Environment-Based Learning Courses
Summer 2009

June 22–26    Nature Journaling across the Curriculum

Nationally-known author and illustrator Clare Walker Leslie will lead this course as we practice the wonderful art of nature journaling. In the course, educators will study a variety of journaling techniques and artistic medium for observing and documenting the natural world, including the use of illustrations, painting, photographs, print material, and personal/professional writing. The course is designed to: 1) introduce educators to strategies for improving the artistic, written and reflective abilities of K-12 students using nature experiences; 2) encourage educators to use the outdoors around the school and community as sites for nature-related observation, documentation, and artistic/written expression; and 3) help educators develop school-based curriculum strategies for integrating art with science and writing through nature journaling.

June 29–July 2   Environment-Based Learning

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 use of Environment-Based Learning (EBL) to teach state and national standards.

July 6–10    Storytelling: A Pathway to Curriculum Integration

The oral tradition of storytelling provides a window into the context of culture and environment; therefore, the process can address standards in language arts, science, and social studies.  In the course, educators will come to understand how to use this timeless tradition as a tool for motivating student learning while enhancing the oral and written abilities of k-12 students. Through storytelling, students will learn to observe, reflect upon, and document their own sense of place in time. Donald Davis, nationally known and award winning storyteller, will return this summer as the facilitator for this course.  The course will begin with a 3-day stay on historic Smith Island with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and end at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton; the Chesapeake Bay and Shenandoah Valley will provide a cultural/environmental context for practicing the process.

Public Presentation by Donald Davis at 7 p.m., July 9 at the Frontier Culture Museum (view flyer - PDF)

July 13–17   Trout in the Classroom

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is designed to teach educators about a science-based curriculum developed through the conservation organization Trout Unlimited. In TIC programs, students in grades k-12 raise trout from eggs, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, learn to appreciate water resources, begin to foster a conservation ethic, and come to understand ecosystems. Most programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed. In the MBC course, educators will focus on integrating TIC across the curriculum, coordinating efforts with local resources, finding grant and funding options, and TIC tank set-up and maintenance. Field experiences will include stream studies, fisheries biology, and land use/watershed issues. 

Graduate Credit

Each course extends beyond the week, on-line, and provides 3 hours of graduate credit from MBC. The courses may apply toward the MEd degree in 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.

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