Mobile ocean lab visits city schools

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
Dauphin Island Sea Lab based in Mobile invaded the Russellville City School system this week to spread the word about keeping water systems and oceans healthy.
The lab has been in Russellville for three days and is making its last stop at RHS today, showing off sea creatures and explaining how these creatures are able to live and the research that is being done on the world’s oceans.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab educator Carrie Dixon said her organization travels all over the state to speak to students who may not know much about the ocean.
RES Enrichment teacher Kim Hood organized the lab’s visit and believes the visit has successful taught the students more about the ocean world and the species that live in it. Hood said it was a long process though to get the lab to visit.
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab only visits those schools who really want to be visited, have a high number of free reduced lunch students and visits schools were it hasn’t made a visit it a long time. Hood said the students were really excited to see the lab.
RES Cafeteria manager Joanne Pearson was even open to schedule meals incorporating a theme to their menu.
Dixon said she loves her job and hopes to reach other school systems in the area and throughout the state.
Around 98 students were directly involved in the program, not only attending the lab, but also doing ocean projects and posters to help each student learn the value of the ocean. Parents were able to get involved as well, visiting RES to view what all the children had been doing.
Hood would like to thank Dauphin Island Sea Lab and everyone who lent a helping hand in making this ocean learning experience a special lesson for the students.