Place-based Science for Educators, Blouin, Summer 2026

Course Description

Break down the walls of your science classroom!  This online course, designed for science educators of all age groups, provides in-depth strategies to engage students in the places they live as they study science content and skills.  Educators will practice “reading the landscape” in their local communities as they learn new species, ecological frameworks, and observational practices. 

Participants will come away with place-based science activities and assignments they can use with their students, newfound connections to a community of like-minded educators, and a robust plan to integrate place-based teaching into their practice.

 Audience: Science educators, all grade levels, who have a Bachelor's Degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

1. Build competence and confidence in understanding the species and ecologies of local natural landscapes.
2. Develop new observation and investigation practices you can use with your students to help them learn about local ecosystems.
3. Build strong relationships with other teachers interested in pursuing place-based teaching and learning with their students; learn from these fellow educators.
4. Develop a concrete and specific plan to integrate place-based teaching into your classroom or organization.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least six common New England tree, herbaceous plant, and/or bird species. (maps to goal #1)
2. Understand how topography, substrate, and disturbance history influence natural communities. (goal #1)
3. Use practices of sketching, photography, and question-asking to deepen their observational skills (goal #2).
4. Articulate their place-based experiences and aspirations to fellow educators, and serve as effective sounding boards for one another. (goal #3)
5. Develop a detailed plan that will allow students to use at least one specific place to practice science skills or learn science content. (goal #4)

Required Readings/Resources

Costs for required readings/resources, if any, are not included in the course tuition.