Becky at the OPTS Conference – Final Report
Saturday morning brought back the cool temps and clouds, and even some rain to the conference. Though the weather was gloomy the mood inside the Teacher’s Symposium was sunny. Richard Vineyard was again a highlight of Saturday’s session as he rolled out the GreenPrint to the educators attending the inaugural Symposium. Dr. Vineyard provided the background and overview of the plan, the connection with No Child Left Inside, and provided a framework for the future progress for the plan in an effort to promote interest and solicit input.
The day was full of content sessions, action studios, and round table discussions that provided teachers with tools, techniques, content, resources and practice for using the environment as an integrating context for learning. Teachers explored the story of Gil, the Iguana, as they learned about how to use graphic novels as a means of exciting students about wildlife endangerment; and then participated in a mock investigation unit that is being developed by the Public Lands Institute staff. Place-based study was a theme for many sessions, including topics such as: Plants of the Mojave, Geology of Southern Nevada, People of the Mojave, and Margie Klein’s engaging session on Animals of the Mojave. Teachers also had an opportunity to explore the hidden beauty of Southern Nevada as they learned how to use the visual arts as a portal to engage students and to help them reach a deeper understanding and appreciation of science, geography and social studies.
EarthForce staff presented a dynamic presentation on how to use service learning as a means for improving test scores and increasing student engagement and enthusiasm for learning. The day concluded with roundtable discussions on topics such as field trip opportunities and funding possibilities, the Desert Research Institute’s GreenPower Schools Program, opportunities available through CHOLLA, and a host of opportunities through State of Nevada agencies. Educators experienced the delicious food provided by Wolfgang Puck’s and the luckiest of educators left with wonderful door prizes and cactus gardens.
Overall if was a wonderful conference, and Sierra Nevada Journeys was proud to be a part of the planning committee, in addition to being an integral (especially Jonathan Mueller, and Laurie Gray) part of the writing and rolling out of the Nevada GreenPrint. Thank you to UNLV’s Public Lands Institute and their Southern Nevada partners who hosted everyone so graciously. And to the Springs Preserve for providing such an amazing backdrop to the week. We’ll miss you all, thanks again, see you next year! Until then – RLB out
Experiential Educator
Phone: (775) 355-1688
Email: jamie@sierranevadajourneys.org
Background: University of Phoenix- B.S in Elementary Education; work in progress- M. Ed in Teacher Leadership.
Something you should know about me:
I was first introduced to Sierra Nevada Journeys as an undergraduate student. I participated in several workshops during my time as a student. After graduation I was hired to work on our campus in Portola, CA. At the end of the summer I joined the staff in the Reno office as an Experiential Educator. I enjoy working with SNJ for the opportunity to work with a variety of student populations and the chance to teach curriculum focusing on scientific concepts. The work environment is always positive and encouraging. My role at SNJ is providing me with numerous opportunities and tools to accomplish my personal and
caeegoals.