For Immediate Release:  July 15, 2011

 

Central Middle School Teacher on 12 Day Science Expedition

Funded by a Grant from Northrop Grumman

 

WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA –BPS teacher, Laurie Weiss, a seventh grade science instructor at Central Middle School, joined an Earthwatch research team for a 12 day expedition in Exuma, Bahamas to help scientists understand more about the coral and coastal ecology in the Bahamas. Weiss’ trip was funded by a grant from Northrop Grumman.

Weiss joined eight other volunteers from the U.S. for the Coastal Ecology project from June 27 to June 28. The research team was led by Dr. Kathleen Sealey of the University of Miami. The team learned about the plants, fish coral and algae of the Bahamas and spent many hours restoring some of the damaged wetlands in Georgetown, Exuma. Volunteers participated in everything from water quality testing to building rock revetments to identifying fish, coral and algae species.

An excited Weiss said, “The educational fellowship enabled me to participate in a once in a life time opportunity that has enriched my life in so many ways.” She continued to say, “I am anxious to step into my classroom this August and make all that I learned this summer come alive for my students.”

Earthwatch, the world’s largest environmental nonprofit volunteer organization, is based in Metro Boston. Its mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

For more information, please contact Laurie Weiss at weiss.laurie@brevardschools.org.

-BPS-