Sitting here a week after leaving the Adirondacks, thinking about the experience and what I learned from it. What a great opportunity it was to have conversations with so many individuals who are already teaching. I am really thankful for the opportunity to have met them and have them share a little bit of their knowledge with me.
I've noticed this week that after living up at the camp for a week, It is as if I'm looking at the world with a different set of eyes. Because of the things I learned over the week, I notice things that previously would not have caught my attention. I've been having lots of conversations with my family and friends sharing the things that I learned about Adirondack history, as well as the environmental issues that are affecting that area.
I've been giving a lot of thought to my future and how I can live a life that impacts the environment less. I've been coming up with things that I can change about the way I do daily life that will make people notice and give me the opportunity to share with them the reasons why I live differently. There are tons of little things ( and big things) that can be done to make a change. One of the biggest things that I took from the resources we viewed was one of the videos that talked about where and how we spend our money. Every time we spend a dollar, it's really casting a vote in support of that company. I'm really planning to consider this more when I buy things. I think that the only way we'll see real substantial change and a movement toward more eco-friendly products is if there is a market and profit for businesses. If there is money to be made, businesses will take note.
Finally, I've been doing more research and looking into building my wind turbine presentation. I've been working with my dad to plan the best way to put one together that will generate electricity, and it is definitely a possibility. It isn't finished yet, but the plans are coming together and we think it can be done relatively inexpensively. I'm excited about this project and excited to use it to teach about wind energy in the future.
I will look back on this experience very fondly, it was a great time and it allowed me the opportunity to think about what really matters and to find something that I feel passionately about. It let me come up with a way that I can make a difference for the environment.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 5
Taking a few minutes to reflect on the day, and then hitting the sack for my last sleep at Raquette Lake. I'm feeling a little sad. Today was a great day filled with excitement. I was really proud of everyone for completing the ropes courses and zipline. I was surprised to see how many people were willing to go for it and give it a try.
An interesting thought came to my mind today during lunch that I thought about over the day. Several people made jokes about the delicious chicken tender (notice the singular form) that we had for lunch today. The lack of chicken tenders got me thinking about the theme of this week. WHAT IF we only ever had one chicken tender? Suppose the oil stopped flowing and the delivery truck couldn't get through, and we were reduced to eating portions of that size? Would we be able to handle that? Do we have enough local food available to cover the needs of the people if such a situation became a longer term reality? Could we survive without the global food market? Lunch was fine because we had plenty of salad and other things to eat, so no one went hungry. What if there was no salad? How would that change the situation? What if that went on for weeks, or months? This post is by no means a complaint, and I should mention that I was perfectly happy with my chicken tender :-) This was just something that I was thinking about during lunch, and felt was worth sharing.
An interesting thought came to my mind today during lunch that I thought about over the day. Several people made jokes about the delicious chicken tender (notice the singular form) that we had for lunch today. The lack of chicken tenders got me thinking about the theme of this week. WHAT IF we only ever had one chicken tender? Suppose the oil stopped flowing and the delivery truck couldn't get through, and we were reduced to eating portions of that size? Would we be able to handle that? Do we have enough local food available to cover the needs of the people if such a situation became a longer term reality? Could we survive without the global food market? Lunch was fine because we had plenty of salad and other things to eat, so no one went hungry. What if there was no salad? How would that change the situation? What if that went on for weeks, or months? This post is by no means a complaint, and I should mention that I was perfectly happy with my chicken tender :-) This was just something that I was thinking about during lunch, and felt was worth sharing.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 4
At the end of another eventful day, I'm taking a few minutes to sit and think about what I've heard and seen. We visited a couple of Adirondack museums earlier in the day. One addressed the natural history, plants and animals of the area. The other museum addressed the cultural history of the Adirondacks. I really enjoyed some of the exhibits at the cultural museum that showed some of the tools and equipment used by blacksmiths, wagon makers, and other workers of the time. It is unbelievable to look at the limited tools these men and women used and yet still accomplished the building that they did. It makes me eternally thankful for my electric saw and drill. I don't know if I would manage to build much of anything with only basic hand tools.
