I was wondering, what's the scientific name for the blue-footed booby?
Alex pd. 5
Alex, your question is about classification. All of the (discovered) organisms on this Earth have been classified or grouped. The levels of classification are domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species. The last two levels of classification, genus and species, make up the organism's scientific name. In class we have been studying O.e., the protozoan parasite that infects monarchs. O.e. is short for Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, the scientific name for this protozoan. Many scientific names are Latin or Greek based and may be challenging to read or say!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Ornithologists
Jazmin (2nd pd.)
According to www.galapagoscruises.us/useful_information/galapagos_name.htm, these beautiful islands got their name from the tortoises found on the island come from. Due to the tortoises' resemblance with a Spanish saddle, they were baptized with its name GALAPAGOS. Throughout the years, the name "Galapagos" was given to the islands. That is why when we talk about the Galapagos Islands we are talking about a group of islands full of these enormous tortoises.
Jazmin also wanted to share an excellent website she discovered:
www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Blue-footed_Booby.html
Jazmin,
Thanks for the information. The website you found is fantastic! Cornell University has a great ornithology lab (guess what ornithologists study?).
According to www.galapagoscruises.us/useful_information/galapagos_name.htm, these beautiful islands got their name from the tortoises found on the island come from. Due to the tortoises' resemblance with a Spanish saddle, they were baptized with its name GALAPAGOS. Throughout the years, the name "Galapagos" was given to the islands. That is why when we talk about the Galapagos Islands we are talking about a group of islands full of these enormous tortoises.
Jazmin also wanted to share an excellent website she discovered:
www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Blue-footed_Booby.html
Jazmin,
Thanks for the information. The website you found is fantastic! Cornell University has a great ornithology lab (guess what ornithologists study?).
Predator-Prey Relationhips
Crystal (5th pd.)
What does the blue-footed booby eat? Also what eats it?
Crystal, thanks for the great questions! You are asking about the boobies' predator-prey relationships. The blue-footed booby feeds in a very special way. I am adding to your questions, what adaptations allow these birds to feed the way they do? I look forward to getting the answers to our questions!
What does the blue-footed booby eat? Also what eats it?
Crystal, thanks for the great questions! You are asking about the boobies' predator-prey relationships. The blue-footed booby feeds in a very special way. I am adding to your questions, what adaptations allow these birds to feed the way they do? I look forward to getting the answers to our questions!
Are there red-footed boobies also?
Pam in first period asks...
I've heard of the red footed booby, do they live there too? Also, I noticed that the blue footed booby has a blue beak, does the red footed booby have a red beak, or a blue one?
Pam, thanks for your questions. Maybe we can get Michele to illustrate a red-footed booby for our blog!
I've heard of the red footed booby, do they live there too? Also, I noticed that the blue footed booby has a blue beak, does the red footed booby have a red beak, or a blue one?
Pam, thanks for your questions. Maybe we can get Michele to illustrate a red-footed booby for our blog!
Blue Morpho
Stacy, period 9
I was wondering if there any other species of butterflies living in the Galapagos Islands besides the Blue Morpho Butterfly you were telling us about in class? I found out some information about the Blue Morpho Butterfly. Its scientific name is Morpho menelaus. It lives in South and Central America, including the Galapagos Islands, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. It is a neotropical butterfly, which means that they are part of a geographical division in South America. The females are are not as brightly colored as the males and have a brown edge with white spots surrounding the blue area. The Blue Morpho Butterfly has a wingspan of about 6 inches (15 cm). For food, they drink juices of rotting fruit using their straw-like proboscis (mouth).
Stacy,
I had mentioned in class seeing the blue morpho in Ecuador, South America. That is great you found in your research that they are found on the islands. I hope I see one on my expedition. A few years ago while doing a bird study in the Andes of Ecuador, I saw the blue morpho in the wild. Before that day, I had only seen them in pictures. It was such a beautiful sight! Only the upper part of the wings are blue; the bottom of the wings are brown. When the butterfly is flitting around, it flashes blue, brown, blue, brown, because of this color variation. Thanks for the information, Stacey.
