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Tameka Easley

Euclid Middle School, Euclid OH

Explore the Galapagos Islands in the tradition of Charles Darwin during his study of evolution to tangibly demonstrate for students how science is valuable in shaping community and deepening the understanding of ourselves and the people around us.

Where I've Been

Isabela Island, Ecuador
Grand Guayaquil , Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
San Cristobal Island, Ecuador
Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador

Igniting Your Personal and Professional Growth

Describe one or two, specific learning experiences from your fellowship. In words, show us this experience and explain why it was powerful.

The learning experience of visiting various islands and seeing their inhabitants being in the fully natural state with little influence from humans. This was powerful because we were allowed to get extremely close to iguanas and tortoises unlike at home in Ohio.

What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn professionally?

I learned to slow down and take time to enjoy nature. Professionally I learned more about the diverse ecosystem and wide variety of plants and wildlife.

What were some unplanned or unexpected experiences or outcomes of your fellowship? Or, how did the fellowship you crafted differ from the actual learning experience?

An unexpected experience was the rough ride on the ferry.I expected the ride to be smooth. The ferry was used as a way to travel from one island to the next so I expected the ride to be somewhat relaxing..

Impacting Your Classroom, School and Community

Outline specific plans you have to implement your fellowship and reach your student goals.

I'm planning to engage students with living museum and showcase of evolution. Photographs and information will be shared about how diets can determine the shape of the finches' beaks.

What is one way you can leverage your fellowship to create one authentic learning experience for students? (e.g. hands-on learning, projects, community engagement)

One way I can leverage my fellowship by creating authentic learning expereinces. VR goggles will be used to bring life to pictures. Also, students will complete activities pertaining to Charles Darwin's theory.

How, specifically, will your fellowship extend beyond your classroom? (e.g. families, school-at-large, afterschool groups, surrounding community, colleagues, etc.)

My fellowship will extend beyond my classroom by making others aware of the opportunity to go to Galapagos island to experience Darwin's theory on evolutiom.