As I think of our work today, I am thinking about where I see our efforts moving.
First, there have been many positives related to our environmental education efforts in the past many years, positives including the following:
- embedding science standards, STEAM activities, and SEL into local environmental education
- giving students substantial time to explore and enjoy nature
- providing opportunities for students to be environmental stewards
- sharing our work with colleagues, administrators, and the community to build greater awareness about the need to protect, preserve, and enjoy the environment around us.
When we meet today, I'll be interested in learning about Drumlin Farm's overarching focus and direction with their grant--what specifically do they want the grant work to result in.
I am also interested in pursuing the following activities with regard to the grant and our science/STEAM teaching/learning:
- more recess-time naturalist, environmental play and learning activities
- a greater multi disciplinary approach to environmental education--more reading, composition, and presentation.
- building and deepening students' naturalist mindsets and behaviors
- greater integration with community efforts and events such as River Days
- greater focus on problem solving methods, routines, and result with regard to local environmental issues and opportunities.
It is always an exciting opportunity to develop programming and efforts to best serve students, families, and the community, and today marks one of those opportunities.
