Take learning beyond classroom walls by leveraging the outdoors as a dynamic space for equitable STEAM education. This session explores responsive teaching strategies that center students’ place-based knowledge—their community, culture, and environment—as powerful assets for learning. Participants will engage in hands-on, place-based activities designed to build science capital by connecting scientific concepts/standards to real-world, local contexts. Emphasis will be placed on increasing access to meaningful environmental education experiences. Leave with practical, ready-to-use activities that foster curiosity, deepen engagement, and empower students to see themselves as capable contributors to their communities and the scientific world.
