by Rob Sandelin
My primary goal as an educator at the Environmental Science School is to create connections between students and nature. I do this because I believe once students have a deep connection to nature, they become advocates, often for the rest of their life. We have lots of time and experiences with nature as [...]
Perspectives's archives
Dying is Easy: Comedy in Environmental Education
Posted by author in June 2nd 2010
by Eric J. Fitch, Ph.D.
Abstract: In the contest of ideas, environmental educators put themselves at disadvantage by not availing themselves of the tools of humor. From satire to ridicule to comedy, the ability to connect through humor shouldn’t be overlooked. Humor has often been looked down upon by environmental professionals. Many environmental scientists, advocates, and [...]
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Learning from nature
Posted by author in May 6th 2010
By Mark Costigan
reprinted from The Oregon Daily Emerald
It’s sad that it takes a threat of crude oil reaching American beachfront property for people to wake up.
It seems the only way people unite around fighting environmental degradation is when the effects become visible and personal. If only there were [...]
The Empire Strikes Out
Posted by author in May 4th 2010
by Kenny Ausubel
For all the chatter about the Age of Information, we really seem to be entering the Age of Biology. We didn’t invent nature. Nature invented us. Nature bats last, as the saying goes and, more importantly, it’s her playing field. We would do well to learn at least some of the ground rules.
The [...]
under: Perspectives
Bias and the Educator in the Mirror
Posted by author in May 3rd 2010
Our inherent perspectives color the world we share with our students.
by Victor Elderton
Many of us in environmental education strive to create lessons and activities which we hope will facilitate greater understanding and stimulate higher levels of environmental inquiry among our students. The number of positive programs and initiatives which have been started is not vast [...]
Interview: Saul Weisberg
Posted by author in April 14th 2010
This interview is the first in a series that will be a regular feature in Clearing. Check back each month for a new interview with a leading environmental educator in the Pacific Northwest.
Saul Weisberg is executive director and co-founder of North Cascades Institute. He is an ecologist, naturalist and writer who has explored [...]
Perspectives: A reflection on teaching environmental education
Posted by author in April 2nd 2010
by Julie Corotis
Children were taken hostage in Russia, thousands died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and bombs were detonated in Palestine and Israel. All of these events have occurred while I have been an environmental educator at IslandWood. How these events define my role as an environmental educator may seem obscure at first, but they are [...]
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Educating for Eco-Justice
Posted by author in March 12th 2010
…in an Era of Ecological Uncertainty
by Chet A. Bowers
What is ironic, even tragic for future generations, is that the various approaches to educational reform being advocated by politicians, parents, and professional educators in the United State do not take account of the rapid changes occurring in the Earth’s ecosystems. Equally tragic is that these approaches [...]
Teaching Stewardship Through Native Legend
Posted by author in March 11th 2010
Abstract: This article provides the reader with a general background of Alaska Native education and resource conservation, focusing on southeast Alaska cultures. European contact severed these education models by creating government schools. Since then Alaska Natives have worked to balance Native culture with western education. A synopsis of several legends which speak to natural resource [...]
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Preparing Teachers for Environmental Education
Posted by author in January 11th 2010
by Louise Conn Fleming
Abstract: Our teacher education team at our university teaches the junior year methods and assessment to preservice middle grades teachers. Starting Spring 2003 we began using “The Projects” as part of methods instruction. In this paper I will review what educators say about how middle grades students should be taught, why environmental [...]
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Voices of the PNW
- Megan McGinty, North Cascades Institute
Michael Becker,
Hood River Middle School
Gregory Smith,
Lewis and Clark College
David Greenwood, Washington State University
Tony Deis,
Trackers NW
Lindsay Huettman,
Wilderness Awareness School