This evening Karl gave a talk about "green jobs" that included some pictures and discussion of different alternative energy sources and the jobs that these sources create. I am really interested in this field and would love to know more about it. I have been doing some reading online and I've found a couple of plans to build a small scale wind turbine at home. There are plans for vertical or horizontal shaft turbines. I'm particularly interested in the vertical shaft turbines because they will turn regardless of the direction of the wind. It seems like pretty cool stuff. I've been thinking more about my project for this week and I think I'm starting to get my ideas going. I'd like to put together a presentation about alternative energy sources to deliver to my residents and fellow students back at SUNY Cortland. Having seen some of these home made wind turbines, I'm thinking that it would be really cool to build a smaller (tabletop) version to use as a demo for this presentation. My dad has plenty of knowledge as far as the electrical and building aspects, and I'm pretty confident that we could construct something that would function. I think building a demo would be a great eye catching tool to draw people in and make them curious. That would give me the opportunity to talk to them, share information and raise interest in the topic of alternative energy sources. I need to do some more reading about these home made types, but from what I'm seeing there are a couple of possibilities that I think would be within my father's and my abilities.
It's raining here at Raquette Lake, but it sounds like there's a break in the storm. I think I'll venture outside to see what everyone else is doing and spend a little time by the fireplace.
This evening Karl gave a talk about "green jobs" that included some pictures and discussion of different alternative energy sources and the jobs that these sources create. I am really interested in this field and would love to know more about it. I have been doing some reading online and I've found a couple of plans to build a small scale wind turbine at home. There are plans for vertical or horizontal shaft turbines. I'm particularly interested in the vertical shaft turbines because they will turn regardless of the direction of the wind. It seems like pretty cool stuff. I've been thinking more about my project for this week and I think I'm starting to get my ideas going. I'd like to put together a presentation about alternative energy sources to deliver to my residents and fellow students back at SUNY Cortland. Having seen some of these home made wind turbines, I'm thinking that it would be really cool to build a smaller (tabletop) version to use as a demo for this presentation. My dad has plenty of knowledge as far as the electrical and building aspects, and I'm pretty confident that we could construct something that would function. I think building a demo would be a great eye catching tool to draw people in and make them curious. That would give me the opportunity to talk to them, share information and raise interest in the topic of alternative energy sources. I need to do some more reading about these home made types, but from what I'm seeing there are a couple of possibilities that I think would be within my father's and my abilities.
It's raining here at Raquette Lake, but it sounds like there's a break in the storm. I think I'll venture outside to see what everyone else is doing and spend a little time by the fireplace.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 3
Today was a long, tiring day, and I'm writing this post at the campfire down by the edge of the water of Raquette Lake. We hiked up to the top of Black Bear Mountain, met with an Adirondack guide, and met with the John Slade, author of our main text, Adirondack Green.
As part of his presentation, the Adirondack guide took us outside to do a writing exercise that we could use with children in our classroom (or outside of our classroom, to be more specific.) We went outside with a notebook and picked a place to sit and just observe. We wrote down everything that we perceived, and didn't judge or question the things that we wrote. The object was to just observe and write. At the end we shared what we wrote to see the comparison between each person's perception of the nature around them.
I think the writing activity is great to use with students because it accomplishes so much of what I would like to incorporate into my teaching some day. It allows students the opportunity to get out in nature and (hopefully) develop an appreciation for it. It gives students something to write about and a chance to express themselves. The activity is a great example of connecting more than one subject, and offers a lot of opportunity to expand on what the students perceive and write while outside.
I really enjoyed getting to meet John Slade. His passion about finding alternative energy sources ( Wind Turbines in particular) is truly inspiring. He has spent the time in other countries who are using this method and has done the research to really understand the potential of the Wind Turbines. I have every intention of teaching about these topics and the bigger issues behind the suggested solutions. I am excited to go home and share this information with my family and friends.
I've been trying to decide what I want to work on for my project for this class, and I'm considering working on a program or presentation to put on when I return back to college. I work as a resident assistant and I have the opportunity to teach in that capacity in the next couple months. I'd like to spend my time doing some research and putting together a presentation that I can share with my fellow students. I think this would be valuable because it gives me the opportunity to do something now, rather than planning something for a future classroom that is over a year away. In reality, the presentation that I create could probably function for either audience. I believe this information is important and needs to be shared sooner rather than later, and I have opportunities within the college where I can take action this year. I want to get people thinking, I want to get people asking questions, and I want people to be aware of the reality.
