Nurturing Ocean Stewards: Inside Mrs. Kutcher’s Marine Science Classroom

Jess Kutcher’s marine science classroom at Toll Gate High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, is a dynamic hub of exploration and learning – a perfect example of environmental education at its finest. Drawing from her extensive lived experience in marine-related education, research, and professional experiences, Jess infuses her teaching with real-world insights that inspire students and foster a deep passion for the marine environment. 

Mrs. Kutcher double-majored in biology and environmental studies at Bowdoin College. She then completed her MS degree in Environmental Science from the University of Rhode Island. Afterward, she worked as an environmental contractor for the Navy, gaining extensive knowledge of environmental law. Mrs. Kutcher is thrilled to have found her way to teaching and feels fortunate to be part of a community where she can share her passion for the natural world every day. 

Naturally reflecting her unique background, Mrs. Kutcher’s classroom weaves together those unique experiences to provide students with a holistic, big picture view of environmental science as it relates to marine ecosystems. Throughout the year, her students delve into major ocean phyla while addressing critical issues such as pollution, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, overfishing, salt marsh loss, trophic cascades, habitat destruction, marine plastic pollution, and ocean noise.  

Restoring Atlantic Salmon Populations 

One standout project involves raising endangered Atlantic salmon from eggs each winter. Mrs. Kutcher’s class partners with the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife for this project. Once the salmon reach the fry stage, students release them into a river. Before the release, they assess the river’s health by identifying invertebrates, which indicate water quality. Atlantic salmon are endangered due to dams, pollution, and overfishing and haven’t returned to Rhode Island rivers for hundreds of years. This project aims to restore their population and to give students the opportunity to actively contribute to the health of their local ecosystems, while giving them hands-on experience out in nature.  

Observing The Impacts of Plastic Pollution  with Albatross Boluses 

This year, Mrs. Kutcher’s students participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day, coordinated by The Ocean Conservancy and Save The Bay. This year alone, students picked up over 1,000 pieces of plastic from their local beach (nearly 350 pounds of trash!). 

In preparation for this day of action, Mrs. Kutcher’s students study plastic pollution and create related projects to help address the problem. As part of this program, students dissect albatross boluses to understand one way the Great Pacific Garbage Patch impacts marine organisms. Albatross boluses are the indigestible materials that are thrown up when the albatross chicks fledge before going out to sea. These boluses contain organic matter like squid beaks and fish eggs, as well as inorganic matter like plastics and other pollutants. These boluses act as good indicators on the health of our oceans and current marine debris situation. The boluses were given to Mrs. Kutcher’s class by Oikonos.org who collected them from Kure Atoll. In addition to the Oikonos lesson plans, Mrs. Kutcher utilizes Algalita’s free resources for educators via Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education. 

Exploring the Narragansett Bay Estuary  

Every year, Mrs. Kutcher’s students learn about estuaries by visiting their local estuary. Living in the Ocean State, they are near Narragansett Bay, an estuary she considers one of the most important ecosystems for them to study. Students explore the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, established in 1972 through the Coastal Zone Management Act. 

After learning about estuaries, each student selects one of the nation’s 30 reserves to research. Merging tourism, art and advocacy, they create travel brochures to persuade their peers to visit their chosen reserve. At the end of the year, students apply their learning during a field trip to a local salt marsh. There, they study salt marsh plants, learn about the ecosystem services these habitats provide, and identify local species they catch in their nets. 

Health of Coral Reefs  

During wintertime, Mrs. Kutcher teaches a unit on coral reefs – a topic she prefers to cover in December and January when the weather is typically cold. However, with increasingly warm winters, the mental break from snow is becoming less necessary. 

In this unit, students explore why coral bleaching occurs and how rising sea temperatures contribute to this phenomenon. They study the destruction of reefs and the loss of vital ecosystem services that corals provide. NOAA’s Data in the Classroom has been a valuable resource for this unit. 

Additionally, students learn how increasing carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel emissions lead to ocean acidification, making it difficult for corals to maintain strong skeletons. New this year, Mrs. Kutcher plans to introduce an investigation into coral diseases using photographs. Students will examine how human factors like agricultural runoff, sewage, and pollution spread diseases. They will also explore how climate change introduces pathogens to new areas and how warming oceans weaken corals, making them more vulnerable to disease. 

Marine Conservation Laws in Action 

Mrs. Kutcher finds it challenging to fit everything into the marine science curriculum because there is so much to cover! Toward the end of the year, students study sea turtles and marine mammals. Since all sea turtles in the U.S. and many marine mammals are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), this unit reinforces their earlier lessons on the ESA when they studied Atlantic salmon. Students also learn about the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the threats these animals face, such as habitat loss, ocean noise, and ship strikes, highlighting the importance of these protective laws. Each student researches a specific species, its conservation status (endangered, threatened, or a species of concern), and critical habitat. 

Throughout her entire journey as an educator, Jess emphasizes environmental stewardship, encouraging students to make conscious choices and advocate for sustainability. Her holistic approach not only equips students with critical knowledge but also empowers them to become passionate advocates for the marine environment’s future. 

Students picked up 1,145 plastic items (350 lbs of trash) at their local beach!