EPI Classroom
Resources for leading and learning
The world is our classroom. Ecology Project International has made experiential learning accessible to students worldwide by leading students into the environment, supporting local communities, and providing field-based professional development. Your outdoor adventure can begin in the classroom now, with new, free, online resources accessible to learners who are ready to explore biodiversity, investigate environmental issues, and make the world a better place.
The goal of EPI’s programming is to inspire our students with nature and empower them with science to make a difference in their communities. To love nature, students must know nature. EPI launched and supports a diverse movement that builds communities that cherish and restore the ecosystems that sustain them. Environmental literacy is the foundation of the EPI mission and the pursuit of stewardship through experiential learning is at the core. Students get to know nature and they love it.
Experiential learning is the goal, but the journey begins in the classroom for most students. EPI is piloting new storylines, webinars, and workshops designed to support the extraordinary teachers who are instilling a love of nature and the environment in their students every day. The EPI Classroom is free, online, and can be adapted to a variety of teaching and learning formats. The goal is to foster inquiry and inspire students to pursue answers using nature in the classroom and nature as the classroom.
EPI Classroom Learning Progressions
EPI's free online curricular resources are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards to provide phenomenon-based instruction designed to prepare students for success in or out of the EPI field program setting. The EPI Classroom was developed as a coherent learning progression for grades 9-12 and adaptable to varying levels and abilities. Students apply content knowledge through scientific and field ecology practices and develop the skills needed to support stewardship and preservation of the natural world.
EPI Workshop Series
Ecology Project International is delighted to introduce free professional development online workshops to help teachers connect the classroom to the environment. Virtual workshops will be offered to introduce teachers to resources for Biology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, and student travel.
Zoom with us this year for professional development to build the bridge that helps your students connect to nature, and help build the next generation of environmental stewards and scientists.
Educator Resources
We're thrilled to collaborate with a distinguished cohort of partner educators who are true experts in the field of education. As champions of experiential and field-based learning, we're excited to offer you an opportunity to explore resources crafted by these exceptional individuals.
Whether you're an experienced educator or just beginning your teaching journey, our partners' insights, lesson plans, and strategies will inspire and empower you to seamlessly integrate real-world experiences into your classroom. Join us in embracing the transformative power of field-based education and embark on a journey of enhancing your teaching practices. Together, let's cultivate curious minds and foster a passion for learning that extends far beyond the confines of traditional textbooks.
Featured Partner Resources:
Environmental Literacy
EPI draws upon the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) original concept and the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) revision to define an environmentally literate person as,“someone who demonstrates the knowledge, dispositions, competencies, and behavior to actively engage—individually or as a group—in addressing environmental challenges.” This is a powerful and inspiring description that highlights the importance of learning about the environment, embracing the goals for supporting and restoring the environment, and taking action to preserve and protect the environment.
Inherent within this definition of environmental literacy are specific attributes guiding EPI’s core programming and alumni engagement. Within each of these components there are specific milestones and standards that EPI uses to measure alumni involvement in conservation.
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How do I know if EPI is right for me?EPI programs place a strong emphasis on science, adventure, and the great outdoors. These are academic programs. If you like to learn, if you're curious and open-minded, if you're willing to try something new, then these programs will be a good fit. Look through the Why EPI pages and the Travel Programs pages for more detailed information. If you're having a hard time deciding, or want to hear more about a specific course, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're happy to help.
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What does a typical day look like?There's a lot of variety to the days on an EPI program. That being said, most days will include some amount of data collection or conservation service. There will definitely be some 'classroom time', but our classrooms are usually outside, and there will also be some time for hiking or snorkeling or exploring. The days are full, but fun!
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Can I get credit for my program?It depends on where you are traveling! All of our Yellowstone participants (PD or students) can receive credit for their course through the University of Montana. Professional development participants traveling on our other courses can receive credit through Hamline University. We are working to expand our partnerships to be able to offer all students who wish to receive credit the opportunity to do so.
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How old are most students?EPI runs Travel Programs for middle school, high school, and college-aged students and Professional Development programs for all teachers and non-traditional educators.
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EPI is a non-profit. Is my tuition tax-deductible?No. Because you'll receive a service (a travel program) your tuition is not tax-deductible. If you decide to support a local student, however, you'll receive a letter of proof for your donation.
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Does EPI offer financial aid?Yes! EPI offers need-based student financial aid and PD scholarships. Awards typically range from $300-600, so it won't cover the full cost of the program, but it can help offset it. The student financial aid application can be found here and the teacher professional development scholarship application can be found here. If you're a school chaperone or travel organizer, you should also know about our School Grant Program which can provide up to $8000 toward group travel during our low seasons. Need additional fundraising ideas? Check out our handy EPI Scholarship & Fundraising Guide for students or our Fundraising Resources for Educators guide.
