The natural environment presents an excellent setting for student development of scientific investigations. This course will provide K-12 educators the skills needed to work with students as they design and perform their own science experiments related to the local environment. Educators will participate in watershed-based field investigations, develop experiments, collect and analyze data, and present results and conclusions. Teachers will plan curriculum for effective inquiry-based instruction by implementing strategies and techniques presented in class. The course will address learning standards in scientific investigations and the natural sciences. Course Instructor: Dr. Michael Pelton, MBC Adjunct Professor, Wildlife Science
The local environment provides numerous opportunities for connections to the standards in all content areas. In this course, educators will learn to integrate problem-based themes of the local community into the K-12 curriculum. Using the complex interconnections of natural and built environments, educators from rural to urban areas will learn to facilitate investigations of real-world issues from a variety of perspectives: historical, scientific, socio-cultural, economic, and personal. This course will emphasize the history, philosophy, and theory of using Environment-Based Learning (EBL) to teach state and national standards. Course Instructor: Dr. Tamra Willis, MBC Associate Professor, Graduate Teacher Education
When students look at the natural world, they ask questions. In searching for and communicating the answers, students need to be able to read and write effectively. In this course, educators will learn to build upon students’ natural curiosities to develop an environment-based literacy program for students in grades K-12. By connecting research-supported literacy instruction to experiences in the outdoors, educators can create reading and writing activities that are relevant and motivational for students. In the course, educators will study pedagogical skills and strategies that align instruction to local and state literacy standards. Methods, resources, and technology for teaching foundational reading skills and for using informational text, literature, writing, and assessments will be explored. Course Instructor: Dr. Dana McCauley, MBC Adjunct Professor, Education
Each course extends beyond the week, on-line, and provides 3 hours of graduate credit from MBC. The courses may apply toward the M.Ed. degree (EBL) through MBC. Tuition is discounted by grants for some of the courses. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is required. Courses will be held in Staunton and at various field-experience locations. Housing options are available.
