Every night, I go to bed filled with wonder🌠. Today, we studied Plankton, the marvelous creatures at the heart of our Earth’s oceanic food chain. Every teaspoon of sea water can contain millions of these tiny organisms that together create a menagerie of colors, shapes and tasty morsels for our oceanic wild-life.
Our guide today was the lovely Linda Chilton, Los Angeles based marine
scientist, who shed light on the important role plankton play as “primary producers” in marine ecosystems. Plankton form the basis of our oceanic food web, in addition to regulating the global carbon cycle and producing over 50% of the Earth’s oxygen. My favorites were the comb jellies!!! Also known as Ctenophora, comb jellies are lined with iridescent cilia which they use to propel themselves through the water like batting hundreds of rainbow eyelashes. We learned these tiny treasures have been drastically affected by human activity including industrial waste, municipal waste, agricultural run-off, and accidental spillage. Since all life is interconnected, we can no-longer think of toxins in isolation. What effects the soil, will soon effect the water, and what effects the water will inevitably effect us all. The more I learn about the natural world the more responsibility I feel to honor and take care of our mother Earth. Indeed, we are one. Looking into nature is like looking into a cosmic mirror that reflects our past, present and future selves. It is my prayer that our students will also walk away with a renewed sense reverence and responsibility. There are infinite possibilities for creating positive change and it all begins with the decision to care. Today’s lesson made me want to care about life, honor death, and continue my education so I can be the change I wish to see in this world. With love and courage for our future and all my relations–Selah.
P.s. The day is winding down and we’re all telling scary stories by the fire.😱🔥I thought I would include the funniest quotes of the day!!
Michelle: “The struggle is real so you gotta do what you gotta do” (in reference to having to shave with lotion)
Clayton: “I wish Pokemon were real”
Chrsita replies “Wouldn’t that be animal cruelty?”
Sarah “I need to hug Brandon, I need to hug Clayton, I need to hug Jackie, I need to hug Leah, I need to hug…” the list continues–if you can’t tell–we like our hugs in this group
Listening to Kayleen sing Hello Dolly and the F-u-n spongebob song with Christina was pretty fun too!
Okay goodnight!!! Sweet dreams and all that good stuff! ✌️😊
With Love,
Violet
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