Summer 2022 Course Information

Place-based Science for Educators
July 11 - 22

Instructor: Mike Blouin

$400

($775 with three graduate credits)

Course Overview:

Break down the walls of your science classroom!  This online course, designed for science educators of all age groups, provides in-depth strategies to engage students in the places they live as they study science content and skills.  Educators will learn to how to “read the landscape” in their local communities as they learn new species, ecological frameworks, and observational practices. 

Participants will come away with place-based science activities and assignments they can use with their students, newfound connections to a community of like-minded educators, and a robust plan to integrate place-based teaching into their practice.

Course Goals:

  • Build competence and confidence in understanding the species and ecologies of local natural landscapes.
  • Develop new observation and investigation practices you can use with your students to help them learn about local ecosystems.
  • Build strong relationships with other teachers interested in pursuing place-based teaching and learning with their students; learn from these fellow educators.
  • Develop a concrete and specific plan to integrate place-based teaching into your classroom or organization.

 

Detailed Objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least six common New England tree, herbaceous plant, and/or bird species. (maps to goal #1)
  • Understand how topography, substrate, and disturbance history influence natural communities. (goal #1)
  • Assess a chosen place using a “pieces, patterns, process” framework. (goal #2)
  • Use practices of sketching, photography, and question-asking to deepen their observational skills (goal #2).
  • Articulate their place-based experiences and aspirations to fellow educators, and serve as effective sounding boards for one another. (goal #3)
  • Develop a detailed plan that will allow students to use at least one specific place to practice science skills or learn science content. (goal #4)
  • Use content learned in the course to generate specific and actionable ideas for one’s own teaching practice. (goal #4)

Course Schedule

Module #1: Mon, July 11 – Tues, July 12

Theme: Introductions and Starting Place-based Science Investigations

Asynchronous work (readings, videos, site visits):  ~6 hours

Synchronous meeting (at end of module): Tues, July 12, 3:00 – 4:30PM, Zoom

 

Module #2: Weds, July 13 – Fri, July 15

Theme: Reading the Local Landscape

Asynchronous work (readings, videos, site visits):  ~6 hours

Synchronous meeting (at end of module): Fri, July 15, 3:00 – 4:30PM, Zoom

 

Module #3: Mon, July 18 – Tues, July 19

Theme: Integrating Art and Science

Asynchronous work (readings, videos, site visits):  ~6 hours

Synchronous meeting (at end of module): Tues, July 19, 3:00 – 4:30PM, Zoom

 

Module #4: Weds, July 20 – Fri, July 22

Theme: Finalizing Your Place Plan

Asynchronous work (readings, videos, site visits):  ~6 hours

Synchronous meeting (at end of module): Thurs, July 21, 3:00 – 4:30PM, Zoom

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