Schoolyard Ecology Teachers Connect K-12 Students to Ecology

Schoolyard Teacher Honored 

Congratulations to Schoolyard Ecology Teacher, Maria Blewitt of Austin Preparatory School in Reading, MA, who was honored with
a Secretary's Award for Excellence in Environmental Education at the Boston State House last month. Maria has participated in the "Buds, Leaves, and Global Warming" Schoolyard study under the guidance of HF ecologist John O'Keefe since 2006. 

Highlights from the Spring Workshop 

Last month, 26 teachers from all over Massachusetts converged to share how they are using Harvard Forest Schoolyard Ecology field research studies to teach across the curriculum. Ecologists Dave Orwig, John O'Keefe, and Betsy Colburn led teachers on field walks to prepare them for spring field work with students at field sites in walking distance to their schools. 12 teachers gave presentations related to the lesson plans, activities and teacher materials they've developed that enhance student learning of concepts related to the ecological themes of their Harvard Forest Schoolyard studies. 

2011 Summer Institute for Teachers 

The Schoolyard Summer Institute for Teachers will be held August 17 & 18, 2011 for teachers of grades 4-12, offering ecological training and support for teachers to implement field studies related to local ecosystems right in their schoolyards. Graduate credit will be available for this course. Sign up now for this year's opportunities.