Sharon Pearson, courtesy of www.nautiluslive.orgGreenPower Teacher Explores the Deep

Educator Sharon Pearson travelled on the E/V Nautilus, acclaimed oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard's ship, to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea last November for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the unknown in the depths of the ocean.

Pearson, the International Baccalaureate coordinator for Sandy Searles Miller Academy for International Studies in Las Vegas, jumped at the chance to embark on the Nautilus after learning about the opportunity to serve as an Educator-at-Sea.  When DRI honored Ballard with the Nevada Medal in 2010 and brought him to Nevada, Pearson learned that he would be doing the Nautilus Live project and would have positions available for educators to experience ocean exploration.

Nautilus Live was a four-month long expedition to explore the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas and the Atlantic Ocean.  The researchers studied the sea floor, underwater volcanoes, unusual life forms and other artifacts that were scattered across the oceans.  The difference between Nautilus Live and other ocean exploration projects, however, was that everything would be broadcast live through the National Geographic website and anyone could participate in the explorations by writing or calling in to the ship.

“For the Nautilus project, Dr. Ballard’s dream was to be able to communicate 24/7 and for everybody to learn together by working together,” Pearson said. “They were doing live work and private citizens could ask questions and talk to the scientists about it in a public forum.  What’s more powerful than to be able to ask and have your question answered live?”

As an Educator-at-Sea, it was Pearson’s job to sit in on two four-hour watches each day and narrate the research that was being done so everyone who tuned in could get an idea of what the researchers were doing in the control room.  Her duties also included writing blog updates for the Nautilus Live website and doing live interviews with a theater audience at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut.  For her final assignment as an Educator-at-Sea, Pearson brought back what she had witnessed on board the E/V Nautilus to her students when she returned to the United States.

“When I was in elementary school, I studied science by reading a book,” Pearson said.  “Thank goodness I don’t teach that way.  Science is an intriguing and exciting topic, and it should be hands on.  It’s wonderful to see the kids make discoveries and learn more.  I hope that my students can one day do this sort of thing.”

Beyond the scientific exploration and the beauty of cooperation and learning that Pearson was able to witness while on the E/V Nautilus was something more disturbing to consider.

“One thing I walked away with and that I really noticed was everywhere I looked there was trash,” Pearson said.  “Glass, cans, plastic, there is just so much trash in the ocean and we really have to take care of the ocean.  We are all in this world together and we all have to work on it together.  If we don’t and we let it fall apart, it’s going to be very hard to put the pieces back.”

Pearson’s stay on the E/V Nautilus allowed her to see many things that most people will never see in their lifetime.  It was a life-changing experience for her and she hopes that other teachers will apply to be on future expeditions, noting that if you do not apply, you will never know if you could have been able to see the amazing research, communication, and learning that Nautilus Live showed her.

“It was great to meet people in a different part of the world and see their appreciation toward us [Educators-at-Sea], the scientists and the research that was being done,” Pearson added.  “It’s a small world and we all have a responsibility toward it.”

To learn more about Nautilus Live, visit www.nautiluslive.org

What is GreenPower?

Renewable energy, sometimes referred to as “green power” is power generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass sources. The mission of the GreenPower program is to support and promote educating Nevada’s preK-12 students in renewable energy and incorporating conscious living practices into their daily lives.

Since its inception in 2000, GreenPower has been a partnership between DRI, volunteer committee members, NV Energy, and their customers. Funded by the generosity of customers voluntarily adding a few dollars to their monthly electrical bill, 100% of the tax-deductible donations go towards renewable energy education in Nevada’s preK-12 schools. Sign up now to support green education in Nevada's schools!