Wednesday - November 4, 2009 - Reflections from a Teacher Argo
Teacher Argonaut Jodi Phipps

Back home in Australia, I was very excited to go back to America and see the Argonauts and crew again. As a Teacher Argonaut, I had struck up some great friendships over the summer at bootcamp. The relationship with the students was not just one of teacher-student but one of friend also.

Arriving at beautiful Portland Airport, we saw the awesome volcano, Mt Hood. I waited in anticipation for the arrival of our JASON guide and the Argonauts. The students had not changed in the months that had passed. Their excitement and enthusiasm for the subject of Geology was shown in the expressions on their faces. The comradeship was still evident amongst all the Argonauts. I knew at that point this trip would be great.

Great is actually an understatement. The students that I am working with - Karina, Sacchi and Ben - are talented, bright and great representatives of their age groups. I am honoured and delighted to work with such students. Not only do the students have a great time as Argonauts but also the teachers. We get to learn, explore and experience with the students the science of a great subject such as Geology, but we have the added advantage of working with awesome students who are engaged and delighted to learn about science.

Teacher Argo Jodi and Walter Smith examining the Oregon Coast

Argos and Dr. Smith on the beach, demonstrating transform faults in thrust zones.