Sixth-grade Memorial Middle School science teacher Paige Krekeler has been awarded one of 10 Earthwatch Institute fellowships and will join a team in Nova Scotia from April 13-26 to study the impacts of climate change in North America. Paige, a 1989 Memorial High graduate, was chosen for the national program by Wells Fargo, which is underwriting teacher costs and travel. During her, trip Paige plans to post photographs, blog daily, and even teach lessons to her students using web-based and satellite technology.

 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase science and draw more attention to math and the sciences,” Paige says. “I am excited about the opportunities to enhance my classroom instruction with new scientific skills and first-hand knowledge. Being chosen one of 10 people is very flattering and quite an opportunity for my students, my school, our district, and me.” She has taught at Memorial Middle School for eight years.

 

Working with scientists, Paige will soon join a team to study the impact of global warming on North America’s mammals. The fellowship trip is “something that I can’t put a price tag on,” she says. Among other costs, Wells Fargo will award her a $300 community grant and pay for the cost of her substitute, airfare and room and board. Through Skype technology and blogs, Paige plans to teach biology and lessons on ecosystems from afar to her classroom here. Follow her to Nova Scotia. Her Earthwatch website can be found at http://www.earthwatch2.org/LFF/Krekeler/.

 

Memorial Middle School is located at 12550 Vindon.