A template for connecting field studies with animal conservation to state side schools
Term
2009
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Abstract
Eating sheep organs, teaching about sea turtles, and snorkeling with sharks are only glimpses of my unique experiences throughout a year-long sabbatical, during which I volunteered for several animal conservation and environmental education organizations. For two months in Mongolia I worked for the Pallas Cat Conservation Project as a field research assistant and English teacher in the village where the study was conducted. I spent three months working for Arocha Kenya, a Christian environmental organization, ringing birds, teaching in the local schools, and leading teacher training workshops focused on incorporating conservation themes into the core curriculum. In Fiji, I volunteered for Reef Explorers planting coral in a marine protected area and developing a village's eco-tourism potential. Witnessing the devastating effects of poverty on human life and the environment was not only life-changing it compelled me to a sense of urgency, and the realization that animal conservation is ultimately people conservation.
Recommended Citation
Sorensen, Melanie C., "A template for connecting field studies with animal conservation to state side schools" (2009). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 1029.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/1029