As part of his presentation, the Adirondack guide took us outside to do a writing exercise that we could use with children in our classroom (or outside of our classroom, to be more specific.) We went outside with a notebook and picked a place to sit and just observe. We wrote down everything that we perceived, and didn't judge or question the things that we wrote. The object was to just observe and write. At the end we shared what we wrote to see the comparison between each person's perception of the nature around them.
I think the writing activity is great to use with students because it accomplishes so much of what I would like to incorporate into my teaching some day. It allows students the opportunity to get out in nature and (hopefully) develop an appreciation for it. It gives students something to write about and a chance to express themselves. The activity is a great example of connecting more than one subject, and offers a lot of opportunity to expand on what the students perceive and write while outside.
I really enjoyed getting to meet John Slade. His passion about finding alternative energy sources ( Wind Turbines in particular) is truly inspiring. He has spent the time in other countries who are using this method and has done the research to really understand the potential of the Wind Turbines. I have every intention of teaching about these topics and the bigger issues behind the suggested solutions. I am excited to go home and share this information with my family and friends.
I've been trying to decide what I want to work on for my project for this class, and I'm considering working on a program or presentation to put on when I return back to college. I work as a resident assistant and I have the opportunity to teach in that capacity in the next couple months. I'd like to spend my time doing some research and putting together a presentation that I can share with my fellow students. I think this would be valuable because it gives me the opportunity to do something now, rather than planning something for a future classroom that is over a year away. In reality, the presentation that I create could probably function for either audience. I believe this information is important and needs to be shared sooner rather than later, and I have opportunities within the college where I can take action this year. I want to get people thinking, I want to get people asking questions, and I want people to be aware of the reality.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 2
I'm sitting on my bunk at the end of another event filled day. I started off the day with a jump into the cool waters of the lake, which I found to be quite refreshing. We discussed our main text, Adirondack Green. I was happy to discover that the book was the first in a series, so with a little more reading I can find out what happened as the story continues. I went kayaking for the first time and enjoyed that a lot.
One of the things that struck me today was a little sign hanging on the wall of the dining hall. It is a small wooden sign with the quote,
"The earth has music for those who listen."
I really liked that quote, so I wrote it down in my notebook. I did a little digging around online and found that the quote is supposedly by William Shakespeare. I don't take everything I find online as a fact, and I was unable to find a reference to a specific work by Shakespeare. At any rate, the quote is valuable regardless of the author. The earth does have music for those who listen. The problem as I see it, is that most people don't make the time to listen. Our society is too busy caught up in running to and from commitment to commitment to allow for anything else. What is "down time" anyway? Most people don't know anymore.
I spent a little time down by the lake this evening by the campfire... Just listening. I wanted to hear the music. I was only there for a short time before a boat cruised by with a trumpet playing the song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I thought to myself, "Wow, the quote wasn't kidding." :-) I found that moment quite funny. Things started to wind down and everyone else at the campfire headed in to their cabins, but I stayed for a little while longer. In the peace and quiet, the music starts to play. You can hear the breeze blowing, the crickets singing, the loons calling and the quiet waves rocking the dock with a gentle rhythm. It is a comforting song. I've heard some of nature's songs, but lately I've been too busy to listen. Today I'm reminded that the music is playing... But you have to be listening.
One of the things that struck me today was a little sign hanging on the wall of the dining hall. It is a small wooden sign with the quote,
"The earth has music for those who listen."
I really liked that quote, so I wrote it down in my notebook. I did a little digging around online and found that the quote is supposedly by William Shakespeare. I don't take everything I find online as a fact, and I was unable to find a reference to a specific work by Shakespeare. At any rate, the quote is valuable regardless of the author. The earth does have music for those who listen. The problem as I see it, is that most people don't make the time to listen. Our society is too busy caught up in running to and from commitment to commitment to allow for anything else. What is "down time" anyway? Most people don't know anymore.
