tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35895371346293496232024-03-13T01:50:06.657-07:00A Trail To Every ClassroomWelcome to the Trail To Every Classroom Blog! This space was created for teachers and educators to share information, resources and curricula in using the Appalachian Trail as a learning tool. We welcome all questions, ideas, techniques, lessons learned and enthusiasm surrounding Place-Based Education and Service Learning on the A.T.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-52414103007249334222020-10-30T10:03:00.002-07:002020-10-30T10:55:18.873-07:00Ed-Ventures on the A.T.!<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #0c192c; font-family: sabonltpro; font-size: 18px;">Join the ATC on an amazing virtual A.T. Ed-Venture Series, created for young people but engaging for all ages. Starting in Georgia and traveling all the way north to Maine, each session is led by environmental educators providing exciting content across diverse disciplines that connect curriculum and students to the Appalachian Trail. These interactive sessions will be hosted live via Zoom, and then published to YouTube for access at any time. They will take place on the first and third Wednesdays of every month August 2020 through March 2021 at 4:00 pm.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0c192c; font-family: sabonltpro; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.667; margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px 60px;">Each session will have two instructors, typically one formal educator and one community, Trail club, or agency partner. These interactive live sessions will include approximately 45 minutes of lesson time and then allow participants to ask questions to the teachers about the content or more personally about their career paths. Content is variable based on the educator’s expertise, discipline, focus, and interest.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0c192c; font-family: sabonltpro; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.667; margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px 60px;">Through the Ed-Venture series, the ATC hopes to connect with and foster a lifelong love of learning and discovery, both on the A.T. and beyond. We are thrilled to create and co-host this series with educators and partners involved with the conservation of our public lands, providing engaging lessons for young learners. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0c192c; font-family: sabonltpro; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.667; margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px 60px;">Visit <a href="https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/conservation/education-and-outreach/ed-venture/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4fa671; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 300ms ease-in-out 0s;">appalachiantrail.org/edventure</a> to register for upcoming sessions and find links to recorded sessions that have already occurred. Like any good A.T. journey, there will be lots of exciting things to discover!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0c192c; font-family: sabonltpro; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.667; margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px 60px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="473" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kP_kTD7p76A" width="840"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0c192c; font-family: sabonltpro; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.667; margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px 60px;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-11896823307662346782020-09-30T13:13:00.001-07:002020-10-02T12:11:29.689-07:00Deep Noticing <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYrtlgyWNFw/X3TjE0-oRnI/AAAAAAAAf8Y/pBl1r7uOjm4XoT7vPGr4AZiT0i-X5hcsACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Rob%2BDeep%2BNoticing%2BChapter_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYrtlgyWNFw/X3TjE0-oRnI/AAAAAAAAf8Y/pBl1r7uOjm4XoT7vPGr4AZiT0i-X5hcsACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Rob%2BDeep%2BNoticing%2BChapter_Page_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a chapter found in the </div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #949494; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">School's Out(doors): Place-based Education (PBE) Responds to COVID-19 and Beyond</span></span></strong></h4><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><blockquote class="h2mp5456 mk2mc5f4 peup4ujy cxmmr5t8 hcukyx3x sej5wr8e aahdfvyu hv4rvrfc dati1w0a" style="border-left-color: var(--divider); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 4px; margin: 4px 0px 20px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 16px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">New Resource! S<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>chool's Out(doors): Place-based Education Responds to COVID-19</i></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>and Beyond </i>is </span>designed for leaders who seek healthy learning spaces for students, as well as equity, social-emotional development, and mutually-beneficial relationships with local communities.</span></blockquote></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeerassociates.us17.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D0bf65f17c213ae5d36cbcb713%26id%3D89f66f5051%26e%3D092da2db91&data=02%7C01%7Cjjudkins%40appalachiantrail.org%7C1e4c942b546a42044c8c08d853f74d5a%7Cd243d5bafa56443b9f470b1c9e11b548%7C0%7C0%7C637351668928463131&sdata=%2FIyxe8rknk%2FyKrO5I%2FkXNv9s5S8BOw6qulQTYnOfMFQ%3D&reserved=0&fbclid=IwAR1QyMldccM4zLfmU5eg2oj-WwcakQOdAwCIznnoEtnMlwJ3Kf_ebv52bI8" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">bit.ly/schoolsoutdoors</a></span></span></div><p>Power spots are a simple and profound way to get started.</p><p>Get outside and look around. This simple act has launched many great place-based education (PBE) projects. When Rob Hanson’s 6th graders get outside, they often head for their “power spot,” a natural location they selected for frequent visits to observe and reflect.</p><p>Some of the most powerful learning Rob has seen comes from students journaling about the prompt “What Nature Teaches Me.” [14] Rob’s student Kyler recently observed: “Grass teaches me to be flexible... when the wind hits grass it goes with the flow. The grass is open to new ideas and can adapt to new climates. I should adapt to quarantine.”</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><i>Burning purple flower,</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The beginning of a new life. Long flowering stems,</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Signs of spring. Colors of the world, Heart of the eye.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>What am I?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">- by Asher, 6th grade, VT</p></blockquote><p></p><span><!--more--></span><p>PBE works by starting small but going deep. After iterative sessions of increasingly detailed observation and nature connection, Rob’s students collaborate to revise and polish their power spot writing. They combine and refine their best work as a class to create an original poem that they perform for the community. These “speak choruses” integrate writing, literature, science, music, and teamwork in a way that, in Rob’s words, “allows the learning from individual students to become everyone’s wisdom.”</p><p>PBE integrates diverse content areas and learning modes. Rob’s students use their power spots for scientific study and inference. They write poetry and create and perform art. Students explored the connection between social issues and place in Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming. The resulting speak chorus incorporated their words and call to action with those of Woodson, Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. PBE also connects students to their community. Rob partnered with the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to create several new PBE programs, including Park Research Projects where rangers and teachers support students in deep exploration of essential questions about local habitats.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>According to Rob, PBE is effective because “It develops growth mindsets, grit, and the neurological pathways responsible for enduring understanding and deep caring. It’s the diversity and richness of outside places in particular where we find the grist for powerful writing, science, meaningful mathematics, and living history. Placed-based learning helps students tie in, find their passions, and follow those. Their deep engagement drives growth, meaning, and, often, joy.”</p></blockquote><p></p><p>“The theme of persistence and flexibility comes up over and over” in his students’ writing, says Rob. As we struggle with schooling in the midst of a pandemic, resilience is just what is needed. Rob wryly notes that this virus likes being inside, and so he encourages teachers and students to get outside, breathe deep, and take a good look around.</p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-29947999884504668442019-12-03T08:45:00.001-08:002019-12-03T08:50:07.278-08:00A Math Trail to Every Classroom By Jan Cohen, Founder, UrbanMathTrails<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="text-align: justify;">A math trail through nature is a simple concept: use math to
enhance student exploration, communication, understanding and appreciation of
the spatial forms, patterns and quantitative underpinnings of the natural
world. When students discover the connections between math and nature through
observational learning, discovery and application, they embrace concepts and
principles and retain knowledge and to a degree not achievable through
traditional textbook-classroom-centered education.</span><br />
<br />
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No tools are needed, other than perhaps a tape measure, so students
may roam freely, observe, consider, reason, and internalize a new appreciation
of the math embedded in their natural environment. A myriad of topics may be
explored: measurement, sorting and classifying, scale, symmetry, geometry, data
and statistics, probability, algebra, etc., depending upon age, interest,
season or geography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any natural habitat
is suitable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Find a location of natural interest and variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk, observe and consider the environment:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">compare shapes, patterns and sizes;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">make estimates and measure degrees, heights, circumferences,
perimeters, areas, volumes, slopes and distances using standard and
non-standard measurements; compare estimates to actual measurements;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">evaluate ratios and proportion;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">collect data, analyze statistically and assess
probabilities; and,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">devise scientific methods, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">m<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ake conjectures, test hypotheses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYvbx6GhE3g/XeaM2LzSnXI/AAAAAAAAeXI/I5h-WEqdUE4V3opNFDIGjx0Fi2dtaQbEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/taxonomy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="444" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYvbx6GhE3g/XeaM2LzSnXI/AAAAAAAAeXI/I5h-WEqdUE4V3opNFDIGjx0Fi2dtaQbEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/taxonomy.png" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">Nature
obeys rules, which students explore and express on a math trail, and nature brims
with opportunities for fascinating mathematical investigations. The following
are just a few examples to stimulate your thinking and, hopefully, inspire your
planning of a math trail along the AT.</span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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One
important step when learning how to identify trees and plants is understanding
phyllotaxy, or the arrangement of leaves around the stem. There are three basic
types of leaf arrangements: alternate, opposite, and whorled. As you walk along
the trail, notice the leaf arrangements on plants and keep a tally. What is the
most common arrangement?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EbYWCvmodc/XeaNSEc_mzI/AAAAAAAAeXw/lTdmPwWvT8c-eNwJFauWpoAMiV7RGAARwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/footbridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EbYWCvmodc/XeaNSEc_mzI/AAAAAAAAeXw/lTdmPwWvT8c-eNwJFauWpoAMiV7RGAARwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/footbridge.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Streams
and ravines are part of the diversity and beauty of nature. This rustic foot
bridge includes many geometric details. Find several sets of parallel lines.
Estimate the angles of the posts. Estimate the length, width and height of the
bridge. How many seasons do you think were observed to determine the height and
span requirements of this stream crossing?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlI51o1uQIE/XeaNX8P6CLI/AAAAAAAAeYM/JYUIDOJ4rfoFLdRJX4v6upuvSSV6Sf1GwCEwYBhgL/s1600/treefall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlI51o1uQIE/XeaNX8P6CLI/AAAAAAAAeYM/JYUIDOJ4rfoFLdRJX4v6upuvSSV6Sf1GwCEwYBhgL/s200/treefall.png" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">This tree fell down
after a recent storm. Did you know you can estimate a tree’s age by measuring
its trunk? Find a felled tree and measure its circumference. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Given the circumference of trees grow at
about <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> to <sup>3</sup>⁄<sub>4</sub>/ inch per year,
how old was this tree when it fell?</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">Foresters use
diameter at breast height, or DBH, as the standard for measuring trees. Measure
the circumference of a tree at breast height, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">4.5 feet above the ground.</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Find
the diameter (divide circumference by pi) and multiply it by the tree’s growth
factor to determine its approximate age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Growth factor varies by species from about 2 to 7, but we can use 4 as
an average of many species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How old is
the tree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep a tally today.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">A single frond of a
fern resembles the whole fern, in miniature. This is called self-similarity.
