In this module, students will get an introduction to Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), the evolving knowledge acquired by indigenous peoples over thousands of years in direct contact with their environment. Students will start by assessing their existing awareness of the present-day and pre-colonial ecology of their hometown, and then conduct independent research to fill the gaps in their knowledge.
Outdoor fieldwork identifying plant and animal life in our neighborhoods will complement an ecosystem mapping project, which will serve to ground students in their natural environment and spark curiosity about the past and future of their local ecosystems. Students who participate in this session will discover how they can draw on TEK today to become more engaged with nature and better equipped to protect it.
Learning Themes
Schedule
Cohort 1June 29 – July 10
Cohort 2
July 27 – August 7
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
12pm -3pm (ET)
Morning
• Framing Workshop
• Creating a Map of Your Neighborhood’s ecological landmarks
• Indigenous History in Your Region
• Individual Research: Food Chain in Your Area – Centuries ago vs. now
Morning
• Grounding in Place Exercise
• Expert Webinar with indigenous Permaculture Expert, Indonesia
• Debrief & Assignment: Interview an Elder in Your Ecosystem
Morning
• Grounding in Place Exercise
• Expert Webinar with Farmer/Homesteader in British Columbia
• Debrief & Group Work on Biomimmicry
Morning
• Slow Looking Walks
• Individual Research Topic Time
• Storytelling Session on our proximal environments
Morning
• Individual Research Topics Presentation and Ideation Session
• Coaching sessions on topic selection
• Research local organizations related to project topics; Students reach out for 3 interviews.
• Daily Debrief
Morning
• Daily Nature Moment Intro
• Introduction to Empathy Interviewing
• Small-Group Practice
• Test Run Empathy Interviewing – family member
• Daily Debrief
Morning
• Daily Nature Moment Intro
• Empathy Interviews with Local Organizations
• Small-Group Practice
• Student Share Outs on Experience
• Daily Debrief
Morning
• Daily Nature Moment Intro & Course Check-Ins
• Individual Project Time
• Instructor Office Hours
• Daily Debrief
Morning
• Daily Nature Moment Intro & Course Check-Ins
• Individual Project Time
• Instructor Office Hours
• Daily Debrief
Morning
• Daily Nature Moment Intro & Course Check-Ins
• Final Presentations w/ Guest Attendees
• Course ‘Graduation’ & Debrief
• Closing
Program Kit
Students who participate in this program will receive a Program Kit in the mail containing materials for the course, including but not limited to:
• Magnifying glass
• Ruler
• Plant/insect/bird identification apps
• Relevant reading materials
• Create & Design Supplies
• Moleskin + pen
Pricing
In US Dollars
Total for the program
Includes access to all virtual sessions, program kit, and educational materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program will run from June 29th – July 10th or July 27th – August 7th.
Sessions will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST.
Sessions will be held on Zoom.
Students need a computer with a camera and microphone/speaker, and an internet connection with ample bandwidth to handle videoconferencing. Headphones are recommended.
This program is a combined total of 30 hours.
$459.00 USD.
This includes access to all virtual sessions, program kit*, and educational materials.
*Program kit will only be shipped to addresses in the US.
The curriculum and activities are specifically designed for rising 9th – 12th graders.
Sessions will be recorded and available to participants during the course of the program only
For Cohort 1, students must register by June 23rd, 2020, at 11:59 PM EST.
For Cohort 2, students must register by July 19th, 2020, at 11:59 PM EST.
If you are interested in registering after the deadline has passed, please contact us.
In order to take full advantage of the experiential education potential of a program like this, we’ll be asking you to go out into the world and complete some tasks and activities. These will range from talking to family members, doing short bouts of online research, or exploring your backyard in some cases. If you cannot complete an assignment for any reason, check with your Beyond Travel Program Leader.
All program fees are non-refundable. Please note that all programs are contingent on reaching a minimum number of participants. If this number is not reached, then you may shift your registration to another cohort, or receive a full refund. You will be notified if a program is not filled 7 days before the program start date.
