The environmental education team at BIISC is excited to share some exciting upcoming opportunities for teachers. Research shows that place-based education increases student achievement, improves teacher satisfaction, and improves environmental, social, and economic vitality. If you’re not sure how environmental education will work in your classroom, contact our EE team leader, Franny Brewer, a former classroom teacher specializing in place-based, environmental education and project-based learning (PBL).
TWO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES: If you’re a teacher, you can learn more about free curricula, activities, and opportunities to incorporate place-based education into your planning by attending one of TWO professional development opportunities this fall!
1. Hawaii Environmental Education Alliance Pilina Program: This year’s Pilina program will focus on coastal and marine health and the concept of ‘aina momona. Through this course teachers will experience a variety of standards-aligned curricula, community partners/organizations, field-trip sites, and how to successfully integrate materials and experiences into lesson plans. To be added to the info list, contact Hoku Pihana at pihana@heea.org, visit the PD3 website, or fill out the interest form here.
- East Hawaii – Oct 6-7 in Keaukaha (overnight opportunity at Kamehameha Schools’ Laehala property!) + Oct 27
- West Hawaii – Oct 9-10 (location TBA) + Nov 3
2. NEW! Engaging students in real-world issues: Prevention of Rat Lungworm Disease. Participants will engage in hands-on STEM activities designed to involve students of all ages in the prevention of rat lungworm disease through project-based learning. Workshop content is based on the new Rat Lungworm Disease Curriculum Manual developed by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo College of Pharmacy. Email Kay Howe at Kehauhowe@hawaii.edu for more information or to reserve a space. 
- Explore the rat lungworm life cycle and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for control of slugs and snails.
- Use design thinking to build slug traps for school and home gardens.
- Learn how to set up a story map in ArcGIS.
- Receive your own printed copy of the brand new Rat Lungworm Disease Curriculum Manual!
Teachers must register by enrolling through the PDE3 website (https://pde3.k12.hi.us) for Course #SC184011. 3 Opportunities (two day workshop plus a follow-up presentation day TBA) :
- East Hawaii: Oct. 20-21: Section A (#293202) Kalanianiole Elementary School
- Waimea: Oct 27-28: Section B (#293207) Kanu o ka ʻAina Charter School
- Waimea Middle School: Section C (#293208) Nov. 3-4
