Hi! My name is Elena Banks and I am the Science Lab and Outdoor Learning Lab Gecko Garden Coordinator here at Grant. I am very excited to be part of Grant’s exceptional educational community and look forward to aiding your students in all things science, both inside the classroom and in our outdoor environmental garden lab.
I am a native San Diegan and cannot think of a better place to live! I graduated from San Diego State University with a B. A. in Psychology, a minor in Biology and a strong background in Early Childhood Development. I come to Grant after 9 years as an Education Specialist at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. While at the Science Center, I have gained valuable knowledge teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grade “School In The Park” science classes for Rosa Parks and Hamilton Elementary. I am currently getting my Masters in Biology with an emphasis in Environmental Sciences from the University of Miami-Ohio and Project Dragonfly-San Diego Zoo Global. Many of my research papers, studies and field experiments have been written and designed for our great science and garden programs.
I have found that students, as well as adults, learn best by a hands-on approach. The ability to problem-solve, work cooperatively in groups and communicate effectively is a positive outcome when associated with exciting activities and environments.
Elena Banks
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