Marrington Elementary School Hosts STEM Monthly Mini Career Fair With Naturalist Courtney Hutson

Marrington Elementary School continued its STEM Monthly Mini Career Fair Series for 5th grade students with Naturalist/Boat Captain Courtney Hutson.  Mrs. Hustson works for Barrier island Eco Tours, which is a company that specializes in naturalist-guided excursions exploring the salt marshes and islands off of Charleston.  The goal of each tour is to expose people to Capers Island and its surrounding salt marsh ecosystem, in an informative way so guests leave with a greater respect and appreciation of this remarkably unspoiled place.  Mrs. Hutson is a boat captain for Barrier Island Eco Tours.  In a very enthusiastic and informative way that children can relate to, Mrs. Hustson explained that as a naturalist, she studies nature and speaks to students in schools, and on boat tours, teaching them about sea life and how to appreciate and protect it.  The students learned how she uses math and science in her job and about her steadfast belief that education makes all things possible. Following her presentation, the students engaged in a lively question and answer period with the Naturalist. 

The STEM Mini Career fair was a follow up activity for Marrington students.    Last week, MNE 5th graders were able to visit Barrier Island Eco Tours and take an excursion to Caper’s Island where they used their knowledge of ecosystems and applied it to the rich Lowcountry estuaries and barrier islands, enjoying a hands-on experience.

The big hit of the morning was Moses, the gentle, dolphin- spotting dog, who accompanies Captain Courtney wherever she goes on land or sea!

Monthly Mini Career Fairs that emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Stem), support the Berkeley County School District initiatives of supporting STEM awareness and increasing Community Engagement. They are sponsored by the school counselor, Mrs. Ann Schuler.