I am still in Pevek. The good news is that arrangements are underway to secure the needed equipment for the drilling operation at the lake. Today, as we were waiting in Pevek, we were invited to visit the Pevek School. Addie, Kristina, Jochem, Martin and I joined our translator Rita for a visit to the school. The school here in Pevek has been recently renovated; in fact, it just opened for students in February.
Newly remodeled Pevek School.
When we arrived, we learned that school was not in session and students were on holiday. However some students and teachers were present and we were invited to attend a seminar with where students were giving various presentations. We were invited into a large auditorium where we were introduced to the students and teachers. The first speaker was a student who gave a presentation about Russia...(and she delivered her speech in excellent English.)
Following the first presentation, I was invited to give a presentation about Lake El'gygytgyn. With the outstanding help of our translator Rita, I gave a similar presentation to what those of you at Northern Middle School and Greensboro Day School have seen.
Tim Martin with translator Margarita Nafjrova (Rita) giving presentation about Lake E.
Lake E presentation.
Following my presentation, two students gave reports about their study of Lake E.
Pevek High School student giving presentation about Lake E.
We then listened to student presentations on a wide variety of subjects including: literature, science, geometric and algebraic fractals, children's social issues, the role of religion in Russia during World War II, and the art and mathematics of M.C. Escher. Although the presentations were in Russian, it was fun listening and watching the skills of these students. It is clear that many of them have excellent public speaking skills as well as a mastery of presentation technology. Following the seminar and awards presentation, we toured the school.
Pevek School Library
Although I am missing March-Madness back home in North Carolina, Pevek School is ready is ready to host some games!
Pevek School Gym
All the boys in the school take an industrial technology (shop) class. The room was well equipped with a variety of tools.
Shop classroom.
I was very impressed when we visited the computer lab. The room had plenty of new computers, at the teacher's desk was a document camera, projector and SMART board...just like the one in front of my classroom back home.
Pevek School Computer Lab
Pevek School Computer lab with SMART board and document camera.
It is clear both from the facility and from the student presentations that Pevek has an excellent school. It is somewhat sad to see many parts of this town that are run-down, but I was so pleased to see the quality and condition of the school. I wonder... how many cities in the United States can you say that the school is the nicest building in town?
Following dinner, we took a long walk across the frozen Pevek Bay. Here are a few images of the town of Pevek and another Arctic sunset.
Uptown Pevek viewed from the (frozen) Pevek Bay.
West Pevek viewed from across Pevek Bay (Hydromet Building is the last on the left.)
Sunset near Pevek.
T-Mart staying warm in Pevek!