Sit Spot is a deceptively simple practice: participants return regularly to the same outdoor place to observe, reflect, and notice change over time. Yet research with former students reveals that this slow, recurring routine can foster deep environmental connection and long-term care for place. In this session, we will briefly explore key findings about Sit Spot’s enduring impact on holistic well-being, engagement with affect (wonder, calm, reflection), and connection to nature.Participants will then engage in a guided mini Sit Spot experience outdoors, followed by structured reflection and discussion about implementation in formal and informal environmental education settings. We will discuss practical considerations such as scaffolding trust, journaling prompts, group culture, and adapting Sit Spot for different age groups and contexts. Educators will leave inspired and equipped to create space for stillness in their own programs.
Team Ecology: An educational adventure for third grade students that brings together a community for the purpose of teaching students about the importance of our environment and their role in protecting its future. This event is entirely run by volunteers and sponsored by local businesses who are investing in the future of our natural resources.
Within the world of environmental education, the obvious goal is to allow students to spend time in the environment....What do you do when that isn't possible? How do we as educators work to recreate the wonder of being outdoors when we are confined to classrooms, labs, and indoor workspaces? We will explore the effective use of space, thematic learning environments, storytelling, and other methods as ways to create lasting impact with less than ideal conditions. We will focus specifically on effective curriculum design for summer day camps and how to "bring the outdoors in."
John is the Director of Education at the Spartanburg Science Center and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Passionate about thematic design and exhibit development, he integrates storytelling, creative problem-solving, and innovative... Read More →
about John is the Director of Education at the Spartanburg Science Center and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Passionate about thematic design and exhibit development, he integrates storytelling, creative problem-solving, and innovative thinking to create engaging lessons and immersive learning environments.
Older adults are an eager, curious, and deeply engaged population ready to explore the world in new ways. Many now have the time to dive into environmental and science topics they once set aside—and an added bonus is they can bring grandchildren along for the adventure. Research shows young adults and children thrive socially and emotionally when learning alongside a trusted mentor that helps them stay more focused and connected to the material. This creates powerful opportunities to design workshops that spark curiosity, strengthen relationships, and build a more sustainable future. We will brainstorm together on creative programs that invite both generations to learn, explore, and make an impact together.
Lucy Woodhouse has spent 20 years creating programs for older adults across the Carolinas and beyond. Now Director of Lifelong Learning at Wofford, she helped launch the program after leading OLLI at Furman. She’s known for her passion, high energy, creative problem‑solving, and... Read More →
Looking for a new avenue and partner for Environmental Education? It may be right in your city or town and one that you may never think about! Learn how a local non-profit reached out to an airport and developed one of the most creative program for students 16-20 years of age. It is totally scholarship for the students and has touched well over 100 students and counting. Working with 6 students at a time, three times a year, and learning about aviation is a dream reached! Join us!
Mary taught for 43 years in public schools, retiring in 2015 to a job at the Spartanburg Science Center. In January 2020, she accepted the position of Executive Director and continues to this day. During her time in the classroom, she used science as the center of her classroom... Read More →
