I believe it is our duty to ensure that learning happens in a local context. By focusing on our local context, students will learn about people, place, and land in their local community. Local history is often overlooked in education but it should be a focal point for students and teachers. In this section I have uploaded images and information that show how I have incorporated place based learning into my educational journey.
Trail Cameras to Explore the Local Environment:
Check out my blog on my use of trail camera footage in teaching students about local animals: Summative Blog – Trail Cams to Engage Students in the Local Environment
Just one of the many images of a grizzly bear captured by a trail camera located on family property just north of Prince George.
Classifying Local Trees:
I am ashamed to admit that prior to Vanessa Elton visiting our UNBC elementary cohort in September 2019 I had no idea how to distinguish the different trees around me. Vanessa came and planned a tree classifying lesson that can be done in grades K-7. Vanessa taught us ways to distinguish different trees based on their needles: are they flat? sharp? round? We all got a sample of tree needles and were tasked with classifying them into some of the most common tree species in our area: either spruce, cedar, pine, or fir. Not only did Vanessa bring this incredibly engaging lesson to us but she also provided us with tools to help teach students about the importance of protecting the environment and how to avoid disturbing our wonderful forests.
We learned to classify the local trees in our area by just stepping outside and noticing different needles of conifer trees in our area.