Are you looking to engage more with the outdoors but aren’t sure where to start? Continue reading as I share ways to engage yourself and your students in virtual adventures that will leave everyone with the desire to get outdoors and explore our beautiful greenspaces. Our stories of spending time in nature were meant to be told, so why not tell these stories using Book Creator!

Virtual adventures with Park Rangers & Expeditions in Education

Did you know that the National Park Service offers amazing virtual experiences with Park Ranger experts? From exploring erosion at Grand Canyon National Park to historical connections to Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK National Historical Park, there truly is something for everyone. The Trust for the National Mall is one great place to start your virtual programming adventure.

Over the years, my students have connected virtually with Park Rangers from the National Mall in D.C. all the way to Park Rangers at Death Valley National Park in California. Head over to Expeditions in Education and browse their FREE extensive library of resources, which includes live and recorded virtual field trips with Park Rangers.  These virtual visits also include a STEM challenge to get your students thinking about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and real-world problem-solving. When students find purpose in their learning, the sky's the limit!

From there, reach out to the National Parks that interest you and your students the most to request a personalized, virtual visit.  If you're lucky, they may even mail your students some Jr. Park Ranger badges! Read more in this Edutopia article written by me- Virtual Visits to National Parks.

Every kid outdoors & unexpected JOY

Fourth grade is a very special year for students and their families. Did you know that during their fourth grade year, students can receive a pass to enter every National Park and federal land and water recreation site for free through the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) program? Over the years, my students have visited over 50 National Parks thanks to this program.

Because of this program, Expeditions in Education, and the connections I have made with Park Rangers, I have had students go on to visit Park Rangers IN PERSON from our virtual visits and also create award-winning artwork based on their inspiration from the National Parks.

Fourth graders can obtain an EKO pass by visiting everykidoutdoors.gov or participating in an EKO event or program hosted by a participating federal agency. Teachers can also download vouchers for their students at everykidoutdoors.gov.

Using Book Creator to capture the story of your adventures

I have Expeditions in Education and STEAM in the Park to thank for reigniting my personal and professional torch in 2021.  Through STEAM in the Park, I have been able to connect with educators around the world while grounding myself in nature.  This past summer, during STEAM in the Park, we used Book Creator to capture our stories about what our experiences in nature and with other educators have meant to each of us.

Here is a sample of our STEAM in the Park scrapbook created in Book Creator.

Consider the possibilities of using Book Creator during your journey with your students as you find more ways to connect with nature.  Check out these beautiful STEM notebook templates created by Katie Fielding.

If you are interested in participating in a personal and professional growth experience in our beautiful National Parks with STEAM in the Park, join the 2025 Interest List and watch for applications to open January 1, 2025!