I was wondering if there any other species of butterflies living in the Galapagos Islands besides the Blue Morpho Butterfly you were telling us about in class? I found out some information about the Blue Morpho Butterfly. Its scientific name is Morpho menelaus. It lives in South and Central America, including the Galapagos Islands, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. It is a neotropical butterfly, which means that they are part of a geographical division in South America. The females are are not as brightly colored as the males and have a brown edge with white spots surrounding the blue area. The Blue Morpho Butterfly has a wingspan of about 6 inches (15 cm). For food, they drink juices of rotting fruit using their straw-like proboscis (mouth).
Stacy,
I had mentioned in class seeing the blue morpho in Ecuador, South America. That is great you found in your research that they are found on the islands. I hope I see one on my expedition. A few years ago while doing a bird study in the Andes of Ecuador, I saw the blue morpho in the wild. Before that day, I had only seen them in pictures. It was such a beautiful sight! Only the upper part of the wings are blue; the bottom of the wings are brown. When the butterfly is flitting around, it flashes blue, brown, blue, brown, because of this color variation. Thanks for the information, Stacey.
It was an accident!
Shade' (Pd. 2) discovered...
On March 10, 1535, Thomas de Belanga discovered the Galapagos Islands by accident! When traveling to Peru, his fleet was shipwrecked. On the islands, Belanga saw enormous tortoises. That is why the islands are named “Island of the Tortoises!”
Thanks for your input, Shade! Now we know exactly why the islands were named Insulae de los Galopegos or Island of the Tortoises!
On March 10, 1535, Thomas de Belanga discovered the Galapagos Islands by accident! When traveling to Peru, his fleet was shipwrecked. On the islands, Belanga saw enormous tortoises. That is why the islands are named “Island of the Tortoises!”
Thanks for your input, Shade! Now we know exactly why the islands were named Insulae de los Galopegos or Island of the Tortoises!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Seasick!
This is random, but Charles Darwin went to the Galapagos Islands on a ship named the Beagle (I don't know if it's the food or the dog, but it's most likely to be latter). Well, he had major sea sickness during his trip, so that expedition was the only one he had using a ship.
-Manyan, pd. 1
Manyan, did you know that Darwin's voyage lasted five years? If he had problems with seasickness, that must have been one very long boat ride!
-Manyan, pd. 1
Manyan, did you know that Darwin's voyage lasted five years? If he had problems with seasickness, that must have been one very long boat ride!
Natural Predators?
I was wondering if animals and plants in the Galapagos Islands had any natural predators. Then I found this information from one of the web pages I visited. "The native animals, lacking natural predators on the islands, are defenseless to introduced species and fall prey." Introduced species were the animals and plants brought to the Galapagos Islands by humans. Is this supposed to mean that the natural species are going to be run over by these newcomers? I surely hope that there is a way to stop at least some of it.
Aura
Pd. 1
Great thoughts, Aura! Introduced species are a serious problem everywhere, even here in New Jersey. It is very possible for introduced species to out-compete native species. I have read that feral animals are a serious problem for the tortoises, iguanas, and even the penguins. I hope there is a way to stop them, too! I am sure I will find out about programs focused on saving the native species. When I do, I will let you know!
Aura
Pd. 1
Great thoughts, Aura! Introduced species are a serious problem everywhere, even here in New Jersey. It is very possible for introduced species to out-compete native species. I have read that feral animals are a serious problem for the tortoises, iguanas, and even the penguins. I hope there is a way to stop them, too! I am sure I will find out about programs focused on saving the native species. When I do, I will let you know!
What will you study?
How did you find out about this program, and will you be studying the different mammals and species or something else?
Nicole, pd. 1
Nicole,
I found out about the program at a science convention. I couldn't believe such a great program existed! I feel extremely fortunate to be one of only 24 teachers from the United States selected to participate, and I am very thankful to Toyota for funding such an incredible trip!
The program will focus on the environment as a whole, so I hope to study as many of the animals as possible!
Nicole, pd. 1
Nicole,
I found out about the program at a science convention. I couldn't believe such a great program existed! I feel extremely fortunate to be one of only 24 teachers from the United States selected to participate, and I am very thankful to Toyota for funding such an incredible trip!
