Professional development for teachers of Biology:  The marine environment, biodiversity, and climate change

Over the summer months, snorkelling sessions were held for teachers of Biology in Church schools at various coastal locations around Malta by our Head of Department for Biology, Mr Konrad Pirotta,. These field sessions were meant to enhance awareness and hands-on experience about the local marine environment. During each session, participants had the opportunity to visit and explore some of the most important local marine environments. These included Posidonia oceanica meadows, boulder screes, vertical walls and sandy bottoms. Differences between photophilic and sciaphilic assemblages were also observed at each site. The sites visited included Qawra Point, St. Paul’s Islands, Għajn Tuffieha and the Qarraba promontory, and L’Ahrax/ Irdum l-Aħmar in Mellieħa. Teachers discussed the importance of each site within the local, as well as, the Mediterranean context. The possible impacts of sea-level rise and sea temperature rise were also discussed. Teachers will now be exploring ways in which pupils can also be exposed to such natural wonders around the Maltese Islands.