It’s been a crazy full week. The school on St. Paul Island has been buzzing with activity, learning, and excitement. It’s been really fun to pass doorways, and hear talk of bones, pressure, plants, ocean acidification, fur-seals, birds… and more!
We had a biodiversity field trip out to a fur-seal blind each afternoon, and continued with invasive species activities each morning. We talked about how important the Pribilof Islands are to breeding seabirds, and why we need to keep the Pribilofs rat-free.
Paul, from the Tribal Government ECO office, did a great presentation on the St. Paul rat prevention program, bringing in rat-traps for everyo
ne to see. Each class enjoyed learning about the rat traps, what they do, and how they work. Many thanks Paul.
The younger age classes made rat finger puppets and facemasks. And, the older students simulated the design and execution of a biosecurity plan to keep rats out of one end of the school building. A group of rats (students) tried to enter the building to test the biosecurity plan. A few managed to squeak in (hidden inside clothes and a Kleenex box)! A revised version of the plan would need to include checking all arriving cargo and packages.
The last day culminated in plankton-races, and with an open community event where each class presented a poster. Students did a great job in sharing what they learnt during the week.
Andrei and Diamond did a wonderful job hosting a “Rat Table” at the community event that shared information about rats, rat prevention programs, and the St. Paul rat-traps with all the other students. Thanks to you both.
And, many thanks to everyone for all the organization and team-work to bring together such a rich week for everyone.
Meeting a rat! Photo by Pam Goddard
High school class out on the field trip
Andrei and Diamond at the Rat table
Making rat masks: photo by Lisa Hiruki-Raring, NOAA
The Orca skeleton display during the Community Event
Ram’s rat-maize. No birds were safe!
Paul showing how the St. Paul rat traps work
Pam showing how rats climb the rope to reach the bait
Music with Seth and Aquilina
Unearthing the buried reindeer skeleton
Rat invasion! photo by Lisa Hiruki-Raring, NOAA