Keystone College Environmental Education Institute will present the course “Creating and Using Outdoor Classrooms and Natural Spaces for Student Learning, Stewardship and Health” from July 31 through August 4 on campus.
The course, which is designed for teachers and school administrators, offers an interdisciplinary approach to using the outdoors as a classroom to advance science, education, engineering and math (STEM) learning, student health, and environmental stewardship.
Participants will be introduced to key “how-to” elements of building schoolyard trails and non-formal and certified schoolyard wildlife habitats. Discussion will include topics such as engaging students, securing funding, regulatory compliance, design, construction, maintenance, and certification procedures. There will also be instruction on using existing parks, trails, and waterways for learning and student wellness, and how to bring nature indoors when outdoor learning is not practical.
Keystone wildlife professor Jerry Skinner, Ph.D. will explore citizen-scientist opportunities and discuss the flora and fauna of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Sam Quinn, of SUNY Roosevelt Wild Life Station, will discuss biological sampling and demonstrate how to conduct a bio-blitz biological survey and discuss simple ways to monitor wildlife. Field experiences include hands-on exploration of local flora and fauna, and visits to trails, parks and environmental education centers.
The course offers a variety of continuing education credit options.
Contact KCEEI at 570-945-8555 or kceei@keystone.edu.
