Since 2007-08, as part of its professional development program, Marymount has collaborated with the Earthwatch Institute to offer teachers the opportunity to work with scientists in conservation and field research around the world. As Earthwatch Live from the Field Fellows, the teachers share their experiences with Marymount students through videoconferencing and blogging as well as in assemblies upon their return to New York.
In January 2008 Upper School math teacher Ms. O’Doherty spent ten days in Costa Rica studying and tracking leatherback turtles. In February 2009 Upper School history and economics teacher Dr. Cornelis travelled to the Artic’s edge and worked with a team of researchers studying temperature and climate change. Their experiences in the field enriched the whole community.
Class IV homeroom teacher Ms. LeSage and Middle School counselor Ms. Graham will join Earthwatch expeditions in 2010. Follow along with Ms. LeSage’s blog as she travels along wildlife trails of Red Butte Canyon, Utah, tracking ungulates and other wildlife, and study volcanoes through Ms. Graham’s blog as she travels to Nicaragua.