East Lyme Middle School, Niantic CT
Conduct field research across Iceland to strengthen competencies surrounding climate change and sustainability to create a climate change unit that encourages students’ sense of environmental stewardship.
Engaging in activities to learn about climate change was the focus of my fellowship. Here I am at Jokulsarlon Glacial Lake, a lagoon that has increased fourfold since the 1970s, visibly demonstrating the effects of climate change.
Hiking Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe's largest glacier, is one of the most memorable moments of my life. I left with so much respect for the power of nature and profound grief learning about how vulnerable the glaciers are due to climate change.
Iceland proudly generates 99% of its electricity from renewable resources (geothermal and hydroelectricity). In addition to touring geothermal power plants, I was able to experience an abundance of geothermal activity at Hverir Geothermal Site.
Driving the 950 miles around Ring Road was majestic and full of many incredible vistas, especially the outlet glaciers! Since 2000, the outlet glaciers have been retreating at an exceptional rate, losing mass faster than anywhere else in the world.
On a horseback tour through a glacial valley, I was able to engage in conversations with local farmers and hear firsthand stories of how Iceland’s climate has changed over time. We were also treated to a soak in a geothermal river enroute!
Exploring Iceland’s many cascading waterfalls and learning about hydropower was a highlight! Each waterfall was unique and a testament to the country’s natural beauty. Around 70% of Iceland's electricity comes from hydroelectric power stations.
Seeing and walking on Vatnajokull Glacier for the first time captivated my senses in ways I couldn’t imagine. Not only was the sheer size of the glacier staggering, but the colors of the ice were breathtaking. The colors of white and blue dominated the landscape, but the ice also contained layers of ash which created unexpected depth to the ice formations.The experience filled me with awe and wonder as I learned firsthand from my guide about the power of nature to sculpt such a unique landscape.
Travel is the best way to learn! Walking on Vatnajokull Glacier was a profound experience that has left a permanent mark on my memory. I was surprised to feel a contradictory mix of emotions during this experience. I was excited by the thrill of adventure, but learning how this glacier has changed over time due to climate change and its current fragile state filled me with grief, a profound sadness that was hard to shake. The experience confirmed the importance of climate change education.
My learning about climate change extended far beyond my planned fellowship goals. My travels around Iceland were rich with learning about practical environmental solutions to climate change. I engaged in deep conversations with locals who face challenges due to climate change, observed sustainable waste management practices everywhere and explored geothermal power plants in Reykjanes and Akureyri that highlighted Iceland’s innovative approach to renewable energy. I left Iceland feeling inspired.
To begin, I will use my learning from this experience to create a climate change unit in Fall 2024 with implementation of the unit in the Spring 2025. It is ultimately my goal to empower students to be changemakers, to think critically about their learning and how best to teach others about climate change to create change. It is my hope that I am able to use my many experiences to inspire my students to be a global citizen and lead by example in order to create a more sustainable future for all.
One way I can use my fellowship to create an authentic learning experience in my classroom is by having students graph and analyze real time data from Vatnajokull Glacier that demonstrates glacial retreat over time. Throughout my travels and conversations with locals in Iceland, I also had the idea of connecting my students with middle school students in Iceland to discuss climate change. We all have so much to learn from each other and I think it would be a valuable experience for all!
Professionally, my learning from my fellowship will be shared with my future students, my colleagues and my school district via newsletter. Personally, my learning from my fellowship has been shared with everyone I speak to! I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn firsthand about the impact of climate change on Iceland. I will never forget this experience, especially our glacier guide who said, “Take a good look. You are the last generation that will see this glacier so say hi and bye…”