As the anticipation for my departure grows, homegrown outreach becomes ever more important. Friday, May 4th and May 11th I was able to visit Walter Johnson and Table Rock Middle Schools to give an educational outreach presentation about my upcoming expedition to Antarctica to join Dr. Amsler and others from University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). Almost all these young girls and boys will be my students next year, or sometime in the next four years. It was soooooooooo much fun giving the presentation to these students, from the ooooohhhh’s and aaaaahhhh’s while showing the slides about penguins and seals, to the students wanting pictures and asking questions, it was a wonderful experience.

    Hamming it up!
    Haming it up with Walter Johnson students (no stage fright here).

    Penguins!
    Ooooooooohhhhhhs and aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhs.

    The enthusiasm that these students showed, lets me know that science is still something that ignites the imagination – just like it did for me 30+ years ago when I was close to their age and Mount Saint Helens erupted, and my friend Pat Burke’s Aunt Franie had to come and live with them for a little while. I was in such awe of the pictures and stories she would tell us. Everyday that I teach, I hope I can be this type of inspiration to my students. Science is something that should be alive, real and tangible experiences. This is why I am so excited about my PolarTREC expedition. I will be able to show past, present, and future students science in action and take them to a place many probably never dreamed of going. I have already heard stories about how this experience is impacting students, the young lady who won the flag contest for Walter Johnson Middle School is super talented, but very shy. I asked her to come up on stage with me when my presentation was done and she had the biggest smile on her face when her fellow classmates were cheering her on. Her teacher told me that is the most outgoing they had ever seen her and that is what teaching is all about.

    Flag Drawing Winner!
    So proud of this young lady overcoming her shyness and stage fright.

    Comments

    Keith Smith

    Wow! That is so awesome you still have that stuff, I wish I could remember the teachers name...that is not good considering I am now an environmental science teacher. Thanks for commenting and I hope can find that old stuff, I would love to see it.

    Svea

    Great journal Keith! Your enthusiasm for Science is contagious and I am glad that you were able to reach out to your future students!! What an awesome opportunity! I look forward to reading more about your expedition and your adventures next week!!!!

    Michelle k hall

    Keith, I am wondering if you can share your presentation on the penguins. It would give me some ideas for what I might do with some middle schoolers.

    Keith Smith

    The penguin slide is just one slide in my presentation. I send you my whole presentation if you want, but it is pretty specific to my expedition.

    Adeena

    Sounds like the students really enjoyed the presentation. They will remember you when they make it to your classroom.

    Jennifer Y

    Keith:Remember at Maple school, you signed my petition to save the baby harp seals from clubbing by Canadians and Japanese circa 1982? I have to take pictures of mail from their governments regarding it and post it for you. Your assignment: Who was the teacher leading us?

    Joe Dunbrook

    Keith and team,Thank you for making science real for everyone, but especially for students and teachers. You guys are not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. We are so proud of you back at home. Thank you for your sacrifice and inspiration, and for your hard work in helping us to better understand this beautiful and unique part of our world. Stay safe and stay warm! Can’t wait to see your data. You guys rock! Enjoy your amazing experience. We appreciate you and the macroalgae!

    Joe Dunbrook

    I think I know the teacher you are referring to at Maple school, but I don’t want to be a spoiler. If we are thinking of the same person, I believe that before coming to Maple school, he used to lead nature hikes at Spruce school, too. He is a major reason that I am a science teacher today.