Why Education Needs More Field Work (and Less Theory)

🌍 Discover how Presidential Award winner Helen Corveleyn revolutionizes elementary STEM education through international fieldwork and outdoor learning! From swimming with whale sharks in Baja to studying orangutans in Borneo, Helen brings real-world science experiences to her K-5 classroom.In this inspiring interview, Helen shares her innovative teaching strategies that transform student engagement and motivation. Learn how she takes students outside 50% of the time, integrates social-emotional learning with STEM, and creates authentic fieldwork experiences using professional scientific tools. Her approach to active learning and student participation has earned recognition from the White House!🔥 What You'll Learn:• How to increase student engagement through outdoor education• Effective teaching strategies for inspiring students in STEM• Professional development opportunities through Project Dragonfly• Innovative teaching methods that connect classroom to real world• Student motivation techniques using hands-on experiences• Lesson planning ideas that promote student participation• Education strategies for whole child developmentChapters:0:00 Introduction to Helen Corveleyn2:08 Helen's Educational Background & Inspiration5:16 The STEM Education Crisis: Only 17 Minutes Daily9:14 Reimagining School: Indoor vs Outdoor Learning12:23 Creating STEM Units with NGSS Standards17:42 Presidential Award Application & White House Experience22:41 Outdoor Learning Philosophy: 50/50 Indoor/Outdoor Split23:51 Project Dragonfly International Fieldwork Program26:57 Swimming with Whale Sharks in Baja, Mexico28:04 Life-Changing Moment in Borneo Rainforest30:49 Bringing International Experiences to Elementary Students34:58 Call to Action: Global Conservation & STEM Pipeline39:00 Closing Thoughts & AppreciationSTEMPresidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)Hopewell Valley Education Foundation & Nature Harmony ProjectColby Cedar Smith - Call Me Athena: Girl From DetroitNational Science FoundationProject Dragonfly through Miami University of OhioPresidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) (2022)Helen's Publications:The Promise of Pickles: Hydroponics in the ClassroomGrowing Environmental Hope Amid a PandemicWhen teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.