Hi, everybody, welcome back to the Naturally Teaching Elementary Science Podcast. Today, I'm grateful to have James Dake, Education Director from Grass River Natural Area, on as a guest. And I met James back in 2017, I believe, when we worked together on a conference for the National Association for Interpretation. And he did a fantastic job of organizing all of our off-site adult field trips for that experience.

And so today, I'm having him come on and talk to us about field trips and the benefits that they have. He also shares with us great tips on how to make sure you're picking a field trip that's worth your while and time and energy.

Because we all know when you're only allowed to take one or two field trips each year, you want to make them count. So his tips are there to help you figure out what to look for in quality field trips. He also hits on the positivity of place-based learning and about hands-on experiences and how those enhance scientific learning in your students.

So why did I talk to James? Well, James Dake is Education Director at Grass River Natural Area, a 1,500 acre preserve in Bellaire, Michigan. He directs Grass River's public programs, school programs, camps, kayak tours, interpretive exhibits and signage, publications, and more.

James grew up in Flushing, Michigan and has studied science education at Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University. He's a certified teacher in the state of Michigan and holds an MA in science education. He's also a certified interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation. And all of those pieces make for an individual who provides wonderful field trips for our communities in Michigan.

Teaching science in elementary school is crucial for nurturing young minds. But as educators, finding the time and resources to create engaging lessons can be a challenge. That's where this podcast comes in.

Welcome to Naturally Teaching Elementary Science, the show dedicated to supporting elementary teachers in their quest to bring authentic and place-based science experiences to their classroom. I'm Victoria Zablocki, a certified elementary teacher turned outdoor educator. With over a decade of experience coaching teachers on effective science teaching methods, I'm passionate about making science accessible, understandable, and fun for educators and students alike.

Join me as we explore strategies for teaching science in elementary school with practical teaching tips, insightful interviews, picture book reviews, and more. Whether you've taught for a long time or just started your teaching journey, this podcast is your trusty resource for enhancing your science curriculum. So let's grow together.

Victoria Zablocki: All right. Welcome back to the Naturally Teaching Elementary Science podcast. I am super excited today to bring James Dake from the Grass River Natural Area to you. I'm going to let him tell you all about himself because he's a very interesting guy and he's got a lot going on. So James, take it away.

[2:59]

James Dake: Thank you. Thanks for having me. So yes, I am currently the education director at a place called Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, Michigan. We're kind of in the northern lower peninsula. In my background, like many of us in this field, I've always had a passion for the outdoors and also teaching. So  actually my bachelor’s degree is in science education.

So I'm actually a certified teacher in Michigan for the classroom. So I've taught in the classroom, but also outdoors. But right out of college, I got a job as a naturalist at Formar Nature Preserve in Genesee County.

Fell in love with it and said, you know what, teaching outdoors is pretty awesome. And so that's what I've been doing ever since. I had a stint out in New York State, working between a nature center and a paleontology museum, doing a lot of similar work.

Came back to Michigan and I actually taught in the classroom at a school, a K-8 school in Oxford, but as their environmental studies instructor. So I still got to teach science, but I got to take the students outdoors. So it was a good mix of both formal education and informal, getting outside on the trails.

And then, as I said, I've had the pleasure now of being at Grass River for over 10 years now. And it's really been a great place to use my passion for environmental education and combine that with my love for the outdoors.

[4:17]

Victoria Zablocki: That's awesome. I had a very similar experience. I was a certified teacher but found outdoor education. And, you know, the rest is history.

As part of education director at Grass River, you do a lot of the planning of the field trips and writing of those things and implementing the staff and all of that. It's a lot of work for teachers to do the planning on their end too.

So we know the back end, planning a field trip, writing it out and all of that. But on the flip side, we know that teachers put a lot of work in to be able to get their kids out to our field trips. So you and I both know that all that hard work on the teacher's end is totally worth it, because we've seen the benefits in action.

So through your experience, can you share with us what are the benefits of field trips that you've witnessed in your time as education director at Grass River?

James Dake: Yeah. Field trips for me have always been a really powerful way to provide students with that immersive real-world experience that they don't get in the classroom, something they can take back with them to really give them those kind of real-world experiences where they're actually seeing some of those science concepts in action out in nature, which is really fantastic. So at Grass River, I've seen how these trips give students this really hands-on connection with nature. You really can't replicate in a classroom setting. So that itself is a priceless experience for students.

But I'd say one of the biggest benefits I've witnessed throughout my career is this kind of heightened engagement with the natural world. The students are out there, they get to apply this classroom knowledge in a new context. But there's this kind of natural increased curiosity about the world around them. I think we all have that inside us when we get outside and explore.

And to me, that's the best way to do science is to get out there and ask questions, pull apart bark, be dipping in the water, finding those living things that live in your backyard, trying to understand them. So many of our students leave, I feel like our programs really inspire, they're asking new questions, they're excited about learning. And that's what gets me really excited about teaching science outdoors.

It's kind of the fun part, the most fun at least for me, to see that kind of deeper appreciation for the environment, which for us as a nonprofit, that's a critical part of what we do, kind of fostering that next generation of environmental stewards. And so that's what we're trying to teach people on top of the science that we're teaching them outdoors.

