How the Forest Grows

Measure a sapling, learn about the tree species, and make mathematical projections about its growth rate, time to adult size, and mature mass

• How the Forest Grows

Schoolyard Surfaces

Create an aerial map using a satellite photo, then use the map to calculate the ratios of permeable and impermeable surfaces. Connects to watershed studies, human impact, and practice with math skills such as estimation, fractions, ratios, decimals. 

• Schoolyard Surfaces Lesson Plan (PDF)
• Washington Convention Center Datasheet (PDF)
• How to make a map (PDF)
• Aerial image of Washington Convention Center (PDF)
• Grid for overlay in making maps (PNG) NOTE: page may appear blank as the black grid blends into the background.
• Marble Level materials: we purchased clear plastic tubes and caps from u-line, however, repurposed materials could be used. 

Designing Solutions: Using Roof Models to Explore Run-Off

Using everyday materials, model how roof pitch affects the speed and volume of runoff. Engineer mitigation to slow and collect rain water that can run off a roof and cause erosion. 

• Engineering Design Process (PDF)
• Roof Model Investigation Lesson Plan (PDF)
• Conference PowerPoint (PDF)

Exploring Virginia's Snakes Using Non-Fiction & Mathematics

Using the non-fiction Guide to Virginia Snakes, learn about a Virginia snake, measure a length of paper to the snake's adult length, demonstrate understanding by drawing the snake, and use the paper models to create and analyze a bar graph of snake lengths. 

• Snake Savvy Lesson Plan (PDF)
• Snake Savvy SOLs by Grade Level (PDF)

2022 Virginia Science Education Leadership Association (VSELA) Meeting Short Pump, VA. November 3rd, 2022

• Chesapeake Bay Program: What It Is & Virginia Participation

NAAEE 2022: Educating for Change Tucson, AZ. October 12-15, 2022

• Collaborating to Achieve Systemic, Sustainable Watershed Education and Civic Action (slides 9-11 presented by Candace Lutzow Felling)
• An Educator's Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience

2022 VAEE Annual Conference at Airfield Conference Center and 4-H Educational Center

• Questing for Knowledge: A Deep Dive into Exploring the Unknown. Session D, August 13 

2022 National Children and Youth Garden Symposium at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond VA. July 13-15

From Fear to Fascination: Using Curiosity to Overcome Apprehension. Session Block E, July 14

Pollination Empowerment: Student-Led Garden Design. Session Block G, July 15

• Pollination Empowerment Presentation
• Pollinator Plant Info Data Sheet
• Riparian Buffer Plant Info Data Sheet
• Pollinator Empowerment Resources

2021 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Regional Conference. November 11-13, National Harbor

• Collaborating to Create Field Investigation Kits for Virtual Learning (Slides)
• Virtual Field Kits Supply List 

2020 Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) November 11-13, Virtual

• Collaboration for Impact: Modeling an Integrated Partnership (Slides) (Recording of Presentation)
• All presentations in this conference are available to VAST members 

2020 Virginia Association of Environmental Educators (VAEE) Annual Conference. February 26-28, Sweet Briar College

• Interactive Activity Showcase: How the Forest Grows and Collaboration for Impact: Modeling an Integrated Partnership.

2019 National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) STEM Forum
July 2019 San Francisco, CA

• Systematically Engaging in Systems: System Thinking and Learning
• System presentation: Systems teaching opportunities in the NGSS
• Integrating STEM and MWEE: A multi-disciplinary Approach to Teaching Project-Based Environmental Education
• NOAA B-WET fact sheet
• Blandy example think cloud

2019 Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Annual PDI November 14-16, Roanoke, VA

• Designing Solutions: Using Roof Models to Explore Run-Off
• Schoolyard Surfaces: an Interdisciplinary Land-Based MWEE (Also presented at 2019 National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) Conference on Science Education December 12-14 Seattle, WA)
• Exploring Virginia's Snakes Using Non-Fiction & Mathematics

2019 Virginia Association of Environmental Educators (VAEE) Conference February 7-9 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond Va

• Snake Savvy: deepening an appreciation for the snakes of Virginia through non-fiction and mathematical analysis
• Systematically Engaging in Systems: system thinking and learning