Summer methods in summer camps: Teaching projects WILD, WET, and Learning tree at an outdoor environmental education center

Abstract

Elementary and secondary science preservice teachers teach environmental education (EE) to summer camp children during their first science methods course. Local children in grades K-6 attend a week-long, summer day-camp at the university's outdoor EE education center. Preservice teachers receive training in the use of the environmental curricula including Projects WILD, WET, and Learning Tree, from a Cooperative Extension Specialist. Information on the development of these curricula is also presented. Preservice teachers collaborate with the camp director and staff to plan and coteach lessons from these environmental curricula to rotating groups of campers. A typical day at the camp is described. Elementary preservice teachers report in written journals an increase in their confidence and abilities to teach environmental science and its related interdisciplinary subjects in the outdoors. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.