[6:25]

Victoria Zablocki: That's wonderful. I've noticed similar things myself. So we wrote field trips. I wrote them previously, you write them currently. And those experiences take a lot of thought, right? You were talking about having those observations and pulling apart the bark and all of that sort of thing.

And those are all pre-thought and pre-meditated in order to make sure that students have certain experiences and provide them those opportunities to be able to have that future love of nature. So a lot of times though, we only get them for one to two hours. So on the back end, as a person writing the field trips, what sort of activities do you make sure to include that way you give those experiences to the students so that they can have that appreciation and that understanding of science?

James Dake: Yeah, I agree. It always feels like every minute counts when a field trip is out there because they do have this short window that they're with you. It's not like an extended camp experience or something where you have a lot of time with them.

So we focus on making our activities as interactive and engaging as possible. As I mentioned before, something that they can't really do in the classroom, something that's special about the place that they're in. So tailor all our programs to be as hands-on as possible, whether it's studying the water in the streams or collecting macroinvertebrates or exploring the wildlife at Grass River.

We also try to incorporate inquiry-based learning so that students are encouraged to ask questions and make discoveries for themselves. So that time that they have there is really exploratory. Kind of a little bit of freedom in there. It's not as structured as a classroom would be.

And then along with that, we always build in time, some time for that kind of open exploration, giving students a chance to observe nature up close, to really kind of take it in using their senses, using the sense of wonder. And I was kind of, I was trying to keep three things in mind of keeping a program really participatory so that all the students are engaged.

It's not just a demonstration where they're watching. They all get to be actively involved. That hands-on piece where they're using something, whether it's there's a net in their hand, or they're using binoculars to look at a bird, or they're using a microscope to look at something up close. So they have that direct engagement, with the natural world in some way.

And then the third thing, I always try to keep it really active. Kids like to be active, so especially when they're outdoors on a trail, hiking a trail, dipping in a stream, something where it keeps them moving so that they're having a good time out there and engaged in what we're doing.

[8:40]

Victoria Zablocki: That actually reminds me, Bellaire has some very specific place-based species, right? So do you do anything special with the fact that you have very unique species in your space that students couldn't find outside of that location?

James Dake: Yeah, that's definitely a part of kind of our messaging of like, you know, we have an interpretive plan about, you know, what makes Grass River special. And a big part of what makes our site special is that we do have a lot of these rare and unique species because it is such a large and vast swath. We have about 1,500 acres that are protected.

And so you get quite commonly some pretty rare species there that I see on a daily basis, which is really cool. So really emphasize, especially for those local school students, that they have these really awesome species right in their own backyard. And we want them to feel like this is a place that they're helping to protect and helping to understand and learn about.

And so we really try to build that into the program as part of the messaging, because a lot of students might say, oh, this is my backyard. I've lived here my whole life. I'm not realizing that they have some pretty incredible wildlife here. It's really unique in this area.

[9:45]

Victoria Zablocki: That's awesome. Listening to you, it gets me super excited because I know the quality of your programs is just off the charts and amazing. But not all field trip locations provide that same sort of quality and learning experiences.

So as a teacher, what are three things that you suggest that they look for in a location when they plan a field trip in order to get the best bang for their buck?

James Dake: Yeah. And I had the advantage of being a classroom teacher myself. So I've been on the other side of it and had to take students out in the field. And so that's been helpful in trying to make it as simple as possible for teachers, but also really building in that value to the trip.

So three really important things, I'd say, educational value, looking for a place that really aligns with the curriculum that you're working on and offers programs that provide those real learning opportunities. A good location is going to have really well thought out programs. You'll see that in how they message them to you, how they design those programs that you can see that they're working hard to enhance what the teachers are doing in the classroom.

Two, I'll mention the hands-on part again. I find that's really important. There are a lot of field trips you can go on where it might be more structured or more of a lecture or demonstration. I think it's really important to go beyond the classroom and get the students really active and participating. They're not just passive observers, but they're actually participating in science.

Any place they can engage with their senses, they're touching, they're seeing, they're hearing, all these new things out in nature. I feel like that's going to be more of an impactful experience for them. And keeping it place-based, as we mentioned before, of like, what makes this place unique and special? I think that's important to build into your program.

And then obviously having really knowledgeable staff, people that have been trained, that have been doing this for a long time, that love working with students, love taking people into the outdoors, and also keeping it in a safe environment. I think that's important as well.

If you are taking your students to a new place, especially that you're not familiar with, making sure they have a quality program that's safe so that you're not only helping to enrich their learning experience, but you're keeping things running smoothly.

[11:50]

Victoria Zablocki: Those are all great tips. Because there are so many elements for teachers to consider, you've given them three things to look for, it can still be overwhelming and stressful and sometimes unenjoyable for that teacher as they try to plan these things. So we want them to be encouraged and we want them to have a positive experience.

So do you have any advice that you could offer teachers to help them lighten their load and enjoy the process more?

