Blog

Browse this page for blog postings related to middle- and high-school-teacher Adventure Learning workshops taking place across Idaho. Use the widgets to the right (or at bottom of this page, for smaller devices) to filter blog posts.

 

Just a little bit of effort

Josh Nielsen • Jun 08, 2017

So wonderful to share the outdoors with those youth that just haven't been out much, and it takes so little effort sometimes. One little adventure. One little moment. One little comment. That one bit of effort, and a scientist is born; an outdoor photographer emerges. Suddenly bird watching is exciting, collecting and taking stills of flowers becomes a passion. Just naming the various fauna and flora becomes a fun challenge. Hiking is no longer a drag, but a reward. Need to learn to climb and mountaineer because there are places now I have to visit. How can I learn more? How can I protect... more

O'Neill BioBlitz

Dani Summerill • Jun 08, 2017

Looks like your visit to O'Neill for the iNaturalist BioBlitz was a success!  I bet you could take that concept and apply it to the ecosystem around your own school.  The biodiversity might not match what you guys saw today, but I still think it would be surprising to know how many different species exist right outside the doors of our classrooms.   Eric's idea of Pokemon Go! with iNaturalist is a great idea!

Who knew?

Jennifer McIntosh • Jun 08, 2017

Who knew a person could have so much fun mucking through muddy ponds in waders?  I caught a mole salamander in its larvae form, Dr. Petersen caught a Leopard frog and Dr. Smith caught a butterfly. There were many living creatures in those stinky ponds. What fun!!

Thanks everyone!

Joel Mattingly • Jun 08, 2017

I really don't know what to say about today and this week, that hasn't already been said in great detail, other than thanks. Thanks to everyone at Idaho Adventure learning, and M.I.L.E.S., and I.S.U., Rosemary, Laura, Kelsey, Carolyn, Rick, Chuck, Justin and his river guides from the outdoor program, and thanks to all of the presenters, and presentations that we had this week were great! I feel extremely fortunate to able to participate in this amazing program, and meet all these brilliant and dedicated people who come together to make this special even happen. They are all true... more

Classroom pets?

Eric Rude • Jun 08, 2017

 

I think it really enhances science teaching to have creatures (other than students) in the classroom. Any of you who have seen my room know what I am talking about!

So, if any of you would like some Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches for your classroom, I have plenty and would be glad to give some to you (for free!)! You have to supply your own container and promise to take good care of them (they are easy to care for)! As you can see in the picture, they are really cute!

Let me know!

Make biology a game

Eric Rude • Jun 08, 2017

When you are focused on finding--and taking pictures of--as many organisms as you can, and you make it into a challenge or a game, it becomes a lot more exciting and you see a lot more! Just tell your students that you are going to take them outside to play "Pokemon Go!", but have them use iNaturalist instead!