Okay, Bellevue peeps, get ready for a wave of nostalgia and a HUGE dose of ocean love! As a proud Somerset Elementary and Tyee Middle School alum (go Stars and Thunderbirds!), I’m on a mission, and I need your help.
You see, my journey to becoming a (self-proclaimed) marine science enthusiast wasn’t a straight line. It started with a frustrating childhood eczema. My skin conditions made swimming in the seas impossible, ironically making me interested in our aquatic world. This led me to become obsessed with our oceans.
My passion really ignited volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium. Watching kids’ eyes light up when they saw a sea otter or learned about the weird creatures and the biodiversity that the ocean offered. That’s when it clicked. I want to share this feeling, this sense of wonder and responsibility. And what better place to start than my own stomping grounds – the Bellevue School District?
Here’s the dream: Imagine bringing that aquarium experience, that hands-on learning, right into Somerset and Tyee (and beyond!). I’m talking about:
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Interactive Workshops: Think “Ocean in a Box” – mini-tanks, touch pools (with safe, non-irritating creatures, of course!), and maybe even some virtual reality dives!
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Guest Speakers: I’d love to connect with local marine biologists, researchers, and conservationists (like the amazing folks at the Seattle Aquarium) to share their stories and inspire young minds.
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Creative Projects: Let’s get artistic! We could create murals showcasing marine biodiversity, design “eco-friendly” solutions to ocean pollution, or even write and perform plays about ocean conservation.
- Bioluminescence Demos: Bringing in my research from last summer (studying the impact of pollution on bioluminescent bacteria), I could show students how these amazing organisms can be used as “canaries in the coal mine” for ocean health.
But this isn’t just about fun and games (though let’s be honest, learning about the ocean is incredibly fun!). It’s about fostering a sense of stewardship. We need to empower these kids to become ocean advocates.
So, how do we make this happen? This school year, I’m contacting teachers, administrators, PTAs, and anyone passionate about education and the environment. I’m looking for collaborators, volunteers, and anyone with ideas, resources, or connections that can help bring this vision to life.
Let’s create a ripple effect of ocean awareness, starting right here in Bellevue. Are you with me to make some waves?
To get involved, you can:
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Contact me directly (leave contact info in blog post).
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Reach out to your child’s teacher or school administration.
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Share this post with anyone who might be interested!
#BellevueSchools #SomersetElementary #TyeeMiddleSchool #OceanConservation #MarineBiology #Education #STEM #Community #Stewardship #SeattleAquarium #PugetSound #MakeADifference #YouthAdvocates #Bioluminescence #LetsDoThis
