastern corner of Prince William Sound.
These volunteers assisted a team of researchers in collecting data on breeding and growth patterns. This effort is one part of a long-term project using these birds as an “indicator species” in assessing the overall health of a fragile marine ecosystem.
Other species being monitored by this project include the glaucous-winged gull and the Kittlitz’s murrelet,
North America’s most endangered seabird. These birds, along with many other marine species were profoundly impacted by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Slazer looks forward to sharing her experiences. She hopes to inspire students with media presentations and other real world lessons.
Slazer believes her experience may lead others to appreciate and
understand field biology. Another possible benefit would be in the recruitment of additional personnel for science-related careers.
Slazer has 18 years’ experience teaching science and is deeply committed
to sharing her love of nature with her students.
LyondellBasell’s Earthwatch Environmental Awards for Educators provides an opportunity for teachers to participate with international teams of volunteers and scientists in long-term research.
Their aim is to enhance teaching methods and strengthen interest in, and commitment to, the environment.
The expeditions are organized by Earthwatch Institute, a non-profit environmental organization concerned with promoting conservation of the world's natural resources and cultural heritage.
Visit www.earthwatch.org or call 800-776-0188 for more information.
Mary Jean Slazer joined an Earthwatch Institute research expedition team studying the seabirds of Prince William Sound near Valdez, Alaska. Earthwatch Environmental Awards for Educators, a fellowship given by the LyondellBasell Corporation, sponsored Slazer’s 14-day trip.
Slazer joined four other volunteers from around the nation to study a colony of black-legged Kittiwakes on Shoup Bay in the northeastern corner of Prince William Sound.
These volunteers assisted a team of researchers in collecting data on breeding and growth patterns. This effort is one part of a long-term project using these birds as an “indicator species” in assessing the overall health of a fragile marine ecosystem.
Other species being monitored by this project include the glaucous-winged gull and the Kittlitz’s murrelet,
North America’s most endangered seabird. These birds, along with many other marine species were profoundly impacted by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Slazer looks forward to sharing her experiences. She hopes to inspire students with media presentations and other real world lessons.
Slazer believes her experience may lead others to appreciate and
understand field biology. Another possible benefit would be in the recruitment of additional personnel for science-related careers.
Slazer has 18 years’ experience teaching science and is deeply committed
to sharing her love of nature with her students.
LyondellBasell’s Earthwatch Environmental Awards for Educators provides an opportunity for teachers to participate with international teams of volunteers and scientists in long-term research.
Their aim is to enhance teaching methods and strengthen interest in, and commitment to, the environment.
The expeditions are organized by Earthwatch Institute, a non-profit environmental organization concerned with promoting conservation of the world's natural resources and cultural heritage.
Visit www.earthwatch.org or call 800-776-0188 for more information.
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