The program will focus on the environment as a whole, so I hope to study as many of the animals as possible!
Park Rules
I was wondering what type of animals live there? and How close you can get to them? Do you get to interact with them or only observe them?
Alex pd.9
Alex, a few entries ago I discussed the tameness of the animals on the islands. Even so, there are rules that must be followed. The islands are a national park, and guidelines must be followed in order to preserve the organisms and their environment.
1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.
Alex pd.9
Alex, a few entries ago I discussed the tameness of the animals on the islands. Even so, there are rules that must be followed. The islands are a national park, and guidelines must be followed in order to preserve the organisms and their environment.
1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.
Will I need an umbrella?
Caroline from pd. 4
I'm wondering what kind of weather the Galapagos Islands get? Do they get a lot of rain, or hot dry days?
Also, do you know how many different animals live there besides the blue footed booby?
Caroline,
Thanks for the weather question. I need the answer so I know what type of clothing to pack!
Your second question deals with the diversity of the islands. Excellent question! Do you think the diversity would be greater on the islands or on the mainland?
I'm wondering what kind of weather the Galapagos Islands get? Do they get a lot of rain, or hot dry days?
Also, do you know how many different animals live there besides the blue footed booby?
Caroline,
Thanks for the weather question. I need the answer so I know what type of clothing to pack!
Your second question deals with the diversity of the islands. Excellent question! Do you think the diversity would be greater on the islands or on the mainland?
Endemic Species
Are there any animals that live only in the Galapagos Islands? If so, what are they?
-Spencer, pd. 1
Good question, Spencer. The term endemic species is used to describe organisms that are confined to a particular geographic region (like the Galapagos Islands). Well, class, what are the islands endemic species?
-Spencer, pd. 1
Good question, Spencer. The term endemic species is used to describe organisms that are confined to a particular geographic region (like the Galapagos Islands). Well, class, what are the islands endemic species?
Islands, Islets, & Rocks
Is it a chain of islands or one big island?...if it is a chain of islands, how many are there?
---Pam (period 1)
Pam,
Jeff stated in an earlier blog entry that there are thirteen islands. He is correct; there are thirteen large islands (greater than 10 square kilometers), but the chain also includes six smaller islands and over forty islets! There are also many small rocks and islets that remain unnamed.
What is the term for a chain of islands?
---Pam (period 1)
Pam,
Jeff stated in an earlier blog entry that there are thirteen islands. He is correct; there are thirteen large islands (greater than 10 square kilometers), but the chain also includes six smaller islands and over forty islets! There are also many small rocks and islets that remain unnamed.
What is the term for a chain of islands?
No Fear
Jade (period 9)
I was wondering if there was anything besides its blue feet that made the blue-footed booby bird really unique. Today in class you talked about how they like to dance, but I was wondering if there was anything else unique about them.
Good question, Jade. Something that is very unique about all of the animals on the Galapagos Islands is that they really have little or no fear of humans. This behavior allows visitors to get very close to the wildlife. I am sure this will provide some great photo opportunities!
I was wondering if there was anything besides its blue feet that made the blue-footed booby bird really unique. Today in class you talked about how they like to dance, but I was wondering if there was anything else unique about them.
Good question, Jade. Something that is very unique about all of the animals on the Galapagos Islands is that they really have little or no fear of humans. This behavior allows visitors to get very close to the wildlife. I am sure this will provide some great photo opportunities!
"Not typically tropical"
All of the information below is credited to Volume 6 of the Lands and Peoples reference books, which are published by Groiler Incorporated.
The Galapagos were founded in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga. Apparently, he and his crew stumbled upon an island that was bare-except for the dirt and the cacti, which were an excellent source of water.
When I read a passage that described the islands as, "not typically tropical", I had answered my own question of "What is the climate like?”. It explained that though the islands are very close to the equator, they can have cooler temperatures because of a current called the "Peru Current". Therefore, the Galapagos can home organisms that thrive in cooler temperatures and species that survive in warmer temperatures, which leads to diverse wildlife.
Also, the chain of islands is a province of Ecuador, and is carefully preserved and observed; there are rare species on each island.