How many different types of ferns can you find? What other examples of
self-similar structures in nature do you see along the trail?</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">A
fractal is a term to describe self-similarity. It is a geometric pattern that repeats
itself at different scales in a specimen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What other examples of fractal geometry do see
along the trail? Look at some trees and bushes and explain their fractal patterns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">Patterns prevail
throughout the plant kingdom. Flowering plants exhibit numerical patterns. Count
the petals on several flowers. Do the numbers adhere to the Fibonacci Sequence,
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…? What are the next two numbers in this sequence? As you
walk along the trail, how many flowers can you find that conform to this
sequence? Look for pinecones. They are a striking example of the Fibonacci
sequence. Their scales are arranged in two intertwined spirals. Count the
numbers in each direction. Does the pattern conform to the sequence?</span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqWCouSCu3M/XeaNIdyOnqI/AAAAAAAAeYE/dMdvp0plxp8lqhIuSQhes6t-55QSivu2gCEwYBhgL/s1600/leaf%2Bsymmetry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqWCouSCu3M/XeaNIdyOnqI/AAAAAAAAeYE/dMdvp0plxp8lqhIuSQhes6t-55QSivu2gCEwYBhgL/s200/leaf%2Bsymmetry.png" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Most
plants exhibit some type of symmetry. Examine the symmetrical patterns of plant
leaves along the trail. What type of symmetry do you observe in each leaf? Why
do you think symmetry is so prominent in the natural world? What other examples
of symmetry can you identify?</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Daisies have
rotational symmetry. As you rotate them in a circle, they always look the same.
Since the typical number of petals on a daisy is 42, it has what’s called
42-fold rotational symmetry. Find daisies, dahlias or sunflowers and count the
petals. This will tell you the number of distinct orientations in which they look
the same. What other flowers do you see that have rotational symmetry?</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">Orchids
are glorious examples of flowers that nearly all have bilateral symmetry. What
is bilateral symmetry? Why is it also called mirror symmetry? What other
examples of bilateral symmetry can you find along the trail?</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9J24vSR5zc/XeaNHpM4tHI/AAAAAAAAeX4/E-aT6TrAtnoYXj5moUvmlobXZiJsLGFJACEwYBhgL/s1600/bilateral.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9J24vSR5zc/XeaNHpM4tHI/AAAAAAAAeX4/E-aT6TrAtnoYXj5moUvmlobXZiJsLGFJACEwYBhgL/s1600/bilateral.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">See
any spider webs? They create near-perfect circular webs that have
near-equal-distanced radial supports coming out of the middle. How many radial
supports do you count in the spider web? Estimate the interior angle formed
between the radials?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hwY4M90QiE/XeaNMCLOozI/AAAAAAAAeYE/XpU-Hxx8RPsc3tesUuh8q_SKrsYjkHWyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/spider%2Bweb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hwY4M90QiE/XeaNMCLOozI/AAAAAAAAeYE/XpU-Hxx8RPsc3tesUuh8q_SKrsYjkHWyQCEwYBhgL/s200/spider%2Bweb.png" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">Is it a sunny day?
If so, you can estimate the height of a tree using its shadow. First, measure
your shadow then measure your height. Measure the tree's shadow. Set up a
proportion:</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjxDVCujpXc/XeaNOo7chII/AAAAAAAAeYI/VOod5vBd_A4mRx6Hqg4P0e2XCFIdcHV3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/tree%2Bshadow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjxDVCujpXc/XeaNOo7chII/AAAAAAAAeYI/VOod5vBd_A4mRx6Hqg4P0e2XCFIdcHV3wCEwYBhgL/s320/tree%2Bshadow.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";">See any dried mud
patches? Describe the crack pattern. Do you see any polygons? Is the cracking
pattern uniform? Do you see any right angles? Straight angles? Acute angles?
Any concave shapes? What other geometric observations can you make?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3589537134629349623" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Math trails are a natural fit and essential element of
outdoor education, providing opportunities to students to discover explanations
of nature’s patterns and underlying logic, shape, quantity and arrangement. Regardless
of age or skill level, math trails get students out of the classroom and into
the great outdoors to help them develop mathematical and environmental literacy
while having fun. They enable children to engage with mathematical experiences in
the real world, gaining first-hand knowledge of how math can be used to interpret
the world in which we live.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jan Cohen is the
founder of UrbanMathTrails, an education consulting firm that serves various
institutions in the application of math in new contexts. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Drawing upon an extensive background in math
education, finance and architecture, and a passion for the outdoors and the
arts, UrbanMathTrail programs inspire children to discover math in the
environment around them, exciting their mathematical imagination and electrify
their mathematical senses. See<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://www.urbanmathtrails.com/">https://www.urbanmathtrails.com</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">for additional ideas and information.</span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-81445018345250420782018-10-22T12:44:00.002-07:002018-10-22T12:45:34.533-07:00National Trails Teaching Guide!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="ttps://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/CI_trails_0.pdf" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlpFOosfpmlCHX1yygAfDh6PFqNEp0nYzCw3NhRKBm9fohTWRUAWdIJpQAShEoYOMcoVyoFm8lenaeZq040OZGa2xcQR1-PQg3_tuHQTzcR2JhSQGbYOsZ12xw77eKWZK2Rg9g7dUk1Dr/s400/BLM+teaching+guide+cover.png" width="308" /></a></div>
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Trail System Act, the Bureau of Land Management has created a teaching guide about National Scenic and Historic Trails.<br />
<br />
Although these three lessons were designed with middle school in mind, they can also be used with upper elementary and high school students. Common core curriculum connections include english/language arts and social studies.<br />
<br />
Check out the teaching guide, and be sure to let us know if you put it to use!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/CI_trails_0.pdf">h<span style="font-family: calibri, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">ttps://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/CI_trails_0.pdf</span></span></a>Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-19350860036699354532018-10-17T05:19:00.001-07:002018-10-17T05:19:29.539-07:00Student Mural<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8125em; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.07em;">By </span><a href="http://connect.pennlive.com/user/pecotimes/posts.html" id="byline__authorLink" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(21, 101, 192); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1565c0; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.07em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Visit Perry County Times's Author Page">Perry County Times</a><br />
<div class="article__story" id="article__story" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Benton Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="entry-content" id="entryContent" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">By Jim T. Ryan<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Staff Writer</em></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Driving Route 850 from Marysville to Shermans Dale will take you past a crossing for the Appalachian Trail (AT) on the footpath's meandering course through Perry County.</div>
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There, the white blazes mark the AT's path through fields and patches of trees, and a small parking area for hikers to step off from in Rye Twp.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A group of Susquenita Middle School students have made that parking area a little brighter with a bottle cap mosaic depicting a rising sun, mountains, trees and the AT symbol. </div>
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"I've wanted to do a bottle cap mural for a long time and this seemed perfect," said Abby Fisher, a Susquenita art teacher who designed the mosaic and helped students put it together.</div>
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Six students in the life skills class, together with about 10 other middle school students and their teachers spent much of last school year collecting, sorting and arranging the various colored caps and lids from sodas, sports drinks, and coffee cans<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: center;">.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: center;"><b><i>There were upwards of 30 students working on the project at various times</i></b></span></blockquote>
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The project was more than just taking trash and turning it into a picture, the teachers said. It helped all the students in a wide variety of academic and social skills.</div>
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"The art was secondary to the social aspect of this for the students," Fisher said.</div>
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Jeff Henry, the life skills teacher, said it really helped his students work on cooperation and communication skills. </div>
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Paul Marth, a Susquenita social studies teacher involved with the project, said working on an art project that would be featured at an AT trailhead fit in with his curriculum too. The trail runs close to the Susquenita campus in Duncannon and is an integral part of local and U.S. history.</div>
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"Our kids drive by it every day," he said.</div>
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Marth also is an avid hiker and was in contact with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Mountain Club of Maryland, a volunteer group that helps maintain part of the trail in Perry County. They wanted to do something creative with the back side of the message board, Marth said.</div>
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So he said, yes, the middle school could help.</div>
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The teachers paid for the hardware materials and they asked for donated bottle caps. The students sorted them, painted the board and used screws to fasten the approximately 1,000 caps to the board.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">"They don't get to use power tools often, so that was really cool for them," Henry said.</span></div>
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The students took a class trip with their teachers on Sept. 29 to visit their art, now installed at the parking area along Route 850. And they confirmed their teacher's assessment: power tools -- awesome.</div>
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The best part was "sorting out the colors and using the drills," said student Austin Ciccocioppo.</div>
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"My favorite was the colors," student Delorean Michael said.</div>
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"Using the drills," student Codie Nelson said, laughing, when asked about his favorite part of the project.</div>
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The project is precisely what trail groups were looking for to spruce up the message kiosk at the parking area.</div>
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"It's sweet to look over my shoulder and see all that color while I'm mowing the parking area," said Christy Hoover of Carlisle.</div>
