Stiles Point teacher to join Earthwatch Institute’s research team
April 17, 2019
Stiles Point Elementary School is proud to announce fifth-grade teacher Erin Cymrot will join an Earthwatch Institute research team this summer for a 10-day expedition in Manitoba, Canada to help scientists understand climate change. Cymrot, who found out she was chosen to be a part of this group earlier this year, received this opportunity through Earthwatch’s Teach Earth USAFellowship Program.
From June 25 to July 10, 2019, Cymrot will join a team of other Earthwatch volunteers from the United States for the “Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge” project. Effects of global warming are visible at the edge of the Arctic, where peatlands (a type of wetland consisting of peat) run in a broad strip around the globe. Scientists say these wetlands contain as much as 20% of the world’s carbon, usually locked in permafrost. But as the permafrost thaws, it may release carbon dioxide and methane, which could increase the rate of global warming.
“I’m very excited to get some field experience working with scientists,” explainedCymrot. “My hope is that it will help me bring science to life in my classroom.”
Cymrot has been at Stiles Point for four years. In addition to teaching fifth-grade science and social studies, Cymrot is also a member of the Stiles Point PublicRelations Team, which has helped to improve the school’s communication through various digital platforms. As the former computer lab teacher, Cymrot has also become a valuable resource to the staff by providing technical support through professional development sessions, sharing digital resources, and problem-solving.
The Earthwatch fellows will help collect real climate science data and collaborate with other teachers to integrate what they learn into their classrooms and communities.
“We look forward to seeing how Mrs. Cymrot incorporates this experience into her instruction next school year,” said Principal Michael Ard.
Earthwatch is an international environmental nonprofit whose mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.
To learn more about the Earthwatch Institute, visit their website. For more about Erin Cymrot’s trip, you can contact her at (843) 762-2767.
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that span 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 86 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees districtwide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.