James Dake: Yes, understanding the struggles of teachers, I always try to make it as easy as possible for them. So for us on our end, I always just ask, all I need to know is the date, the time and the number of students you want to bring, and we'll make the rest happen. If that's as little as the teacher wants to provide, we'll have everything ready for them, everything scheduled out, we'll have everything structured for them and ready to go for them.

But other teachers might want to be more involved with the process. So I encourage them, partner closely with the staff. We're here to work with you and figure out how you want to customize the trip to align with your needs and objectives. So work closely with the staff because that's what we're here for.

Communicate any needs up front. They'll make things run smoothly throughout the day. So if there's any special needs or expectations, be upfront with those in the beginning so we can be prepared for those.

And then preparing your students ahead of time as well in advance so that they know what to expect. They're ready to dive in when they arrive. They're excited about what they're going to be learning. So they're not just kind of coming in that day and it's a surprise to them.

And then, I guess, just know that, like, you know, as I mentioned before, the staff is there to make, you know, a meaningful and enjoyable experience for teachers. So we're there to support that process. So always lean on the knowledgeable and expertise of the staff.

[13:37]

Victoria Zablocki: That's great. I think that those things might help teachers. I know it can be stressful on the backside as a teacher, you know, from experience.

So is there anything else that you'd like to add? I know you've had like a decade of experience. Is there anything that we missed that you feel would be beneficial for teachers to hear about field trips and why they should do them?

James Dakes: You know, I think just providing these opportunities for students can be really beneficial in a lot of ways. I've just in my career, I've experienced interacting with a wide range of different students from different backgrounds and abilities. And it's really neat to see the students that really kind of, I guess, bloom in the natural world that really, you know, maybe they're not as strong in the classroom, they're not fantastic at math or reading, but once they get outdoors, they feel really confident and they're super excited.

And that's been a really cool thing to witness over the years of those students that really just kind of fall in love with and it sparks their interest for science. So I think, you know, providing these opportunities for all of your students kind of gives that experience to those students that might need it most.

Victoria Zablocki: I agree. I also, working at the Nature Center, I would have visitors that would come back and share a story from a field trip they did like 20 years prior. We're creating lifelong memories out in nature and providing those science experiences.

And some of those people end up going into the science field because of their single field trip they took as a first grader. So it can be really powerful, not only just in the curiosity, the critical thinking, but also creating lifelong memories. So you're doing important work and I know that everybody's better for it.

So with that, would you like to share where people could contact you if they have any questions or if they're close in Michigan and want to get a hold of you for a field trip?

James Dake: Yeah. So if you're up in the Bellaire area, so in Antrim County, just north of Traverse City, for folks not familiar with the area. If you're ever out this way, stop out to Grass River Natural Area. We're in between Alden and Bellaire. And I'm out there most days. So if you want to swing by and check out the place, it's always a great place to go for a hike because we're open to the public.

But also you can reach me through email, which is james@grassriver.org. Or definitely check out our web page as well, which is www.grassriver.org. We have a whole page on there about field trips and the programs that we do so you can learn more about the work that we do.

Victoria Zablocki: That's great. And I'll make sure to put those links in the show notes as well. So if anybody is interested, those will be on the website, naturallyteaching.com. And we'll make sure that we have all of those things for you to be able to get a hold of James.

So I want to thank you, James, for your time. It was great talking with you and I think people get a lot of help from your tips for field trip organization and lessening the stress. So thank you for your time.

James Dake: Thank you so much for having me.

[16:23]

Victoria Zablocki: I hope you enjoyed this short but sweet chat. James is a wealth of knowledge both in field trips and also his science knowledge. So don't be shy to reach out to him with questions about field trips or if you have any burning nature questions, he's a great resource as well.

So to round out this episode, I wanted to share a quick teaching tip for funding your field trips. Here in my home state, we have the opportunity to apply through the Michigan Nature Association for grants for field trips that happen in nature. So the $500 funds from these mini grants can be used for transportation costs, program fees, or field trip materials.

And if you're in Michigan, I'll put the link for those mini grants in the show notes. But if you're not in Michigan, do a quick search online to see if your state has any of these options to help lighten your load. And then maybe you can even convince your administration to let you go on more field trips since you have more money coming in.

So I want to thank you for taking time to listen today. I know you're busy and I truly appreciate the time you take to tune in. If you have any questions, wonderings, or tips for planning a field trip that you use, get ahold of me on Instagram at naturally.teaching, or you can email me at victoria@naturallyteaching.com.

And don't forget to check out the show notes for this episode at naturallyteaching.com/episode23. I'll have all the links from James and then also that mini-grant on that page. So thanks again for joining me today. And until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep naturally teaching.

Thank you so much for tuning in to today's episode of the Naturally Teaching Elementary Science podcast. I hope you found it informative, inspiring, and full of actionable insights to enhance your science teaching journey. Connect with me on social media for more updates, science tidbits, and additional resources.

You can find me on Instagram and Facebook at naturally.teaching. Let's continue the conversation and share our passion for elementary science education together. Don't forget to visit my website at naturallyteaching.com for all the show notes from today's episode.

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