Blackpool Zoo's Head of Education, Sarah Thomas Joins an Earthwatch Educator Expedition

By Samantha Butcher

Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Zoo’s Head of Education, Sarah Thomas, will be helping scientists investigating how climate change is affecting our woodlands when she joins an Earthwatch Educator Expedition this summer.

Earlier this year Earthwatch, the international environmental charity, invited UK-based secondary level teachers and educational leaders to apply to join one of its scientific research expeditions during the summer holiday period.

Sarah Thomas, who lives in Lancaster, is one of 28 successful applicants who will join a team of fellow teachers in August. Sarah will work alongside scientists as a research assistant in Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire.

The research will take into account many aspects of forest ecology, from measuring uptake and release of carbon dioxide, to monitoring small mammal populations that depend on the forest habitat. This study will help inform decisions on how similar habitats worldwide should be managed in the future for the benefit of the people and wildlife that depend on them.

Experienced facilitators will help the teachers link the research and their experiences on the project to the curriculum. They will work together to devise educational resources for use in the classroom, and these resources will be made available for others to use. The teachers that Earthwatch engages in hands-on conservation research will in turn engage their students, inspiring them to take deeper interests in science, geography and the environment around them.

Sarah said: “I’m really looking forward to the chance to work with some of the leading climate change scientists on this project. Conservation of animals and the natural world, along with other environmental issues is high on Blackpool Zoo’s agenda.

“The work Earthwatch is doing now will no doubt help us to be more informed about the future of our planet. The knowledge and skills gained from this week will hopefully instigate future projects within the zoo and the local Fylde coast community.”

After the expedition, Sarah and her team-mates will be eligible to apply for £150 grants to kick start their own environmental initiatives in their school or community.

The Earthwatch 2009 Educator Programme is funded by ICAP, the world's premier interdealer broker. The programme, now in its 12th year, has allowed more than 600 teachers and educators to experience hands-on conservation research on Earthwatch expeditions.

To find out more about Blackpool Zoo visit www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk. You can also support the attraction on Facebook and Twitter.

Notes

The teacher placements include a fully-funded place on the project in Oxfordshire, plus comprehensive briefing materials and preparation guidance from a designated member of Earthwatch staff. All accommodation, food and transport on the project is provided, as well as an allowance for travel to the expedition site.

Earthwatch is an international environmental organisation whose mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Earthwatch currently supports 61 environmental research projects in 31 countries by providing funds and volunteers who work alongside leading field scientists and researchers.

Through experiential learning on research expeditions, Earthwatch works to improve environmental literacy and encourage behavioural change. Earthwatch has trained over 3,500 students, 4,000 classroom teachers and over 1,000 scientists from developing countries, and many more through our online learning programs and resources.

 Website: http://www.earthwatch.org/europe

Information about Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world wide player.

Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes. The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orangutans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos.

Blackpool Zoo is open every day from 10.00am.

Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP. Tel: 01253 830830.

To view Blackpool Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-121-Black_Pool_Zoo_and_Dinosaur_Safari