Inspiration is all around. It can come from the people we spend time with, the books we read, the music we listen to…it can be found all around us. At Natural Pod, these influences shape the work we do every day. Our inspiration comes from… Our customers....
The definition of the Expeditionary Learning (EL) philosophy is ‘Learning by Doing’ and it places a strong focus on student personal responsibility. The EL VisionWhen students and teachers are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous and...
At what point does ‘having a good education’ even get measured? Is it once high school is over and the results are in? Or is it an ongoing assessment during one’s education? It certainly used to mean going to a ‘good school’ and a ‘good school’ meant achieving good...
Take a moment to pause and look at the tree outside your window. Notice its expansive branches, the delicate sway of its leaves, and the texture of its bark. In the presence of nature, we often feel a deep sense of calm and connection to the world around us. As...
What does it mean to be healthy at school? There’s the physical space to consider – ensuring school buildings are clean, safe, and conducive to learning and teaching – as well as occupant health and well-being. However, in the context of a global pandemic and a racial...
On one level, the “Spidey Senser” project is about engaging the public in science. Community members, young and old, seek out, monitor, and then harvest the filter-like webs of funnel weaver spiders, bagging and labeling them before sending them off to be...
As another calendar year end comes to a close, it’s a perfect time of year to begin preparing for a smooth restart for next year. Taking the time now, while your ideas from this fall’s education journey are still fresh in your mind, is one of the best...
Thankfully more and more institutions and organizations are embracing environmental responsibility and becoming advocates for sustainability. This is fantastic, and not a moment too soon. But how, as educators, can we inspire and motivate our students to take action...
When sustainability and education are mentioned together, it’s about more than just educating students about sustainability and environmental responsibility. It’s also about the need to create educational practises that are sustainable and equitable – practises that...
With our virtual bags packed, my colleague Kelly Rosensweet and myself have headed to the Green Schools Conference along with the Green Schools National Network team. The conference is taking place today and tomorrow – June 28th & 29th, both as half days....
Wishing you a happy, kinder, and more joyful new year. We hope you found time to rejuvenate over the holiday season, connect with loved ones, and had the opportunity to reflect on all there is to be grateful for. In the spirit of offering some hope and inspiration to...
This year’s Green Schools Conference and Expo I’ve found to be the most impactful. There was a strong acknowledgement between all attendees that furthering the green schools movement is imperative in helping to address the climate crisis we’re in, and it’s only...
In the ever-changing world of education, understanding a student’s mind is as important as delivering knowledge. Today’s educators, architects, and designers are presented with a pivotal question: How do we create spaces that not only facilitate academic learning but...
If student achievement and staff performance are major aims, indoor environmental quality is an elephant in the room. Consider this. We have invested in intense planning. Our learning goals have been aligned with the growing needs of society in a fast-changing world....
With all the global climate strikes that have been happening over the last few weeks, it feels like the perfect time to speak up about a sensitive and related issue. First, I’d like to acknowledge the incredible mobilization of nearly 7 million young people and...
As schools reopen amidst COVID-19 and the chronic pandemic of white supremacy, the need to do so with equity at the forefront is greater now than ever before. The student–teacher relationship has transformed over the past year as educators upskilled to teach virtually...
The unfortunate truth is children are born into systemic injustice, inequality and racism. By the time they enter school they are already acclimatized. If we don’t stand up and call out racism where we find it, it will continue and continue, to the next...
Envision a sustainable future marked by ecological integrity, shared prosperity, and social equity where individual and group choices are rooted in environmental and social responsibility (NAAEE, n.d.-a). Imagine a future where current environmental challenges –...
As another full school year comes to a close, it’s a perfect time of year to begin preparing for a smooth restart for next year. Taking the time now, while your ideas from a year of learning and education are still fresh in your mind, and before the rush to...
Many educational leaders are finding that traditional forms of education are not keeping students engaged, nor assisting students in taking responsibility for their own learning or providing opportunities for students to work together. Equipping learners with the...
Sprig, the last classroom table you’ll ever need
