Teaching IRL

I am an Earth and Environmental Science teacher to grades 9-12 and I am always looking for ways to impress upon my students the magnitude and complexity of Earth processes. I often refer to our science as macro-science. Macro in the sense that we generally study our content from the systems perspective, where we examine all the interrelated parts and the role they play in the function of the whole. But also Macro in the sense that we do not necessarily need micro-scopes and models to observe the concepts we study. Unlike Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, Earth and Environmental science does not involve too many abstract topics like atomic structure, or the addition/subtraction of forces. Instead Earth and Environmental Science involves the stuff of our everyday observations and experiences - landscapes, seascapes, the air we breathe, and the ecosystems of which we are a part. In studying Earth and Environmental Science we connect experience with the spheres that make up the entire Earth system, and it can be powerful to ponder the (seemingly) simpler things in life.

In the classroom, we try to come up with learning activities that are based in real-world situations. In teaching geology, freshwater systems, and biodiversity & conservation, it would be very helpful to know all about Great Falls Park in order to connect this amazing local resource to our content. My goal is to learn about the park, create student activities based on the park, and hopefully facilitate a culminating field trip to the park.