Science Faculty Lead Circle Book Club Discussion on Kolbert's "Under a White Sky"
On Thursday May 20, alumni and science faculty gathered on Zoom to discuss Groton's second Circle Book Club selection, Elizabeth Kolbert’s recently published Under a White Sky: the Nature of the Future.
Groton science faculty David Black '80, Nathan Lamarre-Vincent, and Ali Hamlin kicked off the conversation about the Earth, its future, and students' environmental education. Dr. Black said he has seen students' interest in the environment shift during his thirty-two years teaching at Groton. "The biggest change has been technology, and the fact that we can now do levels of analysis that were completely impossible when I began teaching," he said. "Over three decades of teaching, I have come to realize that I want to only teach in an inquiry-based way, based on research, data collection, and huge amounts of time in the field—focused on problem-solving."
Ms. Hamlin, who teaches Chemistry and Second Form Science, covers environmental science and global warming with her Second Form students, who discuss possible solutions to some of the issues Ms. Kolbert documented in her book. Dr. Lamarre-Vincent said that these environmental issues come up in his Honors Chemistry class, when he covers thermodynamics through sharing sequential snapshots of the temperature anomalies, globally, since the 1950s and why these changes are occurring.
Small group discussions tackled questions such as: When we talk about nature; and the natural world, what are we really talking about at this point in the history of our planet? Does Kolbert present an optimistic picture of the possibilities of innovation to protect the planet? How do you stay optimistic in the face of the new claims of environmental degradation?
Sophie Conroy '19 said she "loved connecting with past teachers and other alums, especially to discuss such an interesting and relevant book." Several alumni who joined the discussion have pursued careers as science teachers, inspired by Dr. Black's teaching, as well that of other members of the science faculty.
The Alumni Office and librarian Mark Melchior look forward to the next Circle Book Club gathering, still over Zoom, in the fall. The book selection and date will be announced over the summer.
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Groton science faculty David Black '80, Nathan Lamarre-Vincent, and Ali Hamlin kicked off the conversation about the Earth, its future, and students' environmental education. Dr. Black said he has seen students' interest in the environment shift during his thirty-two years teaching at Groton. "The biggest change has been technology, and the fact that we can now do levels of analysis that were completely impossible when I began teaching," he said. "Over three decades of teaching, I have come to realize that I want to only teach in an inquiry-based way, based on research, data collection, and huge amounts of time in the field—focused on problem-solving."
Ms. Hamlin, who teaches Chemistry and Second Form Science, covers environmental science and global warming with her Second Form students, who discuss possible solutions to some of the issues Ms. Kolbert documented in her book. Dr. Lamarre-Vincent said that these environmental issues come up in his Honors Chemistry class, when he covers thermodynamics through sharing sequential snapshots of the temperature anomalies, globally, since the 1950s and why these changes are occurring.
Small group discussions tackled questions such as: When we talk about nature; and the natural world, what are we really talking about at this point in the history of our planet? Does Kolbert present an optimistic picture of the possibilities of innovation to protect the planet? How do you stay optimistic in the face of the new claims of environmental degradation?
Sophie Conroy '19 said she "loved connecting with past teachers and other alums, especially to discuss such an interesting and relevant book." Several alumni who joined the discussion have pursued careers as science teachers, inspired by Dr. Black's teaching, as well that of other members of the science faculty.
The Alumni Office and librarian Mark Melchior look forward to the next Circle Book Club gathering, still over Zoom, in the fall. The book selection and date will be announced over the summer.
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