Cara, pd. 1
Cara, you are so right about the cold water current sweeping by the islands. I believe the current is also referred to as the Humboldt Current. Guess what bird species is present at the equator because of this cold water current? Many people would never believe that this species can be found at the zero latitude line!
The Galapagos were founded in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga. Apparently, he and his crew stumbled upon an island that was bare-except for the dirt and the cacti, which were an excellent source of water.
When I read a passage that described the islands as, "not typically tropical", I had answered my own question of "What is the climate like?”. It explained that though the islands are very close to the equator, they can have cooler temperatures because of a current called the "Peru Current". Therefore, the Galapagos can home organisms that thrive in cooler temperatures and species that survive in warmer temperatures, which leads to diverse wildlife.
Also, the chain of islands is a province of Ecuador, and is carefully preserved and observed; there are rare species on each island.
Cara, pd. 1
Cara, you are so right about the cold water current sweeping by the islands. I believe the current is also referred to as the Humboldt Current. Guess what bird species is present at the equator because of this cold water current? Many people would never believe that this species can be found at the zero latitude line!
Shall we dance?
I'm wondering how these birds (blue-footed boobies) get those blue feet? Does something cause them to be blue? Is there something special about these blue feet?
Stacey
Pd.5
Stacey,
One thing I know about the blue feet of the blue-footed booby is that they are instrumental in their courtship dance. I have a book on my desk that talks about how the dance is performed. Remind me to read the passage in class.
Stacey
Pd.5
Stacey,
One thing I know about the blue feet of the blue-footed booby is that they are instrumental in their courtship dance. I have a book on my desk that talks about how the dance is performed. Remind me to read the passage in class.
Sexual Dimorphism
Savannah from 1st period was wondering, how can you tell a male blue footed booby from a female? Do the females have different color feathers? (I know usually the males have brighter colored feathers.) Do they migrate? If so, where? How long do they live?
Savannah, you are right about many of the male birds being more brightly colored than the females of the same species. One theory is that the females do the selecting of the mates, so the male must look good to get the girl! Your question actually refers to what is called "sexual dimorphism." You are asking if there is sexual dimorphism in the species, meaning, is there a difference in the appearance in the males and females (size, color, etc.). Two local examples of birds with sexual dimorphism are the eastern goldfinch and northern cardinal. You will be able to give me many more examples after we do our bird study!
I look forward to hearing the answers to your questions because I am a bird watcher!
Savannah, you are right about many of the male birds being more brightly colored than the females of the same species. One theory is that the females do the selecting of the mates, so the male must look good to get the girl! Your question actually refers to what is called "sexual dimorphism." You are asking if there is sexual dimorphism in the species, meaning, is there a difference in the appearance in the males and females (size, color, etc.). Two local examples of birds with sexual dimorphism are the eastern goldfinch and northern cardinal. You will be able to give me many more examples after we do our bird study!
I look forward to hearing the answers to your questions because I am a bird watcher!
Underwater Volcanoes
Jeff (period 1) has some information for Kevin about how the Galapagos Islands were formed...
The Galapagos Islands were formed about 4 million years ago. Underwater volcanoes erupted, and layer, by layer, the molten rock built itself up to the surface. There are now 13 islands that make up the Galapagos islands. 2 of them still have active volcanoes. (Isabella and Fernanadina)
I also have a question.
How did the land animal, like the land iguana, get to be on the island?
Excellent question, Jeff! Let's brainstorm possible answers to this question in class. We will see what your peers come up with!
I don't believe I will be going to Isabella or Fernandina, but I sure will remember when I am on their neighboring islands that those two islands are active volcanoes!
Spencer from 1st period wants to add...
The last eruption was on Isabela on October 22, 2005. Isabela and Fernandina are the two youngest islands and are the most volcanically active.
The Galapagos Islands were formed about 4 million years ago. Underwater volcanoes erupted, and layer, by layer, the molten rock built itself up to the surface. There are now 13 islands that make up the Galapagos islands. 2 of them still have active volcanoes. (Isabella and Fernanadina)
I also have a question.
How did the land animal, like the land iguana, get to be on the island?
Excellent question, Jeff! Let's brainstorm possible answers to this question in class. We will see what your peers come up with!
