My students need materials such as 10 stop watches, four nets, 100 small owl pellets and 10 thermometers to be completely engaged in the field work components for my Earth Science Class.
In a high tech world inundated with gadgets, problems can be solved with a click or a swipe, but in my Problem Based Learning centered, 21st Century Classroom, problems are solved by digging in the dirt, observing organisms in a forest, and working together on projects.
My students are a diverse group of individuals filled with creativity and curiosity.
Most of my students are military-connected due to our proximity to Fort Bragg. Our local students benefit from the worldwide wealth of knowledge that comes with highly mobile military students. Our military students experience a seamless transition because the classroom environment is structured on collaboration and Project/ Problem Based Learning.
Students enjoy the outdoor components of field work. The field work is a perfect compliment to the digital components in the classroom.
My Project
My students need materials such as 10 stop watches, four nets, 100 small owl pellets and 10 thermometers to be completely engaged in the field work components for my Earth Science Class. Earth and Environmental Science education is imperative. Students need to understand the outside world, the spheres of the Earth, the Earth's resources, how to scientifically observe Earth Science related phenomena and include relevant data.
What is great about the list that I have compiled is that most of the materials will be used daily. Studying the outside world is built in to my curriculum. Student work detailing their engagement, level of difficulty, and pride upon completion and reflection is evident. Assignments are showcased and hot glued to the wall outside my classroom and posted on the wall of my students social media accounts.
The most important lesson I can teach is that we are all in this life together.
Student's mastery of content is important to me, but developing their relationships with each other and with the environment is more important. My former students are better stewards for the environment. They develop a broad understanding of the interaction of systems and get a sense of self and personal scale when sitting under a large tree or by a small quiet stream.
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