My Teaching

Getting Hands-On with Nature

There is incredible value in hands-on exploration outdoors when it comes to learning. I strive to take my students out side of the classroom and experience the world first hand. In this image, my students are getting to examine and touch a large Ochre Sea Star that they discovered at the harbor during a free exploration of the space.

Using Scientific Tools

My teaching involves both informal and formal science methods. In this image, students are using microscopes to examine macro-invertebrates that they discovered during an investigation at the pond. For many, this was the first time using a microscope and being introduced to other tools such as petri dishes and pipettes.

Conducting Investigations

I want my students to use claims and evidence to try to answer questions that they feel invested in. In this image, my students are using multiple methods of observation and tools to try to determine the water quality and pollution levels of the pond in order to find out if it is a healthy ecosystem.

Fostering Stewardship

I want my students to have a deep understanding of their impact, both as individuals and humans, on the ecosystems they are a part of. Through stewardship activities, I help them to learn ways that they can have a positive and reciprocal relationship with the natural world. In this image, my students are participating in stewardship as they weed the garden that provided them with lots of delicious and nutrient rich plants to taste.

Building Teams

One of my favorite aspects of informal education is the opportunity to guide my students through team building and community building activities in order to better prepare them as global citizens who know how to work effectively with others even through conflict. This image shows my students as they work together to cross the "salmon stream" in the Islandwood teams course.

Developing Independence

I strive to foster independence and confidence in my students - especially when it comes to being in nature. In this image, my students are gaining that confidence through navigation practice in order to find their way around a 250 acre campus. The map they are utilizing is one that they created together.