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Hoover is a volunteer with the Mountain Club of Maryland who has been helping to maintain the trail and parking area for the past 10 years.</div>
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"One of our goals is to get kids engaged with the trail and this is a great way to do that," said Ryan Seltzer, the corridor stewardship program manager with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Boiling Springs.</div>
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The high visibility of the mural will be a welcome sight to hikers coming off the AT, he said.</div>
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A plaque is being made that will be attached to the kiosk and identify the mural as a project of the Susquenita Middle School students.</div>
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Everyone -- most importantly, the students -- will take something away from the project, teachers said.</div>
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"The kids are going to know it'll be there for a while," Fisher said, "and they can take pride that they were involved."</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jim T. Ryan can be reached via e-mail at jtryan@perrycountytimes.com</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Article link: </em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pennlive.com/perry-county-times/index.ssf/2017/10/students_decorate_appalachian.html" target="_blank">https://www.pennlive.com/perry-county-times/index.ssf/2017/10/students_decorate_appalachian.html</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-54236352201703112022018-09-12T12:47:00.002-07:002018-09-12T12:48:33.180-07:00Great resources from Nancy Reeder!Nancy Reeder of Franklin, NC has developed a fantastic set of curriculum-based activities with an Appalachian Trail theme! Check them out here:<br />
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<u><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OBgARN8FdzmG_zPJftmN2cHsqDJpX0cA?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OBgARN8FdzmG_zPJftmN2cHsqDJpX0cA?usp=sharing</a></u><br />
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You can find this link anytime, and lots of other good stuff, under "Resource Links" on the right side of this blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxGjXYeIhexGQuqRU_ZDa9POPNCzRd6ZYQqMC6hK5k5W674eZDzaCqml57QwkoAr8KXsAyRxoiBWrn3nyPXhLRCLElqicjQwe68aIV_wECNJvA73O2-9u79xer2HrAcfcmwoTfDHOuAR0/s1600/____Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxGjXYeIhexGQuqRU_ZDa9POPNCzRd6ZYQqMC6hK5k5W674eZDzaCqml57QwkoAr8KXsAyRxoiBWrn3nyPXhLRCLElqicjQwe68aIV_wECNJvA73O2-9u79xer2HrAcfcmwoTfDHOuAR0/s320/____Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
From Nancy's Introduction to her project:<br />
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<i>These activities with answer keys have been prepared so they are ready for implementation in your classroom at any time. They are divided into five subjects: Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, and Language.<br /><br />The section from Springer Mountain, GA to Damascus, VA is emphasized, although some activities involve other parts of the trail. Class as well as research type lesson ideas are included to complement your general outdoor curriculum. They are intended to broaden your students’ knowledge of the Appalachian Trail.<br /><br />Everything you need to complete the activity is included. Some of them are intended to be copied for each student, and some are intended to be put on your smart board, and discussed with your entire class, or be given to individuals to read and research.<br /><br />There are various levels of activities geared for intermediate grade students as well as middle school students.</i><br />
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You can find the link to these resources anytime, and lots of other good stuff, under "Resource Links" on the right side of this blog.</div>
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-54764217239936174722018-05-04T06:14:00.000-07:002018-05-04T06:14:06.675-07:00FFEC Alumni Brings Students Back to Trail! https://www.facebook.com/childrensforestnetwork/posts/598264507188521<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-78710886329972304982017-11-09T09:20:00.000-08:002017-11-09T09:20:09.313-08:00Laurel Run Hiking Trip: Field Trip Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KQ7B9qLgFtH8UPNoc_1iHxFQV-CHgOYS4-Pkunyk8X4qy19-HpyhhzptVSnVDhxeqOb3s6Xaj9p7mpH4a0HlB0ecqUMk6_PTqxBk4h66P_gn-TBBlIcgKemO3FR-OhUFuf_FprBTQSfA/s1600/DSC_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KQ7B9qLgFtH8UPNoc_1iHxFQV-CHgOYS4-Pkunyk8X4qy19-HpyhhzptVSnVDhxeqOb3s6Xaj9p7mpH4a0HlB0ecqUMk6_PTqxBk4h66P_gn-TBBlIcgKemO3FR-OhUFuf_FprBTQSfA/s400/DSC_0761.JPG" width="266" /></a>Stephanie Tuttle<br />
Fairfield Elementary School<br />
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Rockbridge County, VA</div>
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The day of the field trip came and all of my planning and preparation was about to be tested. The students were excited for the trip and we were able to load the busses and be on our way. <br />
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Boxerwood, The Department of Wildlife and Inland Fisheries, the STEM teacher, and parents all meet us at Laurel Run. The site was a great place for 120 students and their parents to explore and learn. Laurel Run had a huge pavilion with tables and picnic tables were scattered around the site. The students got off the buses and I divided the students into 4 groups. We then started the activities. The 5th grade teacher and I planned a variety of activities which cover all content areas. The students participated in a hike, water testing, nature journaling, an antonym search activity, and a STEM survival activity. <br />
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A member of the Boxerwood staff and myself led the hiking activity. The students came to us and we divided them into two groups, so the students could better experience nature. I took my groups first and the Boxerwood staff member started her hike 5 minutes after my group. We started the hike. The students were give cameras and directed to take a “selfie” of themselves and 3 “WOW” moment pictures. A “WOW” moment is a moment during the hike the students were amazed by what they were experiencing. As we hiked the students took pictures of the waterfall, rock formations, leaves, mushrooms and anything else amazing. Part way through the hike the students were given crayons and ask to match the crayon color to something they saw in nature. Overall the students enjoyed the hike expect for the gnats. <br />
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Another activity the students participated in was water testing. Boxerwood lead this activity and brought all of the materials needed. The students worked in small groups to test the healthiness of the water. They tested the pH, oxygenation, and the amount of pollution in the water. The students enjoyed this activity because it allowed them to compare the cleanliness of this water to other location they have tested with Boxerwood. <br />
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Students participated in a journaling and an antonyms search activity. The students were asked to journal about their experience throughout the day, the weather, and wrote a haiku about what they heard in nature. The students then worked with a partner to find objects in nature they described the antonyms they were given. The students were given egg cartons with two antonyms written on them like smooth and rough. They then had to find objects in nature to match their words. These were great language arts activities because the students were able to reflect on their experience and explore nature up close. <br />
The final activities the students participated in was a STEM survival activity. The students had to figure out how long their stride was and do the math to determine the distance they could walk in a given amount of time as well as how many steps they take during each mile they walk. The students were then given a survival situation and asked to figure out how they would survive. The students came up with a variety of creative ways to survive. <br />
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This field trip was a success. The students experienced nature in their community. Overall, the students enjoyed the variety of activities. The 4th and 5th grade students enjoyed going on the trip together and getting to learn from each other. This trip was a success and I have many ideas on how to improve and make this trip better for next year.Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-36225713645019547582017-11-07T09:01:00.001-08:002017-11-07T09:01:48.011-08:00Laurel Run Hiking Trip: Planning and Preparation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Stephanie Tuttle<br />
Fairfield Elementary School<br />
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Rockbridge County, VA</div>
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This field trip started with the idea to take 4th and 5th grade students on a hike in their community. I wanted the students to better understand the beauty of the nature that surrounds them. To many students going to Walmart is the highlight of their week and I wanted them to see that their community offers so much more.<br />
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This trip would not have been possible without the help from Boxerwood. Boxerwood is an organization in Rockbridge County whose goal is to teach students how to care for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Boxerwood offered up a variety of sites to choose from located across the county. I choose the Laurel Run site at Goshen pass because most of the students live close to this area, but have never stopped and explored.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetnh-sA-TlUSAjMBUQZS5_kbSB1xHnq_7_7-NGlW4uYN3EhK8kQ1qUtV4KbfsJkPRH-OlI8zj0SCSXWfZtzLkt1YtyYLrDCLjfPcOUE0HvyKAv3we9kHj1P983nnrq7lAmm5Wcc2GerzW/s1600/boxerwood+gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="700" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetnh-sA-TlUSAjMBUQZS5_kbSB1xHnq_7_7-NGlW4uYN3EhK8kQ1qUtV4KbfsJkPRH-OlI8zj0SCSXWfZtzLkt1YtyYLrDCLjfPcOUE0HvyKAv3we9kHj1P983nnrq7lAmm5Wcc2GerzW/s320/boxerwood+gardens.jpg" width="320" /></a>At first this location seemed to be the best and easiest choice. As the field trip approached I learned we needed an access pass from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Each adult who went on the trip would have to buy a pass to come. I was worried our trip would not run smoothly if parents had to buy passes to come. Luckily one of the students’ parents is a game warden and was able to waive the fee for the pass. He also came out and went on the trip with us, a pleasant addition I did not originally plan for. <br />
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I wanted the activities provided to cover all content areas. Selecting the activities was the easy part. The activities the students would do were Nature Journaling, Egg Carton Antonyms, Water Testing, Survival Scenarios, Hiking Math, and Crayon Color matching. The 5th grade teacher and I had to design and created all of the activities the students participated in. This took more time than I originally expected. Planning for a field trip where you have to pack everything but the bathroom took organization and time. Working with the 5th grade science teacher was helpful because I was able to use her experience and knowledge of creating field trips to help plan our trip. <br />
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Overall planning the Laurel Run hiking trip would not have been possible without knowledgeable and experienced teachers to help guide me through the process. </div>
Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-2532966000363185302017-10-31T12:00:00.004-07:002017-11-06T13:35:01.444-08:00Workshop in Rockbridge County, VA, August 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwPgKj8_PeuIq1RMsOC5eCJimRP5L-OAzMZ9wDhvjMoFR0SIuyflL-jjQ8YObmwJmZbcWsoO6IqUmibS1mTFhgozo83Qh4Qsp2Ngupuk-jBAAMeCHKV4sg7rFlJ-M1FDkwhkp8fW82djX/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwPgKj8_PeuIq1RMsOC5eCJimRP5L-OAzMZ9wDhvjMoFR0SIuyflL-jjQ8YObmwJmZbcWsoO6IqUmibS1mTFhgozo83Qh4Qsp2Ngupuk-jBAAMeCHKV4sg7rFlJ-M1FDkwhkp8fW82djX/s320/IMG_3572.JPG" width="240" /></a>Rockbridge County, Virginia is home to two designated <u><a href="http://appalachiantrail.org/home/conservation/a-t-community-program" target="_blank">A.T. Communities</a></u>--Glasgow and Buena Vista--as well as a wealth of natural resources. Thanks to a fundraiser by the A.T. Communities, ATC, and the <u><a href="http://nbatc.org/" target="_blank">Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club</a></u>, the Rockbridge Public Schools Foundation has a special fund set aside to support outdoor education for local students.<br />
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August 1-2, 2017 ATC partnered with the Foundation to host a TTEC workshop designed to arm teachers with tools and inspiration to make the most of this grant opportunity. The workshop was based at Natural Bridge State Park, and included hands-on outdoor learning with a STEAM focus each morning and curriculum development in the afternoons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS68ZsGjqADiJ-x5QvUQUjpx9uJY52os5VK2KSYV62EOvwazGAhpsjSMjChDr_-wViR0BG696ptjzi5vF_SronJjZvrfCccT8UCJyRgPy9oAKlaC6Jsma3TAVEQOvnNVe4E1bvRg2uWHa8/s1600/Rockbridge+macroinvertebrate+sampling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS68ZsGjqADiJ-x5QvUQUjpx9uJY52os5VK2KSYV62EOvwazGAhpsjSMjChDr_-wViR0BG696ptjzi5vF_SronJjZvrfCccT8UCJyRgPy9oAKlaC6Jsma3TAVEQOvnNVe4E1bvRg2uWHa8/s200/Rockbridge+macroinvertebrate+sampling.jpg" width="150" /></a>The first morning was spent on the main trail at Natural Bridge State Park, passing under the famous bridge itself and cycling in small groups through activity stations for hands-on experience of activities teachers could use with their students. NBSP Lead Park Naturalist Katie Charles led a creekside station on macroinvertebrate sampling, with supplies on loan from Boxerwood Gardens. ATC's Kathryn Herndon-Powell led a series of Leave No Trace activities, and ATC Natural Resource Specialist Conner McBane led a station that explored a number of citizen science programs and nature identification apps using ipads generously on loan from Rockbridge County Public Schools.</div>
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Day 2, everyone hopped in the vehicles for a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the A.T. at Thunder Ridge Overlook. Progress was slowed down by a road maintenance project on the Parkway, but eventually the group got to get out of the vehicles and walk on the Trail. </div>
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Carol Caswell greeted the group on behalf of the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club and gave a short presentation about what the Club does and ways they can work with and support teachers, and she tagged along with a group for the hike. ATC's Molly Hagan led a trailside series of Hip Pocket Activities, and Kathryn led an A.T. Math exercise and an exploration of fibonacci numbers at Thunder Hill Shelter. </div>
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TTEC alumni Betty Gatewood and Lisa Connors--illustrator and author of the book <a href="https://lisaconnors.wordpress.com/">Milkweed Matter</a>s--led a nature journaling station. On returning to the State Park, several local organizations introduced themselves over lunch. Katie Charles spoke about the State Park's education programs, Kathy Hall gave an intro to the Glenwood Pedlar Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and Hannah West outlined the robust outdoor education programs at Boxerwood Gardens.</div>
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The 11 educators who attended the workshop brought great energy and enthusiasm that reflects their passion and talent for teaching. Several exciting curriculum ideas were hatched and connections made across grade levels and disciplines. Many thanks to all the partners who helped make this workshop possible, especially Kathy Burant of the Rockbridge County Public Schools Foundation! We hope to be hearing about some Rockbridge County students exploring their public lands--maybe even the A.T.--this fall and next spring.<br />
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-56499757293877531652016-11-28T10:51:00.001-08:002016-11-28T10:51:40.011-08:00Beyond Limits!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
Let the Appalachian Trail awaken your potential! Meet Saint, faithful companion and service dog to Dr. Jacqui Lowman, who together plan to thru-hike the AT in 2017. The pair must overcome both physical and emotional challenges to conquer the trail and they are sharing their story through Saint’s eyes on her Great Adventure (with Mummy) blog and invite you to join them on their journey.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://beyondlimitsawaken.org/category/saints-great-adventure/&source=gmail&ust=1480445357248000&usg=AFQjCNGsJfmJnvrbSG5ZPrgCqXW-Vvp8jg" href="http://beyondlimitsawaken.org/category/saints-great-adventure/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">http://beyondlimitsawaken.org/<wbr></wbr>category/saints-great-<wbr></wbr>adventure/</span></a> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-15350103764436967202016-09-13T10:41:00.001-07:002016-09-13T10:41:15.922-07:00Urbana Hawks on the Trail<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoTvYU7wpmWoq-gZcmNnCCI0F5hiStEkoYZOgknCSav_-A_F0d6Zbqy1zRJZYllJePVj9D3U7XcXExjiZj3QnJPR5iD8s9Eylh-ZdzWLXZNoJ9VSQHJlzVerSCl_CuG9LoJ0Fsu3lkexc/s1600/urbanaa.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoTvYU7wpmWoq-gZcmNnCCI0F5hiStEkoYZOgknCSav_-A_F0d6Zbqy1zRJZYllJePVj9D3U7XcXExjiZj3QnJPR5iD8s9Eylh-ZdzWLXZNoJ9VSQHJlzVerSCl_CuG9LoJ0Fsu3lkexc/s320/urbanaa.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />David Adamiak<br />Urbana Middle School<br />Ijamsville MD<br /><br /><br />David Adamiak of Urbana Middle School shared this great new logo for the hiking club he is working on starting this year!<div>
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Currently one of the PE teachers uses a google form for students to record their steps. The form converts their steps to miles and then they compare it to where they would be on the trail if they started at Springer Mountain. <div>
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This program is just getting started with the new school year--good luck Urbana Hawks!</div>
Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-5584643712691565932016-08-18T06:57:00.001-07:002016-08-18T07:11:22.240-07:00More Teachers on the Trail in Harpers Ferry!<h3>
August 4-5, 2016</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQmGQZGHCGTOLukTlsetMU5AJYgza7QzAeIGSKVDnjrCOIZbpILQU6PczLCF1L8c5ZTQrnMmtMq49VDw7HgJmLVdexnM0QQF2TgbeUkR-0Y-YmETsFdMsPCvO5FNMxbCmRc2QprLS6uPs/s1600/DSCN0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQmGQZGHCGTOLukTlsetMU5AJYgza7QzAeIGSKVDnjrCOIZbpILQU6PczLCF1L8c5ZTQrnMmtMq49VDw7HgJmLVdexnM0QQF2TgbeUkR-0Y-YmETsFdMsPCvO5FNMxbCmRc2QprLS6uPs/s400/DSCN0511.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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This August, <u><a href="http://appalachiantrail.org/" target="_blank">ATC </a></u>, the <u><a href="https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm" target="_blank">Appalachian National Scenic Trail</a></u> Park Office, and Shepherd University teamed up to offer a new kind of professional development workshop for teachers in Harpers Ferry, WV.<br />
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<u>(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/atconservancy/albums/72157672585901495" target="_blank">Click here</a></u> for ALL the photos!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVaiqz2PBtW_Ek0radeYd5ZNRwhYgv-7jyh2AZTUhu4rIo8k_VQdmTmGufNSdgpPPLlkxVZj_FWTwdRZiCr6cMoiwYeTDxFrebMdfuzmagppfa_cvu6XogPBTRTD-YLsfMbMsuiAbLkJ-/s1600/DSCN0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVaiqz2PBtW_Ek0radeYd5ZNRwhYgv-7jyh2AZTUhu4rIo8k_VQdmTmGufNSdgpPPLlkxVZj_FWTwdRZiCr6cMoiwYeTDxFrebMdfuzmagppfa_cvu6XogPBTRTD-YLsfMbMsuiAbLkJ-/s400/DSCN0519.JPG" width="400" /></a>Inspired by collaborative <u><a href="https://www.nps.gov/mabi/learn/education/development/park-for-every-classroom.htm" target="_blank">Park for Every Classroom</a></u> workshops in National Parks across the northeast, this model was a bit different from the traditional Trail To Every Classroom workshop series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROTUCm9qPiuTirAJ0_rDovbaqywJ2mXq9GrHhLvCKx0Y9KqYb4u9FvLwUCFWLlASY615YiVsoxkSMJvstkVVN3eV9v3njOOVWz80Bmy-gnvIY4VxqTHPhfYzab-xS6vDLCl5E8rrpsEtD/s1600/DSCN5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROTUCm9qPiuTirAJ0_rDovbaqywJ2mXq9GrHhLvCKx0Y9KqYb4u9FvLwUCFWLlASY615YiVsoxkSMJvstkVVN3eV9v3njOOVWz80Bmy-gnvIY4VxqTHPhfYzab-xS6vDLCl5E8rrpsEtD/s400/DSCN5593.JPG" width="300" /></a>The workshop was just 2 days, with an ambitiously full agenda designed to introduce local teachers to resources and potential partners right in their area--while building a foundation of knowledge about place based service learning and sharing resources to use the Trail as a living classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U7AQruSsPSHfVvOkigSoNo1JAKRfUD5GTZCc8HiPc9BrYmyTUlw-abW3Gn3tcdgfRgao1x5Z-unNRKZeSBvHNSgMEdMTALBl4POuq71lVKbANz29MpyZtyKIKo6RhGwXCaR_0Dxgs7Em/s1600/DSCN5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U7AQruSsPSHfVvOkigSoNo1JAKRfUD5GTZCc8HiPc9BrYmyTUlw-abW3Gn3tcdgfRgao1x5Z-unNRKZeSBvHNSgMEdMTALBl4POuq71lVKbANz29MpyZtyKIKo6RhGwXCaR_0Dxgs7Em/s320/DSCN5595.JPG" width="320" /></a>The participants were 23 upper elementary and middle school teachers from Jefferson County, WV and Loudoun County, VA. Just about every discipline was represented--from History, Civics and Social Studies to Art, Math, and English. How could one short workshop offer something for everyone?<br />
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Here's how: by showcasing the incredible wealth of natural, cultural and historic resources the Harpers Ferry area has to offer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77laXI-DMFsp8kDDgb8NBxesQnOknq9R_3uIg0BZbPtxOIyqCqlvG8dqJoKUlM6_dGJTSTTvtj27ovNhk3uSZGpt9SAuAGidgM41jxSTljUgAo2h0arHAY803uAM08s8sciWwwZD00reG/s1600/DSCN5587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77laXI-DMFsp8kDDgb8NBxesQnOknq9R_3uIg0BZbPtxOIyqCqlvG8dqJoKUlM6_dGJTSTTvtj27ovNhk3uSZGpt9SAuAGidgM41jxSTljUgAo2h0arHAY803uAM08s8sciWwwZD00reG/s320/DSCN5587.JPG" width="320" /></a>Each day started with a morning on the Trail, with 2 groups hiking a loop and stopping along the way for interactive educational stations. Afternoons were spent indoors, hiding out from the heat while sharing ideas and learning about the A.T., hike leadership, place based service learning, and local partners in conservation. There was also time for teachers to start developing a curriculum concept, and share it with their peers and the workshop leaders for feedback.<br />
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Thursday's hike traveled through historic lower town Harpers Ferry, with five stations along the A.T. and blue-blazed connector trails. Ranger Stan McGee of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, dressed in the uniform of a union soldier, gave a talk about the Civil War history of Harpers Ferry on Camp Hill. Ranger David Fox, also of the National Historic Park, told the spellbinding tale of John Brown's raid right in the engine house building he captured.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriqMYjEsBNfhNdlB9s-sB4msUQLXVlggsyiDfv6BUmY8MGnqYeTs48LZeThCwREzMBJt_Hs7layuOFEhkWf_VSsynZGXHIAZ9TGX-AMQv-QkTv6sUo52F9_McYucpxSYoFpTdsxMBqwD8/s1600/DSCN5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriqMYjEsBNfhNdlB9s-sB4msUQLXVlggsyiDfv6BUmY8MGnqYeTs48LZeThCwREzMBJt_Hs7layuOFEhkWf_VSsynZGXHIAZ9TGX-AMQv-QkTv6sUo52F9_McYucpxSYoFpTdsxMBqwD8/s400/DSCN5567.JPG" width="400" /></a>Diving into pre-history, geologist Mike O'Donnell of Lord Fairfax Community College gave a presentation on geology and geography right at "The Point"--with the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and the bluffs above the rivers as a spectacular backdrop.<br />
