Summary of Inspiring Future Educators – Brevard Zoo:
Alec Walsh has fond childhood memories of visiting Brevard Zoo, including attending Zoo School as a fifth grader. This experience solidified his passion for working with animals and the natural world. Now, as an education specialist at the zoo, Alec can connect with students and inspire them in STEM fields. The zoo’s education department offers programs that align with state science standards and focus on various themes. Alec hopes to make a difference and inspire others to pursue careers in STEM.
Summary:
– Alec Walsh’s childhood experiences at Brevard Zoo shaped his passion for animals and the natural world.
– As an education specialist at the zoo, Alec now helps inspire and educate students through various programs.
– The Zoo School program provides a unique learning experience for fifth-grade students, taking them outside the traditional classroom setting.
– Alec’s goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and make a difference in the natural world.
When childhood memories intertwine with a career path, it creates a unique and powerful connection. That connection was fostered for Alec Walsh through his experiences at Brevard Zoo. From kayaking on the zoo’s grounds to participating in afterschool programs, Alec’s love for animals and nature was ignited.
One of the most transformative moments in Alec’s life was when he spent nine weeks at our Zoo School as a fifth grader. This immersive program allows local fifth-grade students, like Alec and his class from Cambridge Elementary, to step outside the typical classroom and uncover the wonders of the natural world in a “wilder” setting.
“It solidified what I wanted to do: work with animals or our natural world,” Alec recalls. And that’s exactly what he has been doing ever since. Now an education specialist at Brevard Zoo, Alec has the opportunity to inspire and educate students, just as he was once inspired himself.
“I love connecting with the kids,” Alec says of his dream job. He understands the importance of having relatable role models, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). By sharing his journey with the students, Alec hopes to show them that anyone can pursue a career in STEM and make a difference in the world.
Brevard Zoo’s Education department, led by Alec and his team, offers a variety of programs that align with the state’s science standards and the zoo’s mission. Each program focuses on themes such as Zoology, Ecology, Human Dimension of the Environment, and The Nature of Science. Students can engage in hands-on activities, interactive learning, and animal encounters through these programs.
Alec vividly remembers the instructors who inspired him at Zoo School. Their passion for making a positive impact on the natural world was palpable. Now, Alec strives to provide a similar experience for the students he works with, knowing that a single moment of inspiration can change someone’s life.
“If my actions or words can inspire one person to join a career in STEM, I would be happy because I made a difference,” Alec states. He recognizes the power of his role in shaping young minds and fueling their curiosity for the natural world.
The Zoo School program continues to be a highlight for many fifth-grade students in the area. Its unique approach to education allows them to explore, learn, and grow while surrounded by the beauty of nature and the zoo’s animal residents. The program enriches their understanding of zoology and ecology and teaches them the importance of conservation and protecting our planet.
As we strive to create a more sustainable and harmonious world, we must inspire the next generation of educators, scientists, and conservationists. Through the dedication of individuals like Alec Walsh, Brevard Zoo is doing just that. By providing unforgettable experiences and fostering a love for nature, the zoo is shaping future leaders who will positively impact our planet.
So, whether it’s kayaking for the first time or exploring the zoo’s loops at afterschool programs, Brevard Zoo offers endless opportunities for children to connect with nature and discover their passion. Who knows, perhaps the next generation of wildlife experts, zookeepers, or environmental scientists will be inspired within the gates of this remarkable institution. The journey starts with a moment that can change lives and shape the future.
