Amber LaMonte, a dedicated science teacher at York High School, recently returned to the classroom after participating in NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program. During her 10-day research trip on the NOAA ship Pisces, she assisted scientists in monitoring ecosystems off the northwest Atlantic coast while sharing her experiences via a blog.
LaMonte effectively engaged her students, challenging them to predict species she might encounter and allowing them to follow her daily activities through social media. This hands-on experience enriched her teaching, enabling her to demonstrate the real-world applications of science and inspire a deeper connection with the curriculum.
The Teacher at Sea program, which has welcomed over 850 educators since its inception in 1990, aims to enhance science education by providing teachers with immersive experiences at sea. LaMonte, one of 11 selected teachers this year, hopes to highlight various career opportunities available in marine science, emphasizing that many positions do not require advanced degrees.
She looks forward to incorporating her newfound knowledge into her lessons and sharing the valuable data from the buoys she deployed, allowing students to engage with real-time ocean data throughout the school year. You can follow her journey and insights on her blog here.
