by Jon Mitchell, Middle School Science Teacher

The ninth grade Biology class did not spend their usual lab period aboard the School’s research vessel or in the lab conducting experiments on Tuesday, February 2.  Instead, they met in the Board Room of the L/TC to hear Tristan Kading, a graduate student from Wesleyan University, speak about volcanism and some of the volcanic sites the group will be studying during their ISP trip to Costa Rica this March.  Mr. Kading and Pine Point first worked together last fall when he was trying to find help collecting sediment samples from the Mystic River for his research in coastal mercury contamination.  Two ninth graders, Joseph Rosen and Morgan Buffum, worked alongside Mr. Kading to collect approximately 20 sediment samples; the work was completed aboard the school’s research vessel, Quest using methods and equipment with which the students were familiar from their work in Biology class. 

During his 1 ½ hour presentation, Mr. Kading spoke to the seventh and ninth graders about the principles of plate tectonics and volcanism, emphasizing the cause and form of two common types of volcanoes.  The seventh grade students, who are focusing on geology in science, followed up with many questions, some of which led Mr. Kading to speak about the more adventurous side of working in the field as a volcanologist.  During the latter portion of his visit, he also spoke to the ninth graders in greater detail about his work in Argentina on Copahue Volcano and the volcanoes in Costa Rica that the students will be visiting this March.  He also spoke of some interesting aspects of his work in biogeochemistry, including the highly acidic (pH levels of 0!) volcanic lakes on which he focuses.  Although unlikely, some students are very hopeful we will see Mr. Kading in Costa Rica – coincidentally, he will be in San Jose for a conference at the same time as the students this March!