The Magical, Mystical, Watery World

Scott Simon, Marine Ecologist at UCSB, came to the Anacapa School to discuss hydrology, geology, ecology and of course, 80s Hair Bands. Scott challenged traditional definitions of science and encouraged students to see their personal role in science, or the study of “why things happen.” Scott reminded students and teachers of the uniqueness of Santa Barbara and its coastal environments. He encouraged an appreciation for change and the complexity of environmental systems, rather than one-sided fear. After many years of studying the environment in Santa Barbara and elsewhere, Scott has learned at least one thing, “the more things change, the more things change. “

Student Response: “The speaker I would like to write about is Scott Simon of UCSB’s Marine Science Institute because he was a really awesome guy with a lot to tell.  At first it was hard to believe that he was a rock star when he was young – he was so smart!  I thought it was cool that he could have such a bright array of hobbies – rocking out and being a marine biologist.  I think that, in the future, I would want to be able to have two professions.  That is mostly because I can’t decide what I want to do.” –  M.P. (grade 9)