2nd Grade Field Trip Curriculum

Working with the 2nd grade Wild Wanderers team, I've helped deliver environmental education to students from three local elementary schools, creating meaningful nature experiences that build environmental stewardship. Our program includes three 30-minute classroom sessions covering topics like symbiotic relationships, the five layers of Douglas Fir forests, and biodiversity, followed by a four-hour field trip to Mount Pisgah Arboretum. During these trips, students participate in interactive quests, storytelling sessions, sit-spot activities, and educational games that teach them about forest biodiversity and how species interact through symbiotic relationships. I've played a key role in updating our 2024 curriculum using Learning in Places Frameworks while handling logistical responsibilities including note-taking, meeting coordination, and material preparation.

Beyond direct student programming, our team partners with 90by30 to organize Parent Cafés at each participating school. 90by30 is a research-backed community organization working to reduce child abuse and neglect in Lane County by 90% by 2030. These cafés create intentional spaces where parents and caregivers learn from each other through peer-to-peer education, strengthening protective factors like resilience, relationships, knowledge, support, and communication. Our Wild Wanderers cafés specifically explore how nature supports these protective factors through personal growth, academic success, and environmental stewardship. I've prepared for this responsibility by attending two existing cafés and helping set up another to understand what makes them successful. I've also contributed to developing our project management plan, presentation slides, and café scripts, and will serve as co-host, childcare support, or conversation facilitator during our sessions.