I don't believe I will be going to Isabella or Fernandina, but I sure will remember when I am on their neighboring islands that those two islands are active volcanoes!
Spencer from 1st period wants to add...
The last eruption was on Isabela on October 22, 2005. Isabela and Fernandina are the two youngest islands and are the most volcanically active.
Natural Surfers
From Artemis (pd. 2)...
I am interested in knowing if the islands have people on them or not? Also, I am a surfer. By chance do you know if the waves are nice there? I always ask people who have been places if there are waves. Are there dolphins there? I like the dolphins. Did you know they are natural surfers that ride the waves by jumping in front of them and riding it. It is a spectacular site! I have seen it before.
Artemis,
Great observation of the dolphins' behavior in the waves! You are very fortunate to have witnessed it. Yesterday Sonal posted a question wondering what marine mammals are found around the islands. I just found a website that states there are three species of dolphins living near the islands: bottle-nosed, spinner, and common dolphins. (http://www.tortoisetours.com/islands-wildlife2) I haven't seen dolphins riding the surf, however, I have seen hundreds of dolphins bow riding. Two years ago I did a three-week study on a NOAA ship in the Pacific Ocean. Guess what we were studying? Cetaceans! (Look it up, you'll be pleased!) Also, on the right hand side of this blog page under the subtitle, "More journals from the field", you will see a link to my entries from my study at sea. Check it out when you have time. And Artemis, I will remember to check out the surf, just for you!
I am interested in knowing if the islands have people on them or not? Also, I am a surfer. By chance do you know if the waves are nice there? I always ask people who have been places if there are waves. Are there dolphins there? I like the dolphins. Did you know they are natural surfers that ride the waves by jumping in front of them and riding it. It is a spectacular site! I have seen it before.
Artemis,
Great observation of the dolphins' behavior in the waves! You are very fortunate to have witnessed it. Yesterday Sonal posted a question wondering what marine mammals are found around the islands. I just found a website that states there are three species of dolphins living near the islands: bottle-nosed, spinner, and common dolphins. (http://www.tortoisetours.com/islands-wildlife2) I haven't seen dolphins riding the surf, however, I have seen hundreds of dolphins bow riding. Two years ago I did a three-week study on a NOAA ship in the Pacific Ocean. Guess what we were studying? Cetaceans! (Look it up, you'll be pleased!) Also, on the right hand side of this blog page under the subtitle, "More journals from the field", you will see a link to my entries from my study at sea. Check it out when you have time. And Artemis, I will remember to check out the surf, just for you!
What makes the islands so special?
What is the reason that the Galapagos Islands are special, because of the animals that live on them or that that it's the birth place of Darwin's Evolution Theory? Also, how many different types of species live on the Galapagos?
-Om
1st Period
-Om
1st Period
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Island Formation
Kevin from period 1 would like to know, "How were the Galapagos Islands formed?"
Good question, Kevin. And when were they formed?
Good question, Kevin. And when were they formed?
Well, Greg...
Fray Tomas de Berlanga founded the islands. It was named Insulae de los Galopegos or Island of the Tortoises.
by Sonal (pd. 1)
Sonal, my questions to you (or anyone listening) are, when did de Berlanga discover the islands? Was it by accident? Where was he from? and why did he name them the Island of the Tortoises?
Thanks for your input, Sonal. Sonal also wants to post a question:
What kind of marine mammals live around the Galapagos?
As a scuba diver, I share your interest in marine life. Ocean life fascinates me, even the sharks! Can someone help us out with this question?
by Sonal (pd. 1)
Sonal, my questions to you (or anyone listening) are, when did de Berlanga discover the islands? Was it by accident? Where was he from? and why did he name them the Island of the Tortoises?
Thanks for your input, Sonal. Sonal also wants to post a question:
What kind of marine mammals live around the Galapagos?
As a scuba diver, I share your interest in marine life. Ocean life fascinates me, even the sharks! Can someone help us out with this question?
Monday, September 17, 2007
First Question
Who discovered the Galapagos Islands, and why did they name them that? (Greg, pd. 1)
Thanks for the question, Greg.
