Hi Mary Anne-
Yes, I agree having common research and comparing and contrasting makes for a good strong relationship. I believe we will try to ask the Pribilof Is schools to do regular samplings of phytoplankton and zooplankton. I am trying to get a connection from the University of Hawaii to come out here and work with my students (with input from Ray my chief scientist) to make plankton nets and establish the parameters for a plankton sampling protocol.
A common space to post the data to is important, as well as discussion and comparison of data.
But there is the social aspect, my kids want to know more about the kids in the Pribilof. We are going to try and develop a cultural swapping treasure trove ( filled with things my students believe represent the mana (spirit) values and culture) and send it off to the Pribs. In return, we are hoping they do the same to us. Just in the talk stage now, but it will require buy in from the social studies teacher on my team as well as the other team teachers.
Have you any ideas to help establish a strong friendship on other levels, outside of science?
Also, would your class be interested in creating ties with my class? I'll bet our water data might be very different than others? Let me know if you want to jump onboard. I would love to extend our research to other mainland schools too :)
warmly,
Maggie