Hon Julian Fraser RA takes field trips with primary school kids
Honourable Fraser, two volunteers for the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) and a school teacher all journeyed to Guana Island with approximately 16 students as one of many school trips where students and other groups are afforded the opportunity to get hands on experience with the wildlife that are being preserved on the privately owned island as organized by the management of YEP headed by Mr Stacy Mather.
Honourable Fraser and the volunteers were well engaged with the students who were given a glimpse into the wildlife looking at snakes, the unique Iguana and a number of insects. However as one of the sessions was in progress Hon Fraser stepped back, took a seat and it was obvious that he was amazed and at the same time impressed by something.
Asked about what was going through his thoughts at that time he said, “I am thinking back as when I was a kid and we were studying these various aspects of the environment, animals, insects, there was no one to show you, demonstrate to you exactly what it’s all about.”
He was in awe as to the fortunes of the students as they were having hands on lessons as they were learning about the origin of the species, the migration patterns and how it’s done even with the insects using DNA to determine where they actually came from.
“You know they are so fascinated they are not grasping it, but in a few years they will, but this is interesting,” said Hon Fraser.
He said that based on his first exposition of such a nature with the students he said that he strongly thinks that it is something that he can get involved in to ensure that it continues. “It’s interesting for all the schools. I am thankful that I was invited to come on and see what’s out here. Many people just hear about these places. They don’t realize that they can play a vital role in our education process,” said Hon Fraser.
The same day volunteers had accompanied another group of children on a similar expedition to Guana Island. While attempts to get a direct view from the teacher failed, the scientists who had interacted with them group spoke highly of the students.
One of the scientists of the group of five Conservation Biologists Mr Gad Perry said, “Awe those kids were very interactive as this group too. They had the volunteer, they were just like the kids very interactive and excited, they were an excellent group.”
The other scientists were Krista J. Mougey, Wenhua Lu, Elizabeth Hill and one other.
Mr Mather said that Thursday’s trips were part of a continuous programme that is usually coordinated by YEP. “We liaise trips to Guana Island and coordinate opportunities for community outreach for the Guana Island science month. YEP members, high and primary schools groups have been visiting the island for science activities through YEP for the past eight years,” said Mr Mather.
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15 Responses to “Hon Julian Fraser RA takes field trips with primary school kids”
"take all the trees and put them in a tree museum". That is what Guana Island is, unfortunately, it is an isolated museum. Let's get awareness everywhere everyday!!