The Earthpark Story
Enhanced learning is the point of Earthpark. A national Education
Design Team* laid the foundation for immersive, participatory teaching
experiences, and professional educators from all levels
continue to incorporate the latest research.
Virtual outreach is integral to Earthpark. Web-based learning
programs, beginning during construction, will focus on “green
building” methods such as design, site preparation and
integrating alternative energy sources.
As Earthpark learning programs mature, educators will have access
to a myriad of online teaching tools, lesson plans, activities and
professional development opportunities. Online programs that mirror those
on-site will be available to students, teachers and electronic
visitors around the world, also serving those looking for greater
depth after their in-person visit.
With its entire campus created as a natural, transparent, “green” classroom,
Earthpark will host programs designed and offered cooperatively with local
school districts, colleges and universities, businesses and other informal
science institutions/attractions. Leading-edge technology
will supplement and enhance learning; e.g., handheld computers,
special glasses or earphones, data ports, “talking walls” and advanced
virtual reality. Earthpark will partner with area education agencies
to develop and provide experiential learning modules and other
useful materials for educators, business leaders and interested visitors.
Earthpark will strive to achieve designation and associated financial
support as a National Science Foundation “Science of Learning
Center.” We will also create Earthpark Certification
for students, educators, parents, businesses, CEOs and others who actively
participate in our learning programs. Methods will be developed to
measure both the immediate and long-term effectiveness of these
efforts. Some of these programs will be available opening day; others
will be incorporated as Earthpark grows and evolves.
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