Science Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

The Marco Island Charter Middle School is more than just a building comprised of brick and mortar. I continue to be impressed by the wonderment of the educational professionalism demonstrated within those walls by the men and women who have chosen education as their personal pathway to making a difference with the young minds that are entrusted to them. 

Last week, I had the honor of being invited to the presentation made by some of the staff members of the Skunk Ape Research Center located on U.S. 41 in Ochopee, Florida. The students heard from David Shealy, who has spent his entire life living in the Everglades and investigating the numerous sightings of what are referred to as Skunk Apes, the most famous of which was sighted in July of 2000. He and his staff members made their presentation to Ms. Rexford’s seventh-grade science classes and were treated to many interesting facts concerning the Everglades and its varied inhabitants. 

Besides the infamous Skunk Ape discussions, Ms. Rexroth’s classes also heard from Sonia Schnitzius, another Florida Naturalist who fascinated the classes as she introduced them to live alligators, snakes, and other inhabitants of the Everglades. Ms. Schnitzius has made presentations throughout Florida on the many unique aspects of the Everglades. 

Both Shealy and Schnitzius were peppered by the inquisitive seventh-grade students with questions and demonstrated their curiosity and lack of fear as they held some of the animals brought by the Everglades Skunk Ape Research Center. 

Ms. Rexroth’s classes appeared to enjoy the presentation on the Everglades and the folklore revolving around the Skunk Ape and all the other creatures that call the Everglades home. 

Ms. Rexroth reflects on the comments by U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride when talking about her love of science. “Science is about exploring the unknown and discovering new possibilities. The joy of discovery is the most exciting thing in life,” said Dr. Sally Ride, America’s First Woman in Space.