Study and creating are sports for me. I can't wait to dig deeply into learning/teaching topics to make our grade-level program better. I spent this morning reviewing our environmental education efforts. First, I matched up the efforts to date with the existing science, social studies, and math standards. I cleaned up the project website, shared the update with the grade-level educators, and invited members of the broader grade-level team including administrators and specialists to review, join, or weigh in on this project if interested (no pressure!).
Starting the summer with a focus on environmental education is perfect since it sets the stage for a summer camp-like experience, one that includes spending an afternoon at Drumlin Farm, a week at Audubon's Wachusett Mountain reservation, and follow-up reading, research, hands-on projects, and outdoor exploration to prep for the 2019-2020 school year when we teach the updated interdisciplinary unit.
Today was a good day to start this study as the year's efforts are fresh in my mind. I have a good grasp on what worked and what could be better right now, and I know that by solidifying my thoughts now, I'll be a better participant at our team meeting next week.
If you're interested in the work we're doing to update environmental education, please take a look at our website. If you have ideas about how to better this work, we invite your commentary. Also if you have an interest in joining this project, I believe there may be room for a few more schools in the Metrowest Massachusetts region to join us. Let me know if you're interested.
