One of the benefits of working for the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium (MBHI) is that I get to design a wide variety of learning experiences for a wide variety of audiences. In my time with MBHI, I’ve developed family learning experiences, field trips for PreK to undergraduate zoology students, lectures for retirement communities, virtual field trips, and more. I also manage our relationships with local classroom teachers, administer the scholarship program, set parameters for scheduling procedures, and more.
Highlights:
- Grades PreK – 8th Grade and Family-Based Informal Learning Experiences
- Virtual Field Trips: Hour-long synchronous distance learning programs with pre and post-program activities
- “Bugs on the Move“: Traveling programs for PreK – 8th grade
- Field Trips: On-site programs for Pre-K to college level students
- Asynchronous learning activities for families
Sample Program: “Bug Biomimicry”
The documentation for this field trip includes the lesson plan and teacher resources (Pre-Visit Activity #1, Pre-Visit Activity #2, Post-Visit Activity, and a Teacher’s Guide). This represents a typical “Bugs on the Move” program that brings our living collection and educational experience into local classrooms. “Bugs on the Move” was developed after area teachers reached out for support in reaching Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS: 1-LS1-1).
Sample Program: “Curious Creatures”
This intergenerational learning experience is designed to foster curiosity through the use of live arthropods. The idea for this program started during an Instructional Design Studio course as part of my graduate studies work and eventually grew to become the focus of my Capstone work for that same degree. Interviews with family learning groups, extensive literature on family learning in museums and curiosity-fostering design principles, discussions with family support staff at area schools, and a survey all influenced the design of this program. Susie Wilkening’s work on curiosity in museums as a driver of empathy and social justice and the work done by Lynn Dierking and the USS Constitution on engaging families both greatly influenced the creation of this work. Documentation for this program includes a Program Overview, Facilitator’s Guide, Sample Station Lesson Plan, and Sample Station Guide (learner-facing).
Since 2010 Earth Explorers has reached over 1,000 students and continues to work with a new class each Fall semester. The mission of Earth Explorers is to open doors to science and 21st-century skills by educating and mentoring underrepresented youth. We use video and new media technology to connect young people to deep networks of community resources. Students work together in small teams to create a short documentary film about a scientist in their community with mentor and filmmaker support.
- Co-founded the organization and guided its programmatic and business developmental
- Developed the curriculum
- Supported teachers in adapting the program to fit their logistical constraints
- While I do not currently work full time on Earth Explorers I remained involved by serving as the Board Chair. Each fall I serve as the Project Manager as well. I recruit scientists and mentors, coordinate field trips and editing sessions, and help to manage the end-of-semester screening.
I became a MEEA board member in 2017 as a representative of Region Two. MEEA facilitates communication, cooperation, collaboration, and coordination among the varied environmental education programs in the state. It is a neutral and objective source of information related to environmental education in Montana, as well as a voice for environmental education’s important role in the balance between societal needs and environmental quality.
- Coordinating and awarding the Annual Montana Environmental Educator of the Year Awards. I manage the awards’ application, review, announcement, and bestowment.
- Co-Facilitate monthly Zoom “Network Calls” to support educators working through a variety of challenges in the field of Environmental Education
- Supported and aided in the creation of a new five-year strategic plan for MEEA.
- Co-hosted the 2022 Annual MEEA Conference in Missoula, MT. This was MEEA’s first conference back in-person since 2019. I helped to secure venues, determine the structure and schedule of the conference, recruit speakers and workshop leaders, and create a marketing plan.
- Oversaw a major rebranding effort for MEEA and the redesign of the MEEA website.
Listenwise is an award-winning listening skills platform that harnesses the power of listening to advance literacy and learning in all students. In 2019 I developed an interactive lesson for their platform focusing on an NPR story about an artifact from Lewis and Clark’s Corps. of Discovery expedition.
- Developed the activity’s big ideas, reflection activities, and assessments
- Worked with Listenwise to update the lesson to fit their exact standards and requirements
All photographs on this page are used by permission. Photographers include Carolyn Taber, Amy Ronk, and Dave Wiley.