Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/26/2007 - 13:25
Forums
Ask Ms. Prevenas

how long have you been involved in marine biology?

Mon, 04/30/2007 - 07:25

Maggie Prevenas

Hi!I am a recent transplant to Hawaii. I came there by way of the Oregon Coast and Wisconsin. When I lived in Oregon, I was fortunate to work with a wonderful science teacher who really made the ocean come alive with her students. She shared her knowledge and how to teach it to seventh graders with me.
When I moved to Hawaii 4 years ago, there was a huge learning curve for me. I knew I had to make the ocean a big part of what I teach. I signed up for every professional development class on Marine Biology that I could, I asked tons of questions, and began to create activities that were of interest to my students. I had little knowledge of the ocean surrounding Hawaii, but I believed that my students and I could learn together. They could see that their teacher was not the sage on the stage. I am a guide on the side.
 I never do anything half way. I jump in and become submerged. That was the way I learned about the ocean. I called on marine educators to come to my class and teach me and my students. I suppose because I am so new to Marine Biology I ask questions and marvel at the environment around me more than the normal science teacher.
That pretty much sums it up. I do not have a degree in Marine Biology, but a masters in Curriculum and Instruction as well as having National Board Certification in mddle school science. I might not always know deeply about a particular subject in marine biology, but I can create learning activities that really connect to my students and I know scientists and researchers who are happy to come to my class and share their deep knowledge with my kama 'aina students.
I hope I answered your question :)