Going the Extra MILES
Submitted by Rebecca Chavarria on Mon, 2017-07-10 00:00
It is really exciting to read about the work MILES is doing. Their research helps ensure that our ecosystem is closely watched to detect changes, patterns, and come up with valuable information that can be used to preserve and protect our land and the resources it gives us. Not only does MILES do its own valuable research, but they have great programs for all kinds of students interested in learning more about our socio-ecological system and how to keep it healthy. These programs encourage students to pursue a career in ecological sciences by creating authentic research experiences. And when students have a positive experience in a program, it's hard to pursue anything else! The fact that education is such a huge part of the MILES mission already communicates success and future impact.
Comments
MILES Above Other PD
I was an in-person participant in last year's MILES Adventure Learning workshop, and found it incredibly valuable experience, one of the better PD (professional development) opportunities I've taken advantage of. It helped me frame how I teach about natural resources to my middle-school students, as ecosystem services. It also helped drive home how inquiry learning and adding some "adventure" into learning can make content so much more exciting.
Agree
Ive been a digilearner a few times and was in class two years ago. Definitely agree it was one of the best PD workshops I've taken.
Water connection
After reading many of the blogs, I have come to realize without MILES know would really be putting the time and effort into studying and educating about how important the water around us is. I think living in Idaho all my life I have sort of taken for granted water. Snowpack and water levels are talked about all the time, but not understanding our watersheds and the connection we all have with them went along with that. This week's journey and the videos are going to be amazing to see.
Research and Education
As I read your blogs, it really is apparent how much emphasis MILES is having not only in conducting the reserach in order to make management happen but is putting so great effort into education in order for us all to work together. Now there will be many students, after we share with them these lesson plans and information, will continue into career fields that will make these crucial decision in the future. However, these opportunities will also help those students that do not pursue such a career by developing mindful and educated citizens of their area. They will be able to listen to Idaho local news and understand that these changes will affect them. If we can help them make the connections, and understand the impact of their daily choices, they too will make an impact as they influence the community in which they live.