Living on the edge with Ms. Griffin
By Kathleen Griffin
This summer, I had the opportunity to visit the Bimini Shark Lab in the Bahamas. I was one of 28 educators from across North America that was awarded a scholarship to be able to spend one week learning about marine biology and participating in field experiences that involved swimming with sharks and rays in their natural habitat: the ocean.
Since the Country Day School is more than 1000 kilometers from the nearest ocean – marine biology can sometimes feel like a world away. Because of my limited background in marine science, I often found it challenging to meaningfully incorporate ocean ecosystems when teaching biodiversity in my senior school Biology courses.
My experience in Bimini was immersive and inspiring. I’ve come away, not only with a stronger understanding of sharks and rays, but also with the confidence to bring that knowledge back into my classroom. I now feel better equipped to introduce my students to the rich biodiversity of our oceans, thanks to the lectures provided by Dr. Dean Grubbs - a fish ecologist and world renowned shark expert. I also appreciated the chance to collaborate with other educators and form connections that will last well beyond our time in Bimini. And of course, I loved my time spent in the ocean. The field experiences were absolutely incredible and I’m taking away a renewed appreciation for our beautiful oceans.
Since arriving home, I’ve spent some time unpacking the information that I learned during my time in Bimini and reflecting on how to meaningfully weave these insights into my teaching. When I explore climate change with my Grade 10 students this year, I can now speak confidently about the impacts of a warming ocean on shark migration patterns. I can also talk about how human activities like dredging the ocean floors and destroying mangrove forests threaten critical nursery habitats for juvenile lemon sharks and other marine species. When I teach about food webs, I will challenge the common misconception that all sharks are apex predators. What I now understand, and can share, is that sharks are an incredibly diverse group of animals occupying a wide range of ecological roles. And when it comes to teaching evolution, I can finally do justice to the elasmobranchs, a fascinating branch of the evolutionary tree that I’ve too often overlooked in past years. These are just a few examples of the rich curriculum connections I’m excited to make. Most importantly though, I hope that by sharing stories of my time at the Bimini Shark Lab, I will inspire my students to step outside, get curious, and explore the world around them – just like I did.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
