Seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher, Lindsay Sandzik Robinson, was awarded a grant from the Redwood Day School Parents' and Guardians' Association towards travel-study in the Galapagos Islands to "see what Darwin saw" and bring back insights into evolutionary biology, ecosystems, and human impact on the environment to her students. Each year, the RDSPGA provides generous grants to support the continued education and development of RDS faculty and staff, beyond the scope of the School's professional development programs. Faculty and staff apply in the spring, and the grants are awarded on the basis of a competitive application process.

"My journey took me to Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. I traveled the southern Galapagos aboard a large catamaran with eleven other passengers from around the world, a crew, and an English-speaking naturalist guide. Each day I did two snorkels and two land excursions. Some of the highlights from my trip include:

• hiking deep into a lava cave and with only the light of my headlamp and swimming to the end through the cool dark water
• snorkeling with sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions who loved to play, and countless species of fish
• hiking to the cliffs of Espanola Island where I saw nesting marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and albatross taking flight from the cliffs 
• traversing the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where I saw giant land tortoises in their natural habitat and ate fresh passion fruit from the tree
• straddling 0 degrees longitude, 0 degrees latitude and visiting the "Center of the Earth" Museum

I am inspired, awed, and thankful for the opportunity. I look forward  to sharing my experiences with my students."