Thanks for the question, Greg.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
We are fortunate in Mt. Laurel to have much of the latest and greatest when it comes to technology in our schools. We are hoping I can connect with Harrington students through iChat while in the Galapagos Islands. There is a camera built into my laptop that will allow me to videoconference with my students. Mrs. Barbara Ahr, the technology coordinator in the district, is trying to help make this possible. We just don't know exactly what technology the islands offer. So let's keep our fingers crossed in hopes I can bring the Galapagos Islands into our New Jersey classroom!
Do you want to be published? Read on!
I just brainstormed a list of questions and topics that I thought you (students, colleagues, family, and friends) would like to know about the Galapagos. Actually when I mentioned the trip to my classes, some of you asked me questions... “Where are the Galapagos Islands?” “What animals live on the islands?" "Is Mr. Edwards going on the trip?" (Many of my students had Mr. Edwards for 7th grade science.) In one class, we briefly discussed the endangerment of the tortoises, and one student asked, "Is anything being done to help them?"
I want to make this blog interactive; I want it to be OUR blog. So instead of me publishing answers to questions that I think you have, or publishing information that I think you should know, I want you to be in the driver’s seat. If you would like to be published, here's how:
1) Ask a question you want answered.
2) Answer questions that are posted.
3) Illustrate pictures for the blog entries (I would really love a blue-footed booby for next to the title!).
4) Find excellent resources for people interested in finding out more about the islands (books, websites, articles, etc.).
You can email me your submissions (mbarrett@mountlaurel.k12.nj.us) or give them to me in school. Please make sure you type “Galapagos Islands” in the subject area of the emails. If duplicate submissions come in, we'll have to do it on a first come, first serve, basis. Good luck!
PS Some of you may be wondering if this is extra credit. Just do it! You'll be smarter for it! (We can discuss its worth in class!)
I want to make this blog interactive; I want it to be OUR blog. So instead of me publishing answers to questions that I think you have, or publishing information that I think you should know, I want you to be in the driver’s seat. If you would like to be published, here's how:
1) Ask a question you want answered.
2) Answer questions that are posted.
3) Illustrate pictures for the blog entries (I would really love a blue-footed booby for next to the title!).
4) Find excellent resources for people interested in finding out more about the islands (books, websites, articles, etc.).
You can email me your submissions (mbarrett@mountlaurel.k12.nj.us) or give them to me in school. Please make sure you type “Galapagos Islands” in the subject area of the emails. If duplicate submissions come in, we'll have to do it on a first come, first serve, basis. Good luck!
PS Some of you may be wondering if this is extra credit. Just do it! You'll be smarter for it! (We can discuss its worth in class!)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Homework
I have received a couple more Fed Ex deliveries from the Galapagos program directors since the initial welcome package. This week I received my flight information. I just realized I haven't mentioned the dates on my trip. I leave on September 30th and return October 12th.
One of the packaged I received over the summer included two books for me to read. Yes, class, even some teachers get summer homework assignments! My Father's Island, by Johanna Angermeyer, is a true story about a girl (Johanna) whose father and his four brothers fled Nazi Germany for the Galapagos where they lived like Robinson Crusoes. Unfortunately, Johanna grew up in the states and dreamed of returning to the islands her father had loved. Reading about Johanna's family life on the Galapagos Islands got me even more excited about my trip. One day during our trip, we will even be eating dinner at Angermeyer Point on Santa Cruz Island! The other book, written by Michael H. Jackson, is a natural history book entitled Galapagos. I'm still working on that one. It details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos.
One of the packaged I received over the summer included two books for me to read. Yes, class, even some teachers get summer homework assignments! My Father's Island, by Johanna Angermeyer, is a true story about a girl (Johanna) whose father and his four brothers fled Nazi Germany for the Galapagos where they lived like Robinson Crusoes. Unfortunately, Johanna grew up in the states and dreamed of returning to the islands her father had loved. Reading about Johanna's family life on the Galapagos Islands got me even more excited about my trip. One day during our trip, we will even be eating dinner at Angermeyer Point on Santa Cruz Island! The other book, written by Michael H. Jackson, is a natural history book entitled Galapagos. I'm still working on that one. It details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos.
Any questions, students?
