Jesuit High School mathematics and science teacher Jennifer Cournia is on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador, where Charles Darwin was inspired to assemble his theories about natural selection and evolution. As of late, the islands have been valued for their lessons about environmental conservation.
Cournia was chosen from about 1,000 U.S. applicants to go on the two-week expedition, which is part of the Toyota International Teacher Program. She returns Dec. 6.
“I’m looking forward to learning about sustainable efforts in the Galapagos Islands and the human impact on the unique and diverse ecosystems there,” Cournia said before departing.
She applied to the program because she is interested in sustainability and in “teaching students what it means to be good stewards of our environment.”
She is meeting other cultures and other teachers from the U.S. and plans to help develop interdisciplinary lessons to be used by her colleagues at Jesuit.
Prior to departure, teachers gathered at Everglades National Park in Miami for orientation and exploration of the Everglades biosphere, which is similar to that of the Galapagos Islands.
The study tour for secondary teachers of all disciplines is focusing on promoting environmental conservation and sustainability, as well as international understanding.
“This program is designed to foster the exchange of global conservation ideas and perspectives,” said Michael Rouse, a Toyota vice president. “This is an exceptional opportunity for teachers to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands and bring that learning back to the classroom.”
While in Galapagos, Cournia and her fellow teachers are being joined by Galapagueño teachers on a three-day study cruise to explore the remote islands of Española, Floreana and Fernandina, and spending time on the main islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobol. They are observing environmental projects, exchanging ideas with experts and community leaders, and participating in activities that encourage global environmental conservation and protection.
“The focus on sustainability is particularly important in my role as Jesuit’s science department chair,” said Cournia. She’s also helping officials design a new, environmentally-certified science and mathematics center.
Selection criteria for the trip included professional qualifications, evidence of interest in international education, and feasibility of incorporating the environmental study experience into the curriculum.
The trek is run in part by the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Arturo Keller, professor of environmental biogeochemistry in the Bren School, is serving as the tour’s official study leader.
Jesuit High has made a commitment to sustainability. As the Society of Jesus puts it, Christians are called to “reconciliation with creation, [and] to take responsibility for our home, the earth.”
Jesuit, which teaches its 1,160 students sustainability, has formed a committee to further the value and has changed some campus practices — making recycling a school-wide effort, redesigning lighting, using environmentally friendly fertilizer and herbicides on landscaping, installing faucets for filling reusable water bottles and using reusable dishware.
