As a science teacher at Crook County High School, Jessica Mumm runs a science club that takes students on educational trips across continents.
Each trip focuses on a new aspect: marine biology, ecology, conservation and environmental. Mumm strives to introduce her in Prineville, Oregon students to new science career options each trip.
One of her most recent trips brought her to the Galapagos with 15 students in grades 9-12, coordinated through SYTA travel planners, WorldStrides.
What was a major highlight from this Galapagos trip?
Seeming them get to experience the actual aspects of evolution that we discussed in class and be able to snorkel allowing them to experience marine biology in real life. Many of my students ended up taking more advanced science classes when we came home.
Being able to see where the finches were at, in their environment—getting to see the locations of Darwin’s observations, seeing firsthand why he had the questions that he did, it really brought the concept to life for my students.
What led to the idea of this trip in the first place?
Our science club has always wanted to take a trip to learn more about evolution and ecology, and this trip allowed us to learn more about Darwin’s studies while we were there, the environmental work being done to maintain their ecosystems, and the work being done to replenish the tortoise populations.
It seems like a big undertaking! Were there any particular challenges you had to overcome?
One of the biggest issues we had was flight delays and their impact. For example, we were delayed all the way to Florida, at each stop, and if we missed our flight to Ecuador, we would have had to stay the night in the airport and catch the flight the following day. Trying to coordinate backup plans and how to divide students with chaperones if need be was my biggest challenge.
What is the greatest lesson you or your students have learned from your trips?
Many of my students had the chances to experience different career fields that some of them were thinking about pursuing, and the variety of trips that we have taken have allowed them to realize that the considered career is not what they thought it was. I am so glad they got to know that prior to spending 4 years studying that field only to learn they didn’t want to be in that field.
Were there any other great memories from this trip?
Of course, the snorkeling was a huge highlight, the students loved being able to see the wildlife in the ocean, and snorkel with a playful sea otter and the lazy sharks. But another highlight for us was hiking up a volcano that provided amazing views and learning at the same time.
Would you suggest Galapagos to other educators?
I would 100% recommend this trip to others! It was such an amazing experience for both my students and myself.
Written by Josh Veal.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Mumm.
