Norwalk Teens Celebrated for Maritime TeMPEST Program

High school students in Norwalk took part in an after-school program that is in its third year at the Maritime Acquarium.

Students participate in the TeMPEST (Teen Maritime Program Emphasizing Science & Technology) program once a week; a total of 51 students participate.

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The participants attend all three Norwalk high schools: Brien McMahon, Norwalk and Richard C. Briggs. One attends Fairchild Wheeler Magnet School in Bridgeport. Most are underclassmen; there’s one senior.

At a May 28 ceremony at the Aquarium for parents, teachers and friends, Bridget Cervero, the Aquarium’s TeMPEST coordinator, gave special recognition to 11 students for their exceptional work. They are: Sahian Becerril, Ashley Gittens, Robert Kovach Jr., Aldo Ojeda, Kayla Pennell, Daniel Posadas, Benton Tarala and Carla Valdez of Brien McMahon; Ryan Dudek and Nazareth Hernandez of Norwalk High; and Evelyn Buceta of Briggs High.

Also during the May 28 event, the students displayed the results of some of their work from the school year. One team operated a hydrophone and aquatic remotely operated vehicles (ROV) that they built. A second team showed news-style videos they produced focused on animal evolution and adaptations. And a third team manned activity booths that they created – such as those offered to Maritime Aquarium visitors – that engaged guests with interactive demonstrations focused on conservation.

Tom Naiman, the Aquarium’s director of education, said other TeMPEST highlights this year included: hosting guest speakers from the Aquarium and other professions; field trips to the Museum of Natural History and other science-based institutions; working with Trout Unlimited to raise trout in the classroom and release them this spring; a three-day spring-break trip to Boston for college visits, a whale watch and tour of the New England Aquarium; and more.

Plus, Naiman said 20 percent of the students have completed the training course to become Aquarium volunteers.

“This shows their interest in the marine environment and in their commitment to learning and improving themselves,” Naiman said. “In turn, it’s also a great benefit to The Maritime Aquarium to have such young and enthusiastic volunteers here to interpret exhibits for our guests.”

Thomas Seuch, chair of Brien McMahon’s science department, told the students that their participation in TeMPEST gives them an advantage when they apply to colleges. Colleges, he said, will have two stacks of applications – a tall one full of average applicants, and a smaller one with quality applicants.

“Which pile do you want to be in? Programs like TeMPEST will get you into these piles,” he said, pointing to the imagined smaller stack.

TeMPEST was launched with 10 students in the 2012-13 academic year, thanks to a $26,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. The program has grown in participation each year, from 38 students in 2013-14 to the 51 students this year.

A $150,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation is enabling the Aquarium to continue TeMPEST into the 2015-16 school year.

Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium, congratulated the students. Davis, who joined the Aquarium in December, said TeMPEST is known within education circles among other member institutions of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

“People are recognizing the important work happening with the TeMPEST program,” he said. “You guys are doing amazing things.”

For more information about The Maritime Aquarium’s educational programs, for students of all ages, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700.