Our School, Our Stories
VOL. 1
PAGE 1
THE SLS TIMES BY HENRY JOHNSON
New Faculty/Staff Report: Ms. Laura Jones, 5th Grade Science & Computer Science & Engineering Teacher
Q: Why did you get into Marine Biology? A: Growing up I always loved visiting the ocean. As a kid, It was always a happy place for me. I took my first biology class in high school, and we did some marine science. Even though I always wanted to be a teacher, I decided to do both! Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
SNAKE
A: I love working with kids and seeing how excited they are about topics. I want them to know that they can do anything. It is inspiring to see the curiosity that kids bring, and I am lucky to get to teach the students I have. I also think that education is the main step to help with conservation and protecting our oceans. Lastly, I want to inspire students to know that they can be confident in their abilities.
By Kennedy Richardson
Q: Why did you choose fifth grade science instead of older kids who will understand marine biology better?
Do you like snakes? If so, you might want to know that the snake is the animal of the Lunar New Year this year, so around this time of year we are celebrating it. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents the pursuit of love and happiness. (We got this information from WNCT.com).A few fun facts about snakes is that they don't have any eyelids, they can sense heat through special glands in the face area, and they can smell through their tongues AND noses. Also if you are wondering, there are a few snakes in this area, but the most common one you will see is the Eastern garter snake. A few of the more famous snakes are the Ball Python, King Cobra, and Anaconda. The deadliest snake is the Island Caipan, which has venom so poisonous that one drop could kill around 100 fully grown adults. For all of these reasons, we chose the snake as the animal of the month. What animal would you like to learn about next? Let us know!
A: The middle school age range is my favorite because of how curious and excited students are. They are young enough to be super excited about science but also able to think deeply about content. I also just really enjoy coming up with the curriculum for this age range and it is a great age to start allowing kids to be encouraged to reach their goals and help the earth. Q: Why did you choose to study sharks? A: I chose to study sharks because it was a vertebrate animal that I had not had prior research experience with. They are such cool and unique animals and not many people have the privilege of getting to work with them up close. I was really excited to have the opportunity to study sharks and think they are AMAZING! Q: How long do you plan to be a teacher? A: Right now, I think I want to continue being a teacher for a while. I may go back to get my PhD in the future and help with other research opportunities but so far, I love teaching and am very happy to be doing it. Q: What is your favorite type of shark? A: A hammerhead shark because of how unique their head shape is and how cool they are to interact with when you tag them. They look you in the eye kind of haha. Q: How have you liked St. Luke’s so far? A: So far I have loved it because of all the students. I have also loved all of the people here because everyone is so nice and supportive. I also get to be involved in more than just science. Q: What is your favorite type of cookie? (Totally relevant.) A: Chocolate chip cookies without the chocolate chips (just a cookie) or sugar cookies.