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A Maui Preparatory Academy science teacher got up close to lava flows at Kilauea this summer in a program developed by a University of Hawaii-Manoa geology professor.

Carrie DeMott was one of three teachers in the Research Experience for Teachers in Volcano-Petrology (RET/V-P) program, created by Julia Hammer, associate professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

Hammer developed and obtained the grants to fund RET/V-P, which this year included DeMott, Rita Crocker of Missouri and Nancy Iaukea of the Big Island. The teachers had their expenses paid and received a stipend.

The weeklong program in June provided field-study experiences on Oahu and the Big Island. Teachers participated in lab experiments, duplicating volcanic processes found in nature, explored and studied Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, viewed the vents at the observatory on Kilauea and hiked the lava flows to the ocean entry point.

This annual research experience provides teachers with tools that can be utilized in the classroom. DeMott said she plans to provide her students with hands-on experiences while exploring Maui's geologic past and possibly take her students to see the volcano on the Big Island.

The teachers were selected based on their resume, the creation of an educational plan and passion for teaching.

DeMott said, "Being able to experience the formation of these beautiful islands with volcanologists not only will enhance the content that I am able to bring to the classroom, but will enable me to teach with an enthusiasm that can be gained only through experience."