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Park Service Archaeologist Mia Parsons gave a tour of the ruins of early industry and daily life on Virginius Island, and ATC's Northern Resource Management Coordinator Marian Orlousky shared a range of lesson plans and service learning opportunities related to the study of natural resources on the A.T., such as invasive species and phenology monitoring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDo7gi9p6jhNtADd5BeOAVYRDZHdOBMInReelwarMu7udR-nomnNmzP0rDIaQUIdgqBTEZ_nZ4KIdxMkZMZ8R4pO7WU6nLsLqlauRN8Kujb5rTWRyoiMGCM9lzhRmgbmJaLsJk45FUTG0/s1600/DSCN5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDo7gi9p6jhNtADd5BeOAVYRDZHdOBMInReelwarMu7udR-nomnNmzP0rDIaQUIdgqBTEZ_nZ4KIdxMkZMZ8R4pO7WU6nLsLqlauRN8Kujb5rTWRyoiMGCM9lzhRmgbmJaLsJk45FUTG0/s400/DSCN5623.JPG" width="400" /></a>Friday morning started with a short drive to Gathland State Park in Maryland, with another loop hike --this time showcasing lessons and activities that can be used almost anywhere on the Trail to teach a range of subjects.<br />
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Matt Graves, Program Manager for Interpretation, Education, and Outreach on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, led a number of interactive games designed to teach key concepts in studying ecosystems--'Oh Deer' and the circle lap sit were a big hit. ATC Education and Outreach Coordinator Kathryn Herndon led a <u><a href="http://appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/hiking-basics/groups-families-and-pets/hiking-games-and-activities" target="_blank">"Hip Pocket Activity"</a></u>, Poesy Poetry, which produced some excellent poems and a lot of ideas among both groups of teachers.<br />
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Amanda Lane of the A.T. Park Office led a Leave No Trace activity to explore personal ethics (What Bugs You The Most), and Hope Midock, also of the A.T. Park Office, shared several math activities related to the Trail with her multicolored A.T. rope serving as an excellent visual aide.<br />
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Both on the Trail and in the Mather Training Center, the energy level among this vibrant group of educators was through the roof. We can't wait to hear how they incorporate the A.T. and place based service learning into their lessons this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cRQpwlXjBRv7eA9FiG3h0APN0aN_ZrCDaXVO7ygUpjyELcVfvdMBkwAA27F0J6CT3mNOMVrefMKg3q3rT2MeRwOY7_ohqO3O3ACpilRl8RKgs8sDY9SxfX9B-INJdF57lf_JqYZD-VrX/s1600/DSCN5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cRQpwlXjBRv7eA9FiG3h0APN0aN_ZrCDaXVO7ygUpjyELcVfvdMBkwAA27F0J6CT3mNOMVrefMKg3q3rT2MeRwOY7_ohqO3O3ACpilRl8RKgs8sDY9SxfX9B-INJdF57lf_JqYZD-VrX/s400/DSCN5612.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cRQpwlXjBRv7eA9FiG3h0APN0aN_ZrCDaXVO7ygUpjyELcVfvdMBkwAA27F0J6CT3mNOMVrefMKg3q3rT2MeRwOY7_ohqO3O3ACpilRl8RKgs8sDY9SxfX9B-INJdF57lf_JqYZD-VrX/s1600/DSCN5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>There are some lucky students in Jefferson and Loudoun Counties this year! But Harpers Ferry isn't the only place on the Trail with a lot to offer educators--not by a long shot. ATC, with Park Service support, hopes to offer more locally-based professional development workshops for teachers in other school districts in 2017. Stay tuned to this blog for details!<br />
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-8575908275312212262016-07-29T09:05:00.000-07:002016-07-29T09:05:04.430-07:00Bats Matter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegRH5sBhKGLvKzJP17zyLtleCMTMXKM0sVuEq0odlgX19gB3BTpOW-TIO25LonjX5R5It7Srrh7QI0cJxfuuLTdDpnP-Hx27dSRRozFRZ02E5gsCj6r9eV0Bg1ZG0sKSqq0MKfQGV25bC/s1600/20160125_065439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegRH5sBhKGLvKzJP17zyLtleCMTMXKM0sVuEq0odlgX19gB3BTpOW-TIO25LonjX5R5It7Srrh7QI0cJxfuuLTdDpnP-Hx27dSRRozFRZ02E5gsCj6r9eV0Bg1ZG0sKSqq0MKfQGV25bC/s400/20160125_065439.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Roseline Raymond<br />
Granite St. School<br />
Millinocket, Maine 04462<br />
TTEC 2015<br />
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<b>Bats are in trouble </b>throughout the Northeast with a disease called White-Nose Syndrome. Bats play a critical role in our ecosystem; it’s a real world problem that exists in our community.<br />
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4th grade students at Granite St. School wanted to address that problem through their service learning project. During library I read them, <u>A Little Brown Bat Story</u> by Melissa Kim, <u>Bat Hospital</u> by Clare Hibbert, <u>The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bat</u> by Sandra Markle and <u>The Life Cycle of a Bat </u>by Rebecca Sjonger.<br />
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They were given magazine articles; watched YouTube video on White-Nose Syndrome and a small mammal biologist from Wildlife Fish and Game Dept. came in and talked to students about the plight of the little brown bat. Both 4th grade teachers worked diligently with students to research habitat, the role bats play in our ecosystem and asked how can we help bats?<br />
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Students formulated a plan to use the Michaud Trail right beside their school to install three bat houses to repopulate the bats in our community while decreasing the insect population. In order to accomplish their goal students wrote letters to persuade the town council to agree with their proposal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaQsRUpFfhKz-oZk0jCdF7QWbAAAFOZUq-RdfWkcRoLwOIhZ6J6VUuS3IQq4fYGiIBVAuNidTgWHAPpQ0XnIJG1tTNZn6MWmujqqhraDdet0647D1zFRZhflZqMqXaRhP00XmuE7LDUFQ/s1600/20160606_115820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaQsRUpFfhKz-oZk0jCdF7QWbAAAFOZUq-RdfWkcRoLwOIhZ6J6VUuS3IQq4fYGiIBVAuNidTgWHAPpQ0XnIJG1tTNZn6MWmujqqhraDdet0647D1zFRZhflZqMqXaRhP00XmuE7LDUFQ/s400/20160606_115820.jpg" width="400" /></a>Four persuasive letters were chosen and those students had the opportunity to read their letter at the town council meeting. 4th grade students were on the agenda on April 14 th , 4:30 at the Municipal Building in the Town Council Chambers.<br />
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It was a unanimous decision by the council that the bat houses could go up on the Michaud Trail, success! Students then wrote to area businesses asking for donations to supply materials. Sterns lumber came through and donated all the materials needed to accomplish their goal.<br />
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This project tied into 4th grade reading, writing, speaking and government curriculum. I need to thank both 4th grade teachers, Mrs. Cassidy and Ms. Daigl who gave so much of their time and talent to this project, it would not have succeeded without you!<br />
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<br />Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-18882393202704932402016-01-28T11:40:00.000-08:002016-01-28T11:40:58.110-08:00Refurbishing a School TrailDonna McCusker & Jessica Williams<br />
The Whitefield School<br />
Whitefield, NH<br />
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Wow wee, it's really going to happen! On December 6 a group of invested community members, teachers, administrators and students met to remove very old and decomposing bog bridges from many many years ago; well over 20 bridges. In addition, we did some clearing and planning. Okay , so how did we get to this point? First of all, teachers and students consulted with the Appalachian Mountain Club who came out and gave wonderful insight as to what direction we needed to take with what we had. Afterwards we did a very intense mailing to the community with our intentions for the school trail, held a community meeting and things began to happen.<br />
So what are our next steps? We have secured folks and material to build brand new bridges. Next, we will choose a Trail Day which is when we will put in the new bridges and the students will continue with any needed trail maintenance. We look forward to giving you an update in the spring!<br />
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-49546730713564450202016-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:002016-01-20T07:00:18.406-08:00Closing thoughts on a wonderful opportunity… James Garst<br />
Andrew Lewis Middle School<br />
Salem, VA 24153<br />
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I recently had the opportunity to wrap up the third workshop of the TTEC Series. Throughout the course of the day, I had the opportunity to reflect on the program as a whole and plan how the program will impact my school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAXd5LJF5tV3UkLVE9_DNUgn127Ffge_wMMBD7FRiO8jJvsag59XrCPbV4EM0839vsrAt3iHzG7izO2UO4bvCZD3b340gqzSEA0biD_bZll8yluTaI2eVbhirQIQW-hWTY3NZaalAYZs3/s1600/jamie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAXd5LJF5tV3UkLVE9_DNUgn127Ffge_wMMBD7FRiO8jJvsag59XrCPbV4EM0839vsrAt3iHzG7izO2UO4bvCZD3b340gqzSEA0biD_bZll8yluTaI2eVbhirQIQW-hWTY3NZaalAYZs3/s400/jamie+3.jpg" width="296" /></a>As an administrator in the program, my experience has been quite different. The workshops have provided me with a skeleton framework that I can now provide to teachers in my school that are interested in pursuing the TTEC theme in their classroom. I also have been able to create a unique hiking club geared primarily towards getting at risk youth working and hiking on our beloved Appalachian Trail.</div>
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Most importantly, the program has instilled an everlasting love of the Appalachian Trail and all of the hidden magic it beholds. After the final workshop, I took my two young sons (Jackson- 4 and Parker-2) hiking on the AT for the first time together. (Jackson had previously done a few shorter hikes with me). We walked south form the 311 parking lot in Catawba, VA. We only walked about half a mile before we encountered a beautiful view of the entire Catawba Valley. </div>
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Both Jackson and Parker signed the trailhead register for the first time . Their chicken scratch toddler writing was proudly posted next to the poetic lines of thru hikers and day hikers alike. </div>
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Most importantly, the program has instilled an everlasting love of the Appalachian Trail and all of the hidden magic it beholds. After the final workshop, I took my two young sons (Jackson- 4 and Parker-2) hiking on the AT for the first time together. (Jackson had previously done a few shorter hikes with me). We walked south form the 311 parking lot in Catawba, VA. We only walked about half a mile before we encountered a beautiful view of the entire Catawba Valley. Both Jackson and Parker signed the trailhead register for the first time (picture). Their chicken scratch toddler writing was proudly posted next to the poetic lines of thru hikers and day hikers alike. </div>
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We played ‘follow the white blaze’ each taking turns being the leader. We played the traditional hide and seek at our destination. We also played ‘pick up the trash’ – a game that daddy invented on the walk out. While I was supposed to be counting during our epic game of hide and seek, I sat quietly and for once felt I had a true appreciation of what the AT is and what it stands for. <br />
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I returned to school the following week rejuvenated and inspired to continue on with the hiking club. Our first meeting was a true success with 22 kids showing up. Our next meeting will be spent planning the spring semester so we can get out on the trail!<br />
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Happy trails to the wonderful folks with the ATC and those hands that helped the TTEC program! <br />
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-22412884403902932102016-01-19T14:19:00.000-08:002016-01-19T14:19:27.958-08:00Community, near and far<br />
