Natural History Fundamentals for Educators

At Vermont Commons School in Charlotte, VT

June 29 – July 3, 2026

$1,300 ($1,750 with 3 graduate credits). Financial Support Available

12 – 20 students

For Elementary and Middle School Educators

Instructors: Ken Benton & Dave Muska

This course is about developing a foundation of natural history knowledge through immersive study of bird language, tree and plant identification, wild edible safety, geology, and stream ecology. We will practice techniques for achieving a deeper level of inquiry and observation in nature while learning hands-on methods for embedding this knowledge into outdoor lessons and making classroom connections. The routines that we build throughout the week are designed to deepen your class’s sense of place within the outdoor learning environment.

In this week-long practice of place-based curriculum we will use a daily rhythm of core routines and deep observation practices to build a deeper relationship with nature. This daily rhythm mirrors the experience of elementary students during a typical day of ECO (Educating Children Outdoors). Participants will close the week envisioning integration of these methods and practices into their student’s experience. All lessons given to participants for use in their classroom will be aligned to Vermont State Standards, Common Core and NGSS when applicable. Curriculum meets elementary standards-based objectives when lessons and units are practiced outdoors.

Click here for more details and to register.