Fifth-grade students at Moriches Elementary School had the opportunity to learn about Gila monsters from Dr. Kevin Bonine, a well-known professor and director of the Arizona Institute for Resilience at the University of Arizona. The students participated in a Zoom call with Dr. Bonine, who has conducted extensive research on these venomous lizards native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Dr. Bonine is also the author of "Tracking Monsters," a story that describes scientists' efforts to study Gila monsters in their natural habitat in the Sonoran Desert. As part of their myView curriculum, Ms. Briana Ferguson's class read "Tracking Monsters" and developed an interest in both Gila monsters and Dr. Bonine's research.
In response to their enthusiasm, Dr. Bonine accepted an invitation from Ms. Ferguson to meet with the class virtually. Before the meeting, students prepared letters for him, sharing what they had learned and posing additional questions. During the Zoom call, Dr. Bonine gave an informational presentation about his work with Gila monsters and answered all student inquiries.
The interaction provided a valuable real-world experience for the students, who were engaged and excited by Dr. Bonine's presentation.