Looking back on my first year @KenyonCollege, one of the highlights was developing and teaching Reading the Ohio Landscape, a seminar on our local geology.

One of my favorite aspects of the course - teaching outside at the BFEC, at this beautiful outside classroom:
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The course was centered around field observations. Students spent time in and out of class practicing slowing down, observing with all senses, and asking questions.

How often are we forced to slow down and observe what's around us? This was therapeutic for all.

We spent lots of time looking at rocks! What could be better?

And also time along the Kokosing River to learn about river erosion and sediment transport.

We constructed a geologic timeline of Ohio's history.

And we played with flubber to learn about glacier movement and geomorphology.

It was a blast. And these students rose to the challenge. Even while distanced and masked, we had great conversations about diversity and representation in environmental and outdoor spaces, the need for personal stories in science communication, and so much more.

For their final project, students wrote narrative essays about their experience with their field notes. Those essays are now published for the world to see. Check it out: https://sites.google.com/kenyon.edu/fieldobservations/home?authuser=0

In conclusion, I'm incredibly grateful to be teaching Environmental Studies @KenyonCollege, where I have the freedom to create and teach courses like this! Thankful for my wonderful students for coming along for the ride!