I spent a little time down by the lake this evening by the campfire... Just listening. I wanted to hear the music. I was only there for a short time before a boat cruised by with a trumpet playing the song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I thought to myself, "Wow, the quote wasn't kidding." :-) I found that moment quite funny. Things started to wind down and everyone else at the campfire headed in to their cabins, but I stayed for a little while longer. In the peace and quiet, the music starts to play. You can hear the breeze blowing, the crickets singing, the loons calling and the quiet waves rocking the dock with a gentle rhythm. It is a comforting song. I've heard some of nature's songs, but lately I've been too busy to listen. Today I'm reminded that the music is playing... But you have to be listening.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 1
Today was the beginning of my second trip to the Adirondacks. The camp looks much different when it isn't buried in snow and ice. We made a tour of the buildings of the camp and listened to some of the history of those who built the camp. The designs of the buildings are impressive to me, even seeing them for a second time. It is amazing what was accomplished during a time that lacked many of the modern tools we use today. I'm really looking forward to the museum visits planned later in the week. I hope they will have some displays that show what kind of tools were used in the construction of these camps. The buildings in Camp Huntington are really a testament to the ingenuity of builders from that era.
I'm happy to be back in the Adirondacks, and happy to have the chance to see everything in a different season. I feel such a peace when I am out in nature and away from all the hustle and bustle of regular life. It makes me think of the video clip we watched in preparation for the course that talked about the benefits of getting children out into nature (Stress reduction, increased creativity, etc.) I enjoyed my first visit to the Adirondacks last February and am anticipating making more great memories!
I'm happy to be back in the Adirondacks, and happy to have the chance to see everything in a different season. I feel such a peace when I am out in nature and away from all the hustle and bustle of regular life. It makes me think of the video clip we watched in preparation for the course that talked about the benefits of getting children out into nature (Stress reduction, increased creativity, etc.) I enjoyed my first visit to the Adirondacks last February and am anticipating making more great memories!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
About Myself
I am taking this course because it meets a requirement for my concentration in environmental studies. I love nature and being outdoors, and I thought that this course would one that I would enjoy taking. I changed my concentration to environmental studies last semester because I thought that I would enjoy learning about that topic instead of my previous concentration. The environment is an important topic and it is something that I want to be able to teach my students about.
I wanted to be a teacher because I have a big desire to make a difference in the world by helping people. I spent several years working at a private school as a classroom aide, and I found working with elementary students to be very rewarding. I don’t really care about getting rich and famous. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping other people, and teaching is a career that I can accomplish that goal.
My first goal is to graduate and find a job that allows me to use the skills I’ve been developing over the last few years. If I end up teaching in a school, I intend to get my Masters degree in Special Education.
I am open to any opportunities that come my way. Teaching is an activity that I enjoy and I do intend to use the skills that I am developing in college in the future. This could be in a classroom, or in another capacity. Last semester I met an educator who works for the Department of Environmental Conservation. I got to talk to her a little bit about the kind of work that she does. The more I thought about it, the more I could see myself doing a similar job. Over the summer, I’ve been exploring what other possibilities exist for a person with a teaching degree outside of a traditional school.
My goal for this course is to learn as much as I can and to collect ideas and information that I can use later in my career. I’m looking forward to good conversations and discussions about the topics we’re learning about.
I wanted to be a teacher because I have a big desire to make a difference in the world by helping people. I spent several years working at a private school as a classroom aide, and I found working with elementary students to be very rewarding. I don’t really care about getting rich and famous. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping other people, and teaching is a career that I can accomplish that goal.
My first goal is to graduate and find a job that allows me to use the skills I’ve been developing over the last few years. If I end up teaching in a school, I intend to get my Masters degree in Special Education.
I am open to any opportunities that come my way. Teaching is an activity that I enjoy and I do intend to use the skills that I am developing in college in the future. This could be in a classroom, or in another capacity. Last semester I met an educator who works for the Department of Environmental Conservation. I got to talk to her a little bit about the kind of work that she does. The more I thought about it, the more I could see myself doing a similar job. Over the summer, I’ve been exploring what other possibilities exist for a person with a teaching degree outside of a traditional school.
My goal for this course is to learn as much as I can and to collect ideas and information that I can use later in my career. I’m looking forward to good conversations and discussions about the topics we’re learning about.
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