Wyoming Youth Congress

Only in Wyoming is it acceptable to be late for work because of a buffalo jam.
Red fox that has been popping up all over campus.
Me exploring my teaching site for the Wyoming Youth Congress group. I will be using the Snake River (as pictured above and below) to teach stream ecology and the connections between human impact and the story of landscape.

For the next two weeks, I will be preparing for and teaching at the Wyoming Youth Congress which will be hosted in Jackson. This congress is the first of its kind and hopes to engage one hundred students from across Wyoming in the conversation about, what Richard Louv calls, "nature deficit disorder."

Throughout the congress we will be addressing the question: "Why is it important to get kids outside?" Until recently, adults have dominated the conversation about kids in nature; our goal is to get students to come up with their own belief statements about why nature is important for mental, physical, social, and academic growth. During a brainstorm session, I came up with my own belief statements about nature which included the following:

- "Nature provides and authentic space for growth and exploration and makes learning real and relevant."

-"Nature is a subtle mentor; it demonstrates the complexity and simplicity of life and relationships."

Other group brainstorms included:

-"The more children get out into nature, the more nature we will have in the world."

-"Children are synonymous with nature; they both bring about joy."

We are using a 5-H model to get the 8th grade students thinking about their connection to nature. These H's include: head, hands, heart, health and home. My lesson plans provide opportunities for students to connect with nature and learn how other people connect to nature. For example, I will introduce them to the artwork of Andy Goldsworthy, a photographer who connects to nature through art. I will read them the book Everybody Needs a Rock. The character in this story connects to nature in another way. We will be learning about Mardy Murie and her connection to nature through preservation and conservation efforts. Students will be given the opportunity to create a sustainable relationship with the outdoors and develop their own beliefs about its importance.

In the future, Teton Science Schools hopes to host a national youth congress to expand the conversation among students. It is exciting to be part of this event and help develop and create a memorable and valuable experience for students.

Please email me if you have any belief statements about nature and the outdoors - I would love to read them!