Learning in Places is a collaborative network of educators, families, and community partners working to cultivate equitable, culturally thriving, socio-ecological systems learning and ethical decision-making using field-based science education in outdoor places for children and their families.
We are more aware than ever of the need to build learning environments that strive for just, sustainable, and culturally thriving communities. Learning in Places is more than a curriculum – it is a model of pedagogy that centers racial equity, ethical, evidence-based decision-making, and just relations with the natural world.
The outdoors is a powerful and natural place for learning, where observations and wonderings emerge readily for learners of all ages. No matter if you are at a wetlands restoration site, a school garden, or a parking strip, the Learning in Places materials support opportunities for learners to engage in ethical deliberation and decision-making. Learners’ observations inform a “should we” question, that then launches investigations using garden- and field-based science practices. The materials intentionally connect and cross boundaries between home, communities, and your learning environments.
Tilth Alliance is honored to be a co-principal investigator along with our partners at the University of Washington Bothell, Northwestern University, and Seattle Public Schools. Learning in Places is a four-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. We are grateful to the many pre-kindergarten through third grade students, their families, classroom teachers, informal outdoor and garden educators, and community-based organizations who are our collaborators in this ground-breaking work.
Our materials are free to use! Please visit the Learning in Places website, where we offer materials for professional development, classroom learning, outdoor learning, and family engagement. If you are a family member, teacher educator, and/or researcher, you may find something that will deepen your practice, reflection, and learning.
Learning in Places is funded by NSF grant #1720578. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
