Natural History Fundamentals for Educators with North Branch Nature Center (29 Jun 2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Starting the School Year with Nature as your Co-teacher (30 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The first two months of school are the perfect time to establish a class culture that includes focused, nature-based learning. This workshop will kick off your outdoor planning by offering numerous strategies for including fresh-air learning during the school day.

Learn more and register here: https://harriscenter.org/events/starting-the-school-year-with-nature-as-your-co-teacher-2026

VT Education and Environment Network upcoming events

Natural History Fundamentals for Educators with North Branch Nature Center (29 Jun 2026)