In this blended learning course, teachers will explore how literature (storybooks, chapterbooks, and novels) can serve has launching points for generating student empathy for various parts of our Earth's systems (water, air, soil, plants, animals, ecosystems, etc).  

How The Blended Learning Aspects of This Course Will Work - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING

This course consistes of self-paced, asychronous work in a Canvas course and three live sessions. Participants will have options for each of the three live sessions. Live Sessions must be attended in order (1 through 3). 

Participants must complete the Canvas pre-work (estimated 3-4 hours) to "unlock" access to Live Session 1. Register at least one week before the Live Session 1 that you wish to attend. This will give you enough time to complete the Pre-Work in order to unlock access to your chosen date for Live Session 1. The same is true for the Homefun between sessions--participants must complete the Homefun to unlock access to the next Live Session.  Clock hours will be awarded for the live sessions as well as the asychronous work that you complete.

All Live Sessions are on Zoom for 90 minutes, from 4:30 - 6:00 PM on the date listed.  Live Sessions must be attended on a computer with speakers, camera, and microphone (not on a mobile phone).  

Course Goals and Content

In this course, we will explore the power of literature (storybooks, chapter books, and novels) to launch environmental engineering projects by engaging students to empathize with aspects of the environment.  We will explore tools and information about expanding our circle of empathy to include all aspects of our Earth's systems, and use that expanded empathy to inspire engineering problem solving.  

Participants will experience a model lesson, participate in discussions (sychronous and asychronous), read articles and resources, and prepare to engage their students in this kind of work.  

15 Total Clock Hours.  

Participants have the option to claim 15 STEM Clock Hours or divide the clock hours and claim 9 STEM and 6 DEI hours.