Megan Capuano<br />
South Middleton School District<br />
W. G. Rice Elementary<br />
Boiling Springs, PA<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st RTC hike of 2015: Mid-Atantic ATC office, Boiling Springs</td></tr>
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According to Merriam-Webster, community means a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Wikipedia states that a sense of community is a concept which focuses on the experience of community rather than its structure, formation, setting, or other features. We are members of many communities and in my lifetime the sense of community has been empathetic, compassionate, and helpful.<br />
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The last few years I have been feeling that the sense of community is shifting to be less helpful, less compassionate. I realize I have a pretty sheltered outlook but it has always felt like humans wanted to watch out for each other and human kindness drove our actions. Now, social media is filled with videos of people doing bad things and celebrating in mistakes made by others. Videos showcasing pain and suffering are being shared with “LOL” captions. Inhumanity is being promoted as the norm and that is sad to me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last RTC hike of 2015: Hawk Rock</td></tr>
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The community of Trails To Every Classroom (TTEC) shares a positive, compassionate, helpful, and sincere sense of community. TTEC is a network of people, teachers and students, all humans all looking to make the world a better place. We come together as a community to share our common love, the Appalachian Trail (AT). <br />
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I have lived within ten miles of the AT my entire life but I probably spent only a few hours on it until two summers ago. I decided to train for an ultra-marathon and that requires many hours running trails. I fell in love immediately and now I spend free weekends running the AT and plan to continue running North and South. I am a part of the AT community.<br />
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Since I started my love affair with the white blazes, I have introduced the trail to others. My sweetie hails from Colorado and fell in love with the AT on his first run. It is very different than hiking in the Rockies. Our kids have hiked with us. I have introduced trail running to a few friends. My favorite accomplishment is the Ready To Climb program where I introduced the trail to ten 4th grade boys. Only one had been on the trail before the program. I talk with their parents periodically and everyone has taken their family onto the trail. They want to do the program again. They want to hike and they want to be on the AT. Everyone I have taken to the trail is now a part of the AT community.<br />
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TTEC accomplishes more than having teachers write curriculum for the AT, it expands the Appalachian Trail community and adds to a positive, compassionate sense of community. When the TTEC teachers came together as a group this past summer it felt good knowing that I could talk to any person at the resort and have something in common – the Appalachian Trail. I am not a hiker and really I’m not even very outdoorsy but I love the AT – truly, I am in love and would marry it if I could and I’m not even the marrying type :-). But I still have something in common with a thru hiker. <br />
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The community!! TTEC works to bring others into the wonderful world of the AT and the outdoors. Being in nature and feeling love makes it difficult to hate. Trails To Every Classroom is reaching another generation to join the Appalachian Trail community.<br />
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Don't underestimate the power of your vision to change the world. Whether that world is your office, your community, an industry or a global movement, you need to have a core belief that what you contribute can fundamentally change the paradigm or way of thinking about problems. ~Leroy HoodKonnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-65122499634527724852016-01-14T08:12:00.002-08:002016-01-14T08:12:58.815-08:00CommunityJackie Simmons<br />Specialist for students with hearing loss<br />Carteret County Schools, NC<br />TTEC 2015<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">I am privileged to be part of the Trail to Every Classroom program. I live on the coast of North Carolina in what I refer to as The Promise Land and a little piece of Paradise. My YO-HI (yoga and hiking program ) will begin in one our local high schools here in January. All that said, my connections with the Appalachian Trail are challenged by my distance as you can well imagine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t4X5a6xAANlUkFmYjTFIVVR6aA6dIXMPcKDn8BQGS_gsXQwxtt4TQTauBcekfpAPvSEyetPGbF5LGgfGxKbdTz1_m1Ejje5Z8Yt0iNVi2sUSu93xQfmCFwWjCpA-4Tj5pXRJ1ci1WtnY/s1600/jackie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t4X5a6xAANlUkFmYjTFIVVR6aA6dIXMPcKDn8BQGS_gsXQwxtt4TQTauBcekfpAPvSEyetPGbF5LGgfGxKbdTz1_m1Ejje5Z8Yt0iNVi2sUSu93xQfmCFwWjCpA-4Tj5pXRJ1ci1WtnY/s400/jackie.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: start;">In my last hike on the Appalachian Trail, I found myself for a couple of nights in the hostel in Damascus, Virginia. There were few hikers, but there were several long distance cyclists stopping in for a rest spot, to take showers, or simply to regroup as most backpackers do. It was through them I discovered an online hospitality website called warmshowers.org. It hosts long distance cyclists offering them a place to camp, a bedroom, meals, transportation, or whatever the host is able to provide. I joined when I returned home to give back in some capacity and return some of the kindness shown to me as a backpacker.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I have hosted cyclists from all over the world on all different sorts of adventures. They have come from different walks of life: the financial world, teachers, a lifeguard, a detective, a policeman…much like the AT hiking community. As much as I would like to live under a rock sometimes, I know we are all built for community. We should take care of each other, share stories and information and be kind to those who cross our path. We should listen. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">My most recent warmshowers.org guest was not a cyclist, but a long distance backpacker. He was on a long distance hike from Key West, Florida to the Canadian border. He was a previous AT section hiker and completed the entire trail as well as hiking cross country in sections. He was supported by his lovely wife. It was so nice to connect with a hiker through a cyclists hospitality website. They stayed with me for three evenings, and shared in people and places in my coastal community.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI3PJ8NB7xV48rqAaQd7XHnpcRCP7k73iobfwT0aZ4E7QSUsoAjSc3WdO2fnKR91SpDjD56eKj3MhtnEbRo5kiUwaS6ZIzMQ-VrePiXjHL7gTNX7xipNgA_gTbUhZvxqa0j0qZolH87kd/s1600/jackie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI3PJ8NB7xV48rqAaQd7XHnpcRCP7k73iobfwT0aZ4E7QSUsoAjSc3WdO2fnKR91SpDjD56eKj3MhtnEbRo5kiUwaS6ZIzMQ-VrePiXjHL7gTNX7xipNgA_gTbUhZvxqa0j0qZolH87kd/s320/jackie+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Community requires commitment. It is an integral part of the TTEC program. It is also important to us as individuals. Cultivating commitment requires giving of your time and your resources …sacrificially sometimes. Cultivating community requires a general interest and compassion for people that comes with frequency. We all know one of the benefits of hiking the AT is the community we encounter. Build and cultivate community wherever you are. You never know the connections made. Those you serve will remember your hospitality and investment in their journey! And…join warmshowers.org!Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-80408732009319190472016-01-12T06:44:00.000-08:002016-01-12T06:44:46.195-08:00TTEC Fall Workshop: Hot Springs, NC: September 17-19, 2015Roland Tester<br />
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U.S. Government Teacher</div>
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Daniel Boone High School</div>
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Gray, Tennessee</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF60ByfnxM7LAUKLW8WQUCzvhoXUJcOLuIKn287Gugh9RP9ZZTaB6GfjDifFRbySqCzqq-2nYOVzVrn4_0ZIwc7mEvnJlxoobwo2b0f0HsV0CKK2Ab5B5jFmDiYfmrLn47T7B472gPmV9j/s1600/hotsprings01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF60ByfnxM7LAUKLW8WQUCzvhoXUJcOLuIKn287Gugh9RP9ZZTaB6GfjDifFRbySqCzqq-2nYOVzVrn4_0ZIwc7mEvnJlxoobwo2b0f0HsV0CKK2Ab5B5jFmDiYfmrLn47T7B472gPmV9j/s400/hotsprings01.jpg" width="400" /></a>Summer and Thursday afternoon were fading when I arrived in Hot Springs, via Mars Hill and sundry hamlets on the road through Western North Carolina; one of my favorite regions to ramble around. I am reasonably familiar with Hot Springs, but I had never been to (or even heard of) my destination, The Sunnybank Inn. I found the address, and pulled into a driveway occupied by a number of cars bearing progressive/liberal/pro-environmental bumperstickers. </div>
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Figuring I had found the right place, I walked up to the house. Shelves and cabinets and bookcases filled with pottery, books, and trail needs/gifts/trades crowded the porch. I knocked on the door and stepped into a very clean and incredibly equipped and supplied kitchen: bundles of herbs, peppers, and spices dangling hither and fro; burnished pots and pans and gleaming utensils hanging by the dozens; notes, books, photos, prints, and paintings peeking out from every nook and cupboard. A dry erase board was on the fridge, and my name was on it (spelled correctly even!)<br />
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No one appeared to be around. “Hello?” I called.<br />
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I waited a couple of minutes and went a bit further in, “HELLO?”<br />
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I then got a response: “Ruh-Roof!”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvASz4vn_uQ_-p-lsb7l8POCrFDnPXQtSL3uJslr5-0TzMpcZQqJGyWPKVfVFCvDNaoAuCF7Rrq4rXX4vjLxp_TVrDNnEzcO5jogle2Dbix162qTSe7AOUTtW5b2lS1uCyTeFIlI1jhyLP/s1600/hotsprings03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvASz4vn_uQ_-p-lsb7l8POCrFDnPXQtSL3uJslr5-0TzMpcZQqJGyWPKVfVFCvDNaoAuCF7Rrq4rXX4vjLxp_TVrDNnEzcO5jogle2Dbix162qTSe7AOUTtW5b2lS1uCyTeFIlI1jhyLP/s320/hotsprings03.jpg" width="311" /></a>A curious Border Collie/Dalmatian/HeinzHound57 came ambling out. We quickly became friends due to our good natures and the bag of Canine Carry-Outs I habitually carry in a pocket. We wandered around the house (if I may use such a pedestrian description for the Sunnybank Retreat) for a bit, and I marveled at the décor; the furniture, the lamps and ancient fixtures, the curios, relics, statues, and the shelves and shelves of books. My new friend and I hung out for a little while. Eventually some humans showed up. I was delighted to see familiar faces from the Southern Cohort and the ATC staff. I was introduced to our host, Mr. Elmer Hall, and found out my four-legged friend was known as Jimmy Carter. Elmer gave us all (as more and more of the TTEC crew drifted in over the next few hours) a semi-formal walkabout of the Inn, and showed me my room (wonderful accommodations).</div>
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Elmer had mentioned that meals at the Sunnybank Inn were exclusively vegetarian; he explained that the Inn hosted so many Hindu groups and families, (?) that he had gone vegetarian with all the meals just to simplify things. Being a carnivore, I raised an eyebrow at this, but as the first breakfast was served, my slight misgivings were dispelled; everything Elmer and his crew made was incredible. Following breakfast, Elmer gave us a detailed history of the town of Hot Springs and the Sunnybank Inn, including a number of anecdotes of the many memorable characters that have stayed there over the past several decades.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAq9ege8kustdEUpMEWbMxEFG_GBEHnfG0rZZjXsmoWPKvvfk52f7f25XLEPEApZaj3SctZQo4a-AoFgyunukbLJkE8KAQ5_5mLNyOLNk_E_Ltf_UQjAJ9BRprd9csccUO6z_TIt4j5Az/s1600/hotsprings05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAq9ege8kustdEUpMEWbMxEFG_GBEHnfG0rZZjXsmoWPKvvfk52f7f25XLEPEApZaj3SctZQo4a-AoFgyunukbLJkE8KAQ5_5mLNyOLNk_E_Ltf_UQjAJ9BRprd9csccUO6z_TIt4j5Az/s320/hotsprings05.jpg" width="235" /></a><br />
