LEP integrated into Study of Place
Nine South Dakota teachers recently had an opportunity to learn how to study “place” both in the classroom and in the field using LEP curriculum amongst other resources.
The teachers spent one day in the classroom learning activities to teach “place” consisting of the physical, ecological and cultural setting. The teachers participated as learners in January Thaw, and then set to work in small groups to peer present LEP activities throughout the day.
Teachers presented:
Home Range to teach about ecology/animals,
Axe-in-Hand to teach ecology/plants,
Green Pasture - geomorphology,
Come High Water – to illustrate the intersection of the natural and built worlds.
The following two days were spent kayaking the White River doing field studies on soil, plants and water. Teachers were required to journal, keeping records not just of the field studies and observations but also their reflection on being in place on the White River.
The spirit of Leopold was infused throughout the entire session. The Good Oak made for an excellent nighttime campfire discussion while Great Possessions and the ignominiously transported coffee cup served well for a morning. Come High Water was continuously on everyone’s mind as the group kept a sharp eye for boards to salvage.
LEP is an excellent resource to integrate place. With its depth and breadth of content, teachers across the curriculum can find material to use in their classrooms.
For more pictures and narrative about the Study of Place workshop, see this photo album
