Environmental Stewardship
Environment stewardship is the responsible use of our natural resources through conservation and sustainable practices. Environmental stewardship is developed by connecting to nature through hands on inquiry and developing problem solving producing sound environmental education practices.
Science Inquiry
During my trip to Belize, we participated in a number of science inquiry projects following the Quest model. . The QUEST method of inquiry follows an acronym where Q represent questions, U for uncovering the comparative question, E for exploring predictions, S for starting an action plan and data collection and T for think hard about findings. This QUEST model was carried over into the third grade classroom through the implementation of the science notebook. The science notebook is used as an inquiry tool for student investigations.
So where is Belize?
Belize is located in the heart of Central America below Mexico and Guatemala to the west and south. It is know for having the longest living barrier reef to its east. We were able to experience the reef through several snorkeling expeditions.
While in Belize, we stayed in cabanas at the Tropical Education Center located across from the Belize Zoo in the middle of a rain forest. We traveled to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, Tobacco Cayes, and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins.