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A recent interdisciplinary professional development workshop at the University of Saint Joseph demonstrated ways future educators can incorporate STEM curricula into classroom learning.
During the workshop, led by environmental education facilitators from Project Learning Tree and AquaticWILD, participants engaged in kid-friendly, hands-on activities focusing on the environment. Designed to inspire curiosity, students from the USJ Education and Environmental Science programs learned ways to promote environmental exploration in the classroom.
One activity entailed sniffing out trees on the USJ campus invaded by the “Peppermint Beetle”— after a workshop leader had applied peppermint scent to mimic the insect’s pheromones in the bark. Others were investigating macroinvertebrates in pond water and searching for microplastic beads in beach sand.
“This kind of hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to learn in different ways than they may traditionally have access to in school, and allows students to take risks, problem-solve, and have fun while learning,” said Assistant Professor of Education Jennifer Kowitt. “There is a concerning lack of science education in our schools, particularly with a focus on environmental stewardship.”
The workshop was a collaboration between Professor Kirsten Martin, director of the Environmental Science program, and Assistant Professors of Education Eileen Gonzalez and Jennifer Kowitt. It was funded by USJ’s Teaching and Learning Center and seeks to prepare future teachers to bring science to life for their students.