Pacific University

Like many organizations in our area, EdenAcres enjoys a collaborative relationship with Pacific University. We offer a variety of opportunities for Pacific students who are interested in sustainability and/or education. We support instructors wanting to get their students out into the community and we work with programs to support curriculum and offer courses. Through our work with them, Pacific University lives out its mission as a diverse and sustainable community dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice. Pacific University inspires students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. 

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We work with faculty across disciplines to develop and deliver experiential activities for students that address course learning goals. Courses we've worked with include:

• Environmental Studies: 

  • Permaculture Design Science

  • Food Systems 

• Civic Engagement: 

  • Healthy Lifestyles

  • Food for Thought and Action

• Art:

  • Design for Sustainability

• Education:

  • Community-Based Solutions in Education 

  • Education for Sustainability

  • Applied Experiential Learning

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The College of Education has contracted with us to teach a course on designing and using the outdoor classroom:

 

EDUC 355 Education for Sustainability

This course introduces students to the outdoor classroom as a powerful learning environment for students of all ages. Emphasis is on using the creative thinking process to design both the classroom and activities to support academic achievement across disciplines through integrative and experiential learning. STEM to STEAM, Place-based, and Project-based pedagogies will be explored, as will non formal forms of education such as outdoor immersion and adventure/exploration. In addition, students will explore strategies for gaining approval and institutional buy-in for adopting education for sustainability.  Students will review the history of the national No Child Left Inside movement as well as its current impact on Oregon education standards.

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EDUC 355 Curriculum for Outdoor Classrooms 

In this course, students will learn to create outdoor learning spaces that are curiosity inspiring, thought provoking, engaging, and honor the needs of children. We will follow a ten part process to design an outdoor classroom and learn how to engage students in the process every step of the way.  Students will be able to design and implement an outdoor classroom and will be able to create and deliver complimentary curriculum. In this course students will learn strategies for developing collaborative relationships with the community, parents, and administrators for ongoing care and maintenance of the space.

 

1. Connect: with community resources and partners.

2. Study: native species, habitats, and ecosystems.

3. Investigate: the natural and cultural history of your place.

4. Analyze: soil, water, slope, sun/shade, vegetation, and physical and aesthetic qualities and requirements.

5. Plan: a butterfly garden, rain garden, grassland, woodland, or wetland restoration.

6. Prepare; a project timeline and prepare the site.

7. Plant: seeds, transplant seedlings, and celebrate!

8. Care: for your space. Create signage.

9. Research: the communities and systems related to your space. Ask questions, make observations, record data.

10. Learn: study language arts, science, math, social studies, music, art, life skills, love of nature.

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We also support the Art Department's Design for Sustainability course:

 

ARTST 207 Design for Sustainability

This course focuses on the design process as a tool for conceiving and planning sustainable communities patterned on examples provided by nature. We will consider strategies for producing necessities such as food, energy, shelter, and clothing in ways that enhance lifestyles, strengthen communities, and promote ecological health. Students will learn the principles, practices, and processes of sustainable design through reading, writing, discussion, and hands-on practice in the community. This course carries a requirement of working 3 hours/week outside of class at one of the sustainability-oriented education sites in our community. Course completes the Civic Engagement requirement. Students who successfully complete both ARTST 207 and ARTST 307 Leadership by Design are eligible for the Permaculture Design Certificate.

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