During our recent research expedition to Kiritimati, Kiribati, I had the opportunity to lead a day of teaching at Tennessee Primary School. Our team introduced all third-grade classes to the concept of symbiosis through interactive biology lessons. Together with the students, we explored the different benefits and harm of symbiotic relationships of reef organisms in both English and I-Kiribati, making it a fun bilingual learning experience. To bring the lesson to life, each child coloured an animal involved in a symbiotic relationship. We then played a lively game: as music played, the children moved around the room, and when it stopped, they had to quickly find and pair up with their matching symbiotic partner.
We wrapped up with a Q&A session, giving students the chance to ask about our home countries, our work as biologists, and the long-term coral research taking place on Kiritimati.
Kiribati
