Over 400 Fort Sam Houston Elementary students, teachers and chaperones were sent to Sea World for an off-season, fully funded field trip.
Cardiologist and local philanthropist, Dr. Eli Whitney, developed the program GAMER - Giving Americans Motivational Education for the Real World. With an emphasis on math and science and his non-academic keys to success; the program provides students with access to field trip opportunities and guest speakers, all fully funded by Whitney.
More than 10 animal trainers, handlers and biologists were available to interact with the students and teachers. Sea World staff talked about their jobs and the education required to achieve their level of success.
Also stressed was the importance of non-academic skills such as being on time, being responsible, and the desire to learn new things.
Many of the classes had already learned about living organisms, inherited traits and animal adaptations. The field trip experience brought that learning to life. Writing classes refined their skills using information gained from the field trip experience. Writing about topics such as, “My Day at Sea World” were completed upon return to school.
Six classes used the opportunity to write personal “thank you” notes to Whitney.
Daniela Riedlova commented on the coral reef exhibit, “Those fish don't even look real. They are so beautiful.”
“This is a wonderful, rich experience for our children. Some have expressed an interest in science as a field of study,” said Carolyn Absher, elementary teacher.
One teacher, Leah Goff, provided notepads and pencils for her class to use for gathering information as her children moved from one living exhibit to another. Others provided questions for a “life science scavenger hunt.”
Mayceo Wilson's comment summed it up, “It's like a dream. I don't want to leave.”
