ECST 3950 - Environmental Education Practicum

Goals: To actively engage in environmental education through conducting research, designing and delivering interpretive media and programs, and critically reflecting on environmental experiences in order to better understand and communicate about environmental systems and relationships.

Content: This seminar offers students from any program experience analyzing and interpreting environmental issues through the development of programs, presentations, media, and other formats. We will practice environmental communication and education about a variety of topics related to the environment and climate as selected by students and program partners. Students collaborate with each other to analyze readings, experience and evaluate programs and to develop and lead experiences centered on environmental topics of local and global significance. Students will be assigned to a field site such as a nature center, park, school, or organization to develop and conduct interpretive programs, develop media, and assist as needed to gain a range of experience and translate theory to practice. Students learn to effectively write and communicate about environmental topics, to engage multiple stakeholders and develop and submit a proposal for potential further work – for research, education, environmental justice advocacy, or for funding a project or further studies. Students are encouraged (but not required!) to build connections between this course and internship experiences.

Credits: 2