FieldSTEM in Action

Beyond Resources: Why PEI is Making Teacher Confidence a Core Program

A common perception among educators is that taking instruction outdoors will lead to increased behavior issues and challenges with classroom management. In addition, many educators are not comfortable in nature. These fears actively prevent teachers, even those who understand the value of outdoor education, from taking learning beyond their classroom. As one teacher at a PEI Schoolyard Investigations workshop explained, “I used to think that taking kids outside would be chaos.” 
 
The issue isn’t lack of knowledge but lack of experience. Simply providing resources and strategies for outdoor education isn’t enough. A University of Maryland study found that even among elementary school teachers who described themselves as confident in teaching in and about the environment, less than half actually took students outdoors for instruction. The research team concluded, “These findings provide compelling evidence of the need to incorporate direct experiences and practice when shaping environmental literacy teacher professional development.” 


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Dual Language STEM

A Year of Bilingual Watershed Education Culminates in a Day on the Water

In collaboration with Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI), South Sound Bird Alliance and Olympia Community Sailing (OCS), PEI hosted a bilingual community engagement event on June 4. The goal was to increase community engagement among Latino Heritage communities and the general public with local watersheds. Approximately 50 community members went sailing with OCS and an additional 33 people visited interactive booths to learn about watersheds and wildlife.

The day provided new experiences for many participants and a rare opportunity for members of the Latino Heritage to engage in outdoor activities designed for them. “Sailing was amazing,” one shared. “We have never been in a sailboat before.”

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GIving Campaign

Kathryn’s Retirement = Another Opportunity to Invest in PEI

After ten years, PEI’s fearless leader Kathryn Kurtz is stepping into retirement from her position as Executive Director. Already, one community member sent us a check with the message, ‘In honor of Kathryn’s retirement.’ Kathryn is inviting others to honor her departure by investing in PEI.

From August 2 through October 2, we will be accepting contributions in her name. Make sure your message says ‘Kathryn’s Retirement Campaign’ or ‘In Honor of Kathryn’ so we’ll know what it’s for. What better way to honor her legacy? Thank you in advance!

If you’d like to celebrate Kathryn’s tenure at PEI and her launch into retirement, save the date October 2^nd 4 to 9 pm in the Olympia area. More details to follow.

Tools & Tips for Teachers

Explore PEI’s Spanish Language Resources

One of the biggest barriers for dual language teachers is a lack of teaching materials in Spanish, even when quality student content exists. PEI is here to help. Check out our Spanish language English Language Arts (okay, Spanish Language Arts!) Performance Tasks, Schoolyard Investigations and Solutions-Oriented Learning Storylines. The writing team made sure that scientific terminology is consistent. Take a look here:

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Upcoming Events 

  With Gratitude

Thank you, July investors!