Our cohort went on a Discovery Quest up and around to the west. We visited one of the hostels, tracked and counted the AT markers down the sidewalk (The AT runs through the middle of the town), visited a number of cultural/historical sites, generally checked out the town, and had a fine lunch at the Smokey Mountain Diner (highly recommended), </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwmA_nYKuV0mmLcaJXotBKKTzPLvNye2DRnX7-bPRnitNGq4rSXTsTDBV2fL6uColuqmghSN6etRoOfygZ8fRLOYr7KaRyjSxA_PxDa1eScaXimg6MbeEUht6POzA0PB-jaFAAaYzbtBf/s1600/hotsprings06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwmA_nYKuV0mmLcaJXotBKKTzPLvNye2DRnX7-bPRnitNGq4rSXTsTDBV2fL6uColuqmghSN6etRoOfygZ8fRLOYr7KaRyjSxA_PxDa1eScaXimg6MbeEUht6POzA0PB-jaFAAaYzbtBf/s200/hotsprings06.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We then embarked on our main activity of the day, the Lover’s Leap Hike. We noted native flora and fauna, looked for invasive species, and discussed seasonal differences in the plant life along various sections of the AT (I confess, before these workshops, I had never heard the term “Phenology”, much less knew that it was a defined and dedicated field of study). The hike was wonderful and the views were spectacular. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP1PKRApFhq_9aFVDgBGQaEgfjE_GltbAkcknsGh81PyhXoKyUxKMGrviAN4LxFmz-Ac3iWkqkL-G81gpvwAr8c_oZ3CCK_C0Wz2YGOiJpJVRE1AGMk9cqUvmlMkETZGvqSZmrf-znSmk/s1600/hotsprings07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP1PKRApFhq_9aFVDgBGQaEgfjE_GltbAkcknsGh81PyhXoKyUxKMGrviAN4LxFmz-Ac3iWkqkL-G81gpvwAr8c_oZ3CCK_C0Wz2YGOiJpJVRE1AGMk9cqUvmlMkETZGvqSZmrf-znSmk/s320/hotsprings07.jpg" width="191" /></a>After the hike, we did a session in the mineral waters of the Hot Springs Resort, and although it was pleasant, I reflected that it was nothing out of the ordinary; the gym I go to actually has a much larger and nicer Jacuzzi. “Taking the Waters”, one of the primary reasons for the existence of Hot Springs as a town, has in my opinion, become rather mundane. We finished the day with an outstanding supper from Elmer and his crew. </div>
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After another amazing breakfast (I don’t know how Elmer managed to make vegetarian gravy taste so incredibly good), the cohort traipsed down to the Hot Springs Public Library (many people don’t realize what a boon even a modest library is to a small, rather isolated town) where we could catch a Wi-Fi signal, and organize and put the final touches on our TTEC lesson and unit presentations. Finishing these at the last second in true “grad student” style, we hurried back to the Sunnybank and gave our presentations We discussed, critiqued, suggested, and networked (with a break for an excellent lunch) way up into Saturday afternoon. </div>
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At the last, our mentors and guides from the ATC/TTEC had prepared a special ceremony for the members of the Southern Regional Cohort completing the TTEC program. We walked into the side yard, where we were given accolades and a rather nice certificate of completion from the ATC and the National Parks Service. We were charged with keeping the spirit of wild places and wilderness beating within our hearts, and instilling a sense of community and stewardship within the hearts of our students. I take this very seriously, and I feel honored to be entrusted with this.<br />
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As with all of our workshops, the only thing I disliked was the fact that it had to come to an end, and I had to say farewell to wonderful places, and more importantly, people that I had become very attached to. My experience with the TTEC and my involvement with the ATC make me feel like a part of an extended family, and part of something much greater than myself; something that began long before I arrived on the scene, and something that will continue long after I have moved on. I’m a better person for the experience. Thank you all for everything this year </div>
Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-79788708659464473252016-01-11T06:08:00.001-08:002016-01-11T06:08:23.650-08:00Mountaintops and MilestonesRebekah Lang<br />
6th and 7th grade English, The Swain School<br />
Allentown, PA<br />
TTEC 2015<br />
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This is my Mountaintops and Milestones bulletin board where all students can set goals and celebrate accomplishments by adding their mark on the board. It has grown since the beginning of the year and is a constant reminder of the Appalachian Trail and the metaphor of "The Trail Less Traveled" in my classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jgJQEXqlcfd4W9TAdKqLebiEjPwtbvEa5JC_a-P1cv06rhBC3BtWQmwFMDSBOZtmV5pWVomH8P5gd54u42T52dSvwHEB8qn2E_74BfOWJLThMWfn13HguxuRbOfdMTDVfHGNigVG1YtF/s1600/image+%252824%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jgJQEXqlcfd4W9TAdKqLebiEjPwtbvEa5JC_a-P1cv06rhBC3BtWQmwFMDSBOZtmV5pWVomH8P5gd54u42T52dSvwHEB8qn2E_74BfOWJLThMWfn13HguxuRbOfdMTDVfHGNigVG1YtF/s640/image+%252824%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8mllfkXT1GUcB5-Pkj18GaBmHybweVOsaT_zyn64UWApEgCxz5uuNP3hKCByO44W4tAQ-Dzu1BjRU8yekhWBIFoKtVXSE7BrFPofyZm0boq9Hrsd9Et8hGVMeaUQR01srOZvzLK0daNt/s1600/image+%252822%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8mllfkXT1GUcB5-Pkj18GaBmHybweVOsaT_zyn64UWApEgCxz5uuNP3hKCByO44W4tAQ-Dzu1BjRU8yekhWBIFoKtVXSE7BrFPofyZm0boq9Hrsd9Et8hGVMeaUQR01srOZvzLK0daNt/s400/image+%252822%2529.png" width="400" /></a>I was inspired by Block City to have my 7th grade English students create model towns for our novel The Outsiders. We considered how the plot of the book was effected by the setting. It doesn't quite connect back the the AT or land use, but I think it very well could in future years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgDke6mL6MeZDGmlHSASrcjZmpcsyYFt85k-rNT7V0vuurYwO0blBuECdrE09i3uCdTuJ95SBhPJRxBMjgCFx8OxuM1rj8a0gDLbY-p0LkNSlo6muyBLFbU8tOkhNDrg7VPTNbQy5xpIe/s1600/image+%252823%2529.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgDke6mL6MeZDGmlHSASrcjZmpcsyYFt85k-rNT7V0vuurYwO0blBuECdrE09i3uCdTuJ95SBhPJRxBMjgCFx8OxuM1rj8a0gDLbY-p0LkNSlo6muyBLFbU8tOkhNDrg7VPTNbQy5xpIe/s400/image+%252823%2529.png" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">I do not have a complete plan for the curriculum yet, however I do plan to continue to use the guide to teaching Leave No Trace that was given to us at a workshop. I have also woven many of the activities informally presented to us at TTEC in my classroom.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo68moF6kmqhow4CTI4jqVPzOCQ9EtIsPmZ48WB_ckdgsI3fA5kDM56f8fG3wz8b5BKtlhhiIsN0-2RgGOoSQlVr4WB62GVpwR5JzFGEnhkSpPgT3i6Ty55b87Wj7yxX3wxu5zena4SQVl/s1600/image+%252821%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo68moF6kmqhow4CTI4jqVPzOCQ9EtIsPmZ48WB_ckdgsI3fA5kDM56f8fG3wz8b5BKtlhhiIsN0-2RgGOoSQlVr4WB62GVpwR5JzFGEnhkSpPgT3i6Ty55b87Wj7yxX3wxu5zena4SQVl/s640/image+%252821%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">This is our decomposition matching and sorting activity (learned at our Spring workshop).</span></td></tr>
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Thanks for an incredible PD experience. My students have already benefited from the few lessons I've already completed. I will continue to implement the unit intermittently and then really focus in strong in January.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BcF8flkUnboRQMUc2tvHExH6IRqCsIQ49iru0ulcihSrrNfdvW8S5x_WaMHwW3JVpwbVGI_y7waAL-O2iDJC1WJ6IXW0Gw_wXx8Pz6RnhbpSWU6jqcisskmY3AAPVioQfcL8WQ7W5GJ3/s1600/image+%252822%2529.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aZhACrqpN2nTVTxLBOxrRYEb1E8iUKSJskp26hvh7mSGZo5np7pynRq6ZrGALf1xe31rSpy3XKu1trso_h0VQHoh6LIjOQJZ97tHzmatBsMIoGNiEmYGb4nCMPjFTeHBJCd8yg0DxI9x/s1600/image+%252820%2529.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aZhACrqpN2nTVTxLBOxrRYEb1E8iUKSJskp26hvh7mSGZo5np7pynRq6ZrGALf1xe31rSpy3XKu1trso_h0VQHoh6LIjOQJZ97tHzmatBsMIoGNiEmYGb4nCMPjFTeHBJCd8yg0DxI9x/s640/image+%252820%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Here are students from my advisory and one other I combined with measuring the years of trash they've picked up from our green space.</span></td></tr>
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-60886603151524279502016-01-05T07:23:00.001-08:002016-01-05T07:23:23.472-08:00Let Me Introduce You to the Neusiok Trail<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Jackie Simmons<br />
Specialist for students with hearing loss<br />
Carteret County Schools, NC<br />
TTEC 2015</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzejLWqy_d4qJgS6NX6Jr7HjCAo8X3jYE1mfxIbPGa63L_TkLtmQ3FxWA1gvkvstYCPpJhQKsv_Gyln5zDNEykBGpeBNFHe9uweLYbZHQ3vY3ZAkGAjo2l1skyyD88l5CCcOWSprFSKywr/s1600/jackie+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzejLWqy_d4qJgS6NX6Jr7HjCAo8X3jYE1mfxIbPGa63L_TkLtmQ3FxWA1gvkvstYCPpJhQKsv_Gyln5zDNEykBGpeBNFHe9uweLYbZHQ3vY3ZAkGAjo2l1skyyD88l5CCcOWSprFSKywr/s320/jackie+4.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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Since I live so far away from the Appalachian Trail, our hikes will be done in large part for our Trail to Every Classroom education on The Neusiok Trail. It is here we will educate our students on Leave No Trace principles and hiking safety. Because of our coastal climate, this hike can really only be done in late fall and winter because of mosquitoes…late October to maybe early May. It will be the trail where we prepare for our Appalachian Trail hike at the end of our program. So if you ever are in eastern NC, you should come and enjoy this beautiful hike! It can be accessed from Havelock or Newport, NC.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt096bbwDXKxpDwOTUBXKNmLurqXA8vk64ws_5RFmJMhqpinSgo2sREkZ4N3IkbTdfLF5kJYHop6nzU2vvZpkAd48vjv_kkiq3tIR8U1eloBI60nyFRz_Pbjxt98Qbq-fJdyA8Cxa-Hj0/s1600/jackie+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt096bbwDXKxpDwOTUBXKNmLurqXA8vk64ws_5RFmJMhqpinSgo2sREkZ4N3IkbTdfLF5kJYHop6nzU2vvZpkAd48vjv_kkiq3tIR8U1eloBI60nyFRz_Pbjxt98Qbq-fJdyA8Cxa-Hj0/s400/jackie+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><br />NEUSIOK TRAIL </b><br />
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The Neusiok Trail winds more than 20 miles from a sandy beach on the Neuse River to a salt marsh on the Newport River. <br />
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In between, the trail crosses cypress swamps, hardwood ridges, longleaf-pine savannah and pocosin—shrubby bogs common to the Carolina coast. Look for signs of those who walked this way before—from native Indians to early settlers, woodsmen and moonshiners. The trail is diverse in plant life and is supported by a series of boardwalks. Wear your best hiking boots! Your feet will probably get wet on one of the sections<br />
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You can camp anywhere or use the three shelters on the trail! The Neusiok is also a part of the 900 mile Mountains to Sea Trail here in North Carolina. Featured in Backpacker Magazine, it really is a lovely place to hike!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqVvGAQI7qmzl-FWarCYNrmkImQ9mixeITQ3QunMWDWelx56CqGToG4rEvIPwyuok3Qh3igDvIk6YVLq8Jf-Sb6VLfXTVuApW2MnPe4Be_4Rze86wN_D55FfJnregf-suQyD2V1tu5_ks/s1600/jackie+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqVvGAQI7qmzl-FWarCYNrmkImQ9mixeITQ3QunMWDWelx56CqGToG4rEvIPwyuok3Qh3igDvIk6YVLq8Jf-Sb6VLfXTVuApW2MnPe4Be_4Rze86wN_D55FfJnregf-suQyD2V1tu5_ks/s640/jackie+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-85576563837432812852016-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:002016-01-04T07:50:30.414-08:00TTEC - A Powerful Agent for ChangeBarbara Lindtner<br />
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Seven Generations Charter School</div>
