Eco-Detectives

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Originally appears in the Summer 2017 issue

by Jennifer Yurky, Ryan Carpenter, Bruce Martin, Natalie Kruse and Andy Szolosi

We all have a vision of what engaged learning looks like and it is no secret that, as educators, we strive to keep our students engaged in their learning. Perhaps that vision involves kids rushing to complete activities because they can’t contain their excitement, or parents voluntarily sharing details about learning experiences with other parents and encouraging them to bring their own children. It includes facilitators working one-on-one with learners to foster individualized learning. For the staff and volunteers at Sitka National Historical Park, this vision was realized through a new program in the fall of 2016.

As environmental educators, we strive for our students to show growth in skills, acquire new knowledge, and develop emotional connections to elements within their surroundings. Further, it doesn’t hurt to have fun along the way. The Eco-Detective Event Series, developed in the spirit of experiential learning for youth at Sitka National Historical Park, aims to meet these goals of growth and knowledge development while simultaneously enjoying an experience in nature.