For two days last month (September 26th-27th), 23 educators from around the South Sound gathered at Washington State University’s Allmendinger Center in Puyallup to take a deep dive into the role of Washington’s forests in climate change resiliency. Participants learned about the solutions-oriented learning storyline format, which includes local anchoring phenomena, culturally responsive practices tied to Since Time Immemorial, NGSS three-dimensional formative assessment, and a solutions-oriented approach to drawing down greenhouse gases, with opportunities to elevate student voices in their communities.
Guest lecturer Indroneil Ganguly discusses carbon sequestration
PEI Field Coordinators Hattie Osborne and Julie Tennis led attendees in fun science activities that educators can use to improve student engagement. Ben Price, who runs the Forest Education Program for the Muckleshoot Tribal School, added his key perspective. Finally, UW associate professor Indroneil Ganguly gave a presentation on his research into the ways carbon is sequestered in Washington forests.
Many of the 5-12 classroom teachers who attended this workshop will go on to implement this cutting-edge curriculum, bringing environmental awareness to students across the state.