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Emmaus, PA<br />
TTEC 2015</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMK31_1fvKVhfm5i6URvhJMY8Sjm4CP4Qo8b1to5TFdPMFXxWbbl1dVEEvX7IRQjPoXaAjHFTgKGQB7faWcBJ6blUPybv5a80dxuaj4dXQXL4tN4xpwsXltCcjI6Op4lBc7Yz3U3ZWcNw/s1600/lindtner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMK31_1fvKVhfm5i6URvhJMY8Sjm4CP4Qo8b1to5TFdPMFXxWbbl1dVEEvX7IRQjPoXaAjHFTgKGQB7faWcBJ6blUPybv5a80dxuaj4dXQXL4tN4xpwsXltCcjI6Op4lBc7Yz3U3ZWcNw/s320/lindtner.jpg" width="262" /></a>It all started with an email. And the excitement was palpable as we read comments from our admin Alison. She describes TTEC as “an absolutely AMAZING experience, you get to stay at the National Conservation Center for FREE, you BELONG there”. Alison is very persuasive, but she didn’t have to work too hard. The four of us applied and were ecstatic to take on the challenge and adventure of learning and connecting to the Appalachian trail. And it has been an incredible journey of friendships, new relationships, and writing curriculum to connect our students to the AT. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRospCRs6LjBFP1ooAaAm-qjt59wd8hqN5stvFRxIhFbybjJh2hhKXdAlQanbKsd4DQtgBuN7BatZqzPx6YtfEIHwZ-RnjxTuMxW0zDnkZaU4VRuYg5UavylRPKn4GeWAXAyrEJCsZaAlc/s1600/lindtner+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRospCRs6LjBFP1ooAaAm-qjt59wd8hqN5stvFRxIhFbybjJh2hhKXdAlQanbKsd4DQtgBuN7BatZqzPx6YtfEIHwZ-RnjxTuMxW0zDnkZaU4VRuYg5UavylRPKn4GeWAXAyrEJCsZaAlc/s320/lindtner+1.jpg" width="215" /></a><br />
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Meeting Karen Lutz was one of the first gems in the story. Karen was like a den mother watching over a bunch of 15 year olds. She giggled often as she said, “well you will just love our week in Shepherdstown, WV”. A great leader, Karen laid the bread crumbs for us to follow on our first cohort meeting in Virginia. Meeting Betty Gatewood was another special part of that first weekend together. She reminded us to open our eyes and see the world from a different color, and connect those colors to writing. Nature journaling – stop, draw the beautiful things we see as we walk the path and write notes. A simple lesson I have used many times since with my students on our hikes and field trips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPWN-dfHqozfzqGnDuQBRQeJ_QhphEl5_gYP_Ys98k9t2t0ImTmh4KlCGi-tZqiNaGHqZvrZAEPqUQDLnu6HRRolZectuPORl7ddSyIwSwU2qrCMSG7YtUAOq0X74LcJ2-W3Ythh2VMhC/s1600/lindtner+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPWN-dfHqozfzqGnDuQBRQeJ_QhphEl5_gYP_Ys98k9t2t0ImTmh4KlCGi-tZqiNaGHqZvrZAEPqUQDLnu6HRRolZectuPORl7ddSyIwSwU2qrCMSG7YtUAOq0X74LcJ2-W3Ythh2VMhC/s320/lindtner+2.png" width="320" /></a>All the new relationships-Cody, Tyler, Megan, David, Jill, John, Donna, Rebekah, and Karen -- I can’t wait to see what we do with our work! And deepening of our friendships - Pia and Kim you are such amazing people and teachers!<br />
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One of the great takeaways from that weekend for us from 7Gen was learning about the Leave No Trace Principles. We all realized sitting in that conference room that while we hike and use the outside as a context for learning, our students didn’t practice these principles, didn’t even know them. And Kim connected it all. She did the work and the creative process of developing an easy approach to teaching the curriculum for our students, teachers and 7Gen. It was an exciting beginning!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4LKj8D5y2FNjgUyU9a3JPKJhV0VSKe7DX-vHfE76lDrZ-ukZKDcFwd9uGTWLcvI6VrfXDto470OiCsn681Vyc41zEzWrN0QMJZ3mzFNxVTiii1eNr7DSYUDRPChs9j4TsRhYfqEIhEaI/s1600/lindtner+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4LKj8D5y2FNjgUyU9a3JPKJhV0VSKe7DX-vHfE76lDrZ-ukZKDcFwd9uGTWLcvI6VrfXDto470OiCsn681Vyc41zEzWrN0QMJZ3mzFNxVTiii1eNr7DSYUDRPChs9j4TsRhYfqEIhEaI/s1600/lindtner+3.jpg" /></a>The week at the National Convention Center was over the top—meeting new people, incredibly talented people that came together to share their lives and stories. All of it was centered around making connections for kids to the Appalachian trail. It was a truly amazing experience.<br />
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Our last weekend in New Jersey at the Mohican Outdoor Center Lodge was probably the most memorable of all three weekends as we came together to share ideas, work and humor! Love you MidAtlantic Cohort! The Mohican Center was a warm place, where we all packed into a space that was fairly intimate. Meeting Estelle Ruppert, who wrote a book I have been using in my classroom --PA Land Choices and taking a beautiful hike were some of my highlights. But the best part was sitting around a fire, telling stories. And yes, I really did do all that stuff! It was a perfect ending to a wonderful series of workshops.<br />
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As I sit here in late December, I am the only one left at my school from our cohort. For various reasons, my friends have moved on to other professional endeavors. The TTEC experience was about more than friendships, writing curriculum and hiking. This experience has served to underscore for each of us what we want to do in life. Yes, it’s about how to make our own lives richer by doing what we think is important. TTEC is a powerful tool, an agent for change. Perhaps we will reconnect and share some stories, somewhere along the trail, somewhere in our lives.<br />
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-71269710248066138232015-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:002015-12-29T09:55:44.348-08:00The Final ReflectionRandy Adams<br />
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Northside Middle School</div>
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Roanoke, VA</div>
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2015 TTEC Cohort<br />
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Looking back over the last few months, and the final group meeting in Damascus, Va.; I have one final reflection. However, it is not the last time I will reflect by myself, with my peers, or my students. It is the vision of the future. <br />
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The process of digesting the vast information In the TTEC program will be ongoing over the next months, and years. I want to use the strategies, ideas, and projects in my math class; however, I have had to settle for “baby steps” using only portions of activities that connect directly to the curriculum set forth by my employer. Have I been disappointed by my work and attempts to connect my students to the Appalachian Trail? Yes, but I see that it’s an ongoing process. Do I still have plans to use the things I have seen and experienced? Yes, but again the plan must take place little by little. The process for the future is don’t give up, keep trying and doing. When the students start to see the connections we give them to “places” near them, they start to value their own observations and reflections. <br />
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However, the vision that I see for the future is not only in my classroom, but in the school and school systems. We have connected to places as a group of educators. Now, we need to keep that connectedness we feel at our excursions to help each other and those who become interested in what we are doing. My challenge is this: keep in contact using social media and the internet, it’s easy enough and we already do it with our other “social circles”. I see in the reflection of my TTEC experience is that we need to keep our groups going informally. Not only do we help each other with ideas, activities, and work; but the social and moral support is out of this world in helping fuel the flame of placed based learning. <br />
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It’s a simple enough idea, but will we take this challenge? That is up to you, but as for me, I will continue to try.
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-19694963911836799502015-12-28T11:19:00.003-08:002015-12-28T11:19:57.477-08:00Textbook find<b>Rosemary Young</b><br />
Grayson County High School<br />
Independence, VA<br />
TTEC 2015<br />
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Miracle of miracles today. Just thumbing through my brand new Earth Science textbook for this year and this is what I found. I plan on using this in the future and perhaps incorporating the awesome Appalachian trail map we got at the summer workshop!<br />
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Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589537134629349623.post-74298509606666258162015-12-28T08:12:00.000-08:002015-12-28T08:12:16.520-08:00Creative Expression on The ATColleen Gentry<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD-hdKUZY2kSCbQ_bl9FoanBSmorJCQSwgZhv9y_-KQG0PVRMUdnmJRvbfhgpkWFcCHioFHPbSrP_NAa1XozbnyvhQdy9D5ddyo1QkVpd7ZuWRehwL2NCPKCZDbwoXzr0vlwAciwXm87V/s1600/colleen+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD-hdKUZY2kSCbQ_bl9FoanBSmorJCQSwgZhv9y_-KQG0PVRMUdnmJRvbfhgpkWFcCHioFHPbSrP_NAa1XozbnyvhQdy9D5ddyo1QkVpd7ZuWRehwL2NCPKCZDbwoXzr0vlwAciwXm87V/s640/colleen+blog.jpg" width="356" /></a>Prices Fork Elementary</div>
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Blacksburg, VA<br />
TTEC 2015<br />
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<b> “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” </b></div>
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<i> John Muir</i><br />
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Walking.... putting one foot in front of the other seems such a simple thing. When you are hiking on the Appalachian Trail there are many of these footfalls. Each one carries meaning in a unique way, and each traveler has their own individual expression that carries on.<br />
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My husband, Matt, and I have been so fortunate to both enjoy this extraordinary footpath and to bring our own craft to express this love. </div>
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Matt is an amazing visual artist. He must have his time in the woods. He brings a simple sketch book with his huge heart and vision and records amazing snapshots of nature. Pencil drawings, defined with pen and ink, mark his artistic talents.<br />
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His approach to this style of journaling gave me a vision for my project in designing my lesson plan devoted to nature journaling with elementary school children. These are the key elements I have seen as important: taking time to sit still, observe, use a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and a curious nature–take a risk and reflect on the process.<br />
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What am I doing while Matt is sketching?<br />
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Knitting! Yes, it is hip to KNIT. The meditative feeling of needles gliding back and forth, back and forth, is truly a craft that lends itself to being in nature and in the woods. Knitting is calming. It brings me to the center of where I can think about things. The beautiful yarns reflect the gorgeous colors of sky, water, earth. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">On one hiking trip, I knitted a wool hat that I finished before the fire and was able to wear to bed to keep me warm. </span>My biggest project was a knitted blanket that was made of 85 individual squares. These squares were carried in my backpack and done over campfires, in the tent during thunderstorms, on breaks sitting on sunny rocks, during car rides which took us and back and forth to our trailhead destinations.<br />
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The blanket is something that reminds me of the many people we have met and the time we have shared together. Our sweet cat loves to cozy up.<br />
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My hope is for everyone to explore their own creative expression! <br />
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Go out and enjoy NATURE.</div>
Konnarock Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00127271993463576706noreply@blogger.com0