"We want the students to realize that 

 scientists aren't all geeks," says Eggleston. 

 "Research can be fun. The students get a 

 chance to joke and relate to researchers. Lisa 

 is like a guidance counselor. They phone 

 her about all sorts of different issues." 



experience is about. I have decided to 

 major in chemistry or a biological science." 



However, Ellison finds research work 

 too tedious and repetitious to do it for a 

 living. "Although it has been a great 

 learning experience, I will probably major 



Lisa Ethehngton and Derrick Blackmon prepare 

 the suction pump. 



Through a national education reform 

 effort, scientists are being encouraged to 

 mentor high school students. 



"This arrangement provides students 

 with first-hand knowledge of how research 

 works," says North Carolina Sea Grant 

 marine education specialist Lundie Spence. 

 "This may bring more people into science 

 careers. The university scientists also benefit 

 by extending the value of their investiga- 

 tions into school systems. This has a ripple 

 effect by getting teachers involved in 

 sharing new knowledge." 



Many of Eggleston' s students have 

 gone on to major in physical or earth 

 sciences at major universities. 



"I have some amazing stories about the 

 program turning on students," says 

 Eggleston. "One student was ready to drop 

 out of high school. After working on the 

 project, she decided to major in wildlife 

 management at a major university." 



Herzer's research job has confirmed 

 her desire to pursue a science career. 



"It's been a good experience," she 

 says. "Now I know what hands-on 



Lisa Ethehngton examines samples. 



in computer science," he says. 



In North Carolina more high schools 

 are offering marine science and aquacul- 

 ture classes as electives. 



"There is a tremendous interest in the 

 environment and oceanography," says Bill 

 Tucci, high school science consultant for 

 the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. 

 "Through the North Carolina Standard 

 Course of Study — goals and objectives 

 for the state's science curriculum — and 

 the National Science Education Standards, 

 students in grades K through 12 are being 

 encouraged to become more environmen- 

 tally aware." 



In marine occupation classes at 

 Pamlico County High School in Bayboro, 

 students learn to navigate, tie a knot and 

 read charts while on a 38-foot Harkers 

 Island trawler. 



"The class was more like a regular job 

 than school because you got out and did 

 things," says Allen Buck, a Pamlico High 



David Eggleston sorts samples with students. 



School junior. "I plan on going into the 

 Coast Guard after high school." 



Through a North Carolina Fishery 

 Resource Grant the students also have 

 studied bycatch-reduction devices used to 

 free unwanted fish or other catch not 

 targeted by fishers. 



"The research teaches them different 

 aspects of ecology and the value of 

 bycatch-reduction devices," says marine 

 occupation teacher Bruce Morris. "It also 

 gives them a chance to see how data is 

 collected. We actually make a trawl. 

 Sometimes, we come up with a better idea 

 how to use the device more effectively." 



Because of the success of the class, 

 Pamlico High School initiated a marine 

 biology class this year. 



A juvenile blue crab is tiny. 



14 HOLIDAY 1999 



