The Place-Learning and Civic Engagment workshop series, a year-long professional development program for elementary teachers around Wyoming, recently completed a four-day training in Cheyenne for teachers from Cheyenne and Saratoga, Wyoming. Kate Welsh of the University of Wyoming and Doug Wachob and I from Teton Science Schools led the four day program that took us to outdoor locations around Cheyenne, where the teachers will consider taking students on field trips during the schools year.
In addition, the workshop in Cheyenne explored the projects that the teachers will implement during the upcoming schools year. All teachers must implement a place-based science unit that explores a local issue and engages the students in communicating that issue to the local community. Examples of units that teachers are considering exploring with students include looking at the impacts of beetle-killed trees on water quality and health of local streams. Once the teachers complete their units, they will complete a portfolio to demonstrate their students’ and their own learning. They will present out their implementation and reflections in the spring at the final celebration.
From August 8-11, Kate, Doug and I will be in Casper to offer the same four-day workshop to teachers from Casper, Saratoga, and Encampment, Wyoming. The Casper workshop will be co-hosted by Casper College.
