Outdoor Education Conference

I just got back from the New York State Outdoor Education Association annual conference. As it is every year, it was great conference. I never compare one year to another (I learned this in my years as a summer camp counselor - every year had its high points, and there was nothing to be gained by comparing one year to another). The highlights for me is always the auction - I have a blast doing it. We raise money for the Association's endowment. People have a great time (at least that's what they tell me). I'm already looking forward to next years conference which will be held September 24-27, 2009 in Fishkill, NY. The focus of the conference will be the Hudson River and local environs, as 2009 is the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploring the Hudson River.

I am trying to think what workshops I should submit for consideration to the conference committee. I think the site will lend itself nicely to a nature songs and stories campfire workshop. I might also offer to do a nature trail mapping session.

One of the key note speakers at this years conference was David Sobel who spoke on place based learning. It was an inspiring presentation that dovetailed with a workshop that I lead on integrating environmental education across the curriculum - exploring how outdoor environmental education can help teachers teach math, science, language arts, art, physical education and music. We had a spirited discussion, with a lot of good examples of nature centers, outdoor education centers and BOCES programs that provided service to schools to help them take advantage of the outdoor natural environment to stimulate learning in all areas, not just science.

I am still left though, with the question of how do we encourage all schools to take advantage of the real world to inspire and excite students in learning? It is encouraging to see the excitement of Richard Louv's book "Last Child in the Woods" has created. In fact there is legislation at the Federal level called Leave No Child Inside that is slowly moving though the halls of Congress. Newsweek in it's September 15 issue had an article on "eco-education". But it's all small steps when you think of all the schools there are and how little teachers take students into the real world to facilitate learning. I am resolved to try to contact school administrators that I know and get their opinion on how more action in bringing the real world to the classroom might happen. It would seem to me if there is to be a shift in the attitudes of schools regarding teaching in outdoor environment and immediate community surrounding the school that it will require a multi-prong approach involving pre-service (teacher preparation at the college level) teacher training, the classroom teachers, school administrators, parents and those involved in providing enrichment programs using the natural environment (nature center, outdoor center, museum, and parks program staff).

recent bell top elementary school visit

I just finished my annual ecologist-in-residence visit at the Bell Top School in the East Greenbush CSD in Troy, NY. My visit culminated with my nature tunes and tales assembly program that was highlighted by a performance of "The Lorax" by Mrs. Gigglio's 3rd grade class (special appearance by Peter as the Lorax).

We investigated general ecology, insect study (including capturing a pair of mating walking sticks), aquatic ecology (study pond water organisms in water samples from the Landis Arboretum in Esperance, NY), mammals and trees.

One of the things that I empasize with all these classes is that scientist do research to find answers to the questions they come up with. An example of this has a fun side to the learning opportunity. In my tree exploration walks I end with a short discussion of how we humans use trees - for lumber, food, paper, inspiration, enjoyment, etc. I then procede to show them how I can use an acorn cap from an oak tree to make a whistle. The shrill whistle produces a group of ear plugging young scientists asking "How did you do that?" My response - "You'll have to do some research."

I suggested that they might google "acorn cap whistle" with mom or dad's help not knowing if there was indeed a site that would show how. Indeed there is! Check the link I have here or search for yourself.