APS Rising Educator Summit 2026

How do we move from “going outside” to meaningful student inquiry and problem-solving? This interactive session focuses on using outdoor learning to deepen thinking through questioning, investigation, and sensemaking. Participants will engage in a guided inquiry experience using real-world cultural and environmental phenomena, including examples from Petroglyph National Monument, co-facilitated with educator Ben Holt, and engineering-based wildlife conservation challenges inspired by Asombro Institute for Science Education. Teachers will explore strategies that support students in moving from noticing to wondering to investigations, and ultimately to designing solutions to real-world problems. Participants will leave with practical tools to design inquiry-driven and problem-based lessons that support critical thinking, student voice, and inclusive practices across content areas.