Did you know there was a bird with blue feet…big, blue, webbed feet? Well, there is. It's the blue-footed booby! And the male blue-footed booby dances for the female, showing off his big, blue feet! The Galapagos is also home to the red-footed booby and the masked booby. (Do they also dance for each other?) Besides the boobies, the islands have frigate birds. The male frigates have a large, red throat sac that inflates like a balloon. Sound attractive? If you were a female frigate, it would! (Why are these birds called frigate birds? Isn't that a type of ship?) Marine iguanas can only be found on the Galapagos Islands. (Marine iguanas? Does that mean they live in the ocean?) These lizards grow to about three feet long and feed exclusively on algae and seaweed. I also hope to see giant Galapagos tortoises. Years ago, people realized these tortoises were in dire need of our protection. Fortunately, the Charles Darwin Research Station was established to help save these animals from extinction. (Why were they endangered? What made the population decrease? How many are left in the wild?) Speaking of Darwin, the Galapagos Islands are the birthplace of his theory of evolution. (What does his theory state? Didn't it have something to do with the beaks of finches?)
In class, we talked about the importance of asking scientific questions. Be observant and ask questions. Be that two-year old who always asks, "Why?”
In class, we talked about the importance of asking scientific questions. Be observant and ask questions. Be that two-year old who always asks, "Why?”
What is the purpose of the trip?
I know it sounds like I am taking two weeks off from school just to have fun, but isn't learning supposed to be fun?! There are many reasons for this expedition, and all pertain to the teaching and learning that occurs in my classroom. The program seeks to inspire the teaching and learning of environmental stewardship by meeting the following objectives:
1) to develop creative teaching strategies using the Galapagos as a case study;
2) to provide teachers with opportunities to speak with experts, community advocates, and participate in group learning activities;
3) to build global skills and perspectives;
4) to broaden awareness about environmental sustainability and stewardship;
5) to expand collaborative skills through professional presentations;
6) and to foster continued collaboration between US and Galapagueño educators.
Don’t the Galapagos Islands sound like the perfect classroom setting for these lessons?
1) to develop creative teaching strategies using the Galapagos as a case study;
2) to provide teachers with opportunities to speak with experts, community advocates, and participate in group learning activities;
3) to build global skills and perspectives;
4) to broaden awareness about environmental sustainability and stewardship;
5) to expand collaborative skills through professional presentations;
6) and to foster continued collaboration between US and Galapagueño educators.
Don’t the Galapagos Islands sound like the perfect classroom setting for these lessons?
Thank you, or better yet, gracias!
In all of the excitement preparing for my trip, I want to thank some of the people who helped make this trip possible. I can't think of a better way (other than buying them souvenirs in South America!) than to post their names on my blog.
Gracias to Robert and Judy for your support from day one...Lyn and Irene for brainstorming, proofing, and looking at my work with fresh eyes...Donna and Chris for your letters of recommendations...Mom for the many meals that provided me with the energy to slave away at my work...Toyota for funding the program...the IIE selection committee for choosing me...and gracias to the Mt. Laurel Administrative Team and Board of Education who are allowing me to take off two weeks during the school year!
And students, I want to thank you in advance for behaving for the substitute!
Gracias to Robert and Judy for your support from day one...Lyn and Irene for brainstorming, proofing, and looking at my work with fresh eyes...Donna and Chris for your letters of recommendations...Mom for the many meals that provided me with the energy to slave away at my work...Toyota for funding the program...the IIE selection committee for choosing me...and gracias to the Mt. Laurel Administrative Team and Board of Education who are allowing me to take off two weeks during the school year!
And students, I want to thank you in advance for behaving for the substitute!
I am going to the Galapagos!
When I saw a Fed Ex package from Washington DC on my porch during the last week of May of 2007, I knew it had to be good news. One month prior, I had applied to participate in an international teacher program in the Galapagos Islands. The recipients were to be notified by June, and June was only a few days away. I put my heart and soul into the application essays, revising and editing almost every day for about a month. My hard work paid off! The congratulatory letter stated I was one of twenty-four United States teachers selected to participate in the Toyota International Teacher Program through the Institute of International Education. I am going to the Galapagos Islands!
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