An Environment-based Education Approach to Professional Development: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Creeks and Kids Watershed Workshop and Its Impact on K-12 Teachers

Abstract

This research is an in-depth study of an environment-based education (EBE) professional development program titled -Creeks and Kids‖ that models how to employ thematic instruction about watersheds using the environment of a school and its community as a context to integrate teaching and learning about water across core subject areas. This case study investigates the EBE characteristics of the Creeks and can support teachers to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to implement interdisciplinary teaching for student learning about the environment; 2) the methods teachers use to employ EBE teaching strategies in the classroom; and, 3) how EBE helps teachers across disciplines collaborate with one another to implement practical and effective ways to improve students' critical thinking skills and knowledge across multiple subjects.iii DEDICATION I dedicate this work to Lin Howell. I was so fortunate to embark upon this journey and be witness to his passion to support and encourage the amazing teachers who guide the minds of students in the Pacific Northwest. Never have I met a person more humble in his gift to inspire others as he helps them to discover that the wings they need to fly have been there all along.

Focus on a STEM, Based in Place, Watershed Curriculum: A confluence of stormwater, humans, knowledge, attitudes, and skills

“…Therefore, this discussion will also touch on how this research Table 7, Figure 7) Illustrate that the students are keenly aware of environmental issues. Many of the studies used for this research show a similar increase in awareness after participating in their programs (Austin, 2010;Kudryavtsev, et al, 2012;Musser & Malkus, 1994;Santlemann, et al, 2011;Stern et al, 2013). This awareness or "change in recognition or cognizance of issues or concepts."…”