Children in Nature Symposium
February 21, 1-4 p.m.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Admission is free but you must reserve in advance. Call the GSA office (478-7827) or register online.
1:00-1:45 Keynote: David Sobel
Connecting to Communities Through Place-based Education
2:00-3:00 Workshops
1. Ecopoetics
Liberty Heise, The Girls' School
Ecologist and writer Jonathan Skinner defines Ecopoetics as, "exploring creative-critical edges between writing (with an emphasis on poetry) and ecology (the theory and praxis of deliberate earthlings.)" In this seminar we will define what Ecopoetics might mean to us personally and as a community; look at a few ground breaking pieces of work by well-known (and not so well-known) poets; observe how the form used in writing interacts with the content and use what we've learned and the fodder-filled grounds of the Wildflower Center.
2. Ethnobotany of Central Texas: Why That Trip to the Supermarket Might Not Be Necessary
Gary Poole, The Girls' School
In this workshop, we will focus on the relationship between human cultures and select plants of central Texas. We will discuss several of these native plants, their products, and their uses. While we will not stalk the wild asparagus, the braver among us will have an opportunity to taste some of these unusual plant products. Some attention will also be given to the role of these plants in the larger biotic community. Weather permitting, we will conclude the workshop with a short walk through the Wildflower Center gardens to get a closer look at our subject plants in a more natural setting.
3. Exploring Soundscape: Heightened Awareness Through Active Listening and Creativity
Jennifer Read, The Girls' School
The goal of this workshop is to develop a more engaged and embodied relationship with the environmental soundtrack of our lives. Through interactive listening-and-response games (both in and out of doors, weather permitting) and brief discussions of the work being done by a variety of environmental scientists / naturalists / ethnomusicologists / musicians, we will have the opportunity to deepen our awareness and appreciation of sound, sound-driven ecosystems, evolution of language and communication systems, and the value (in both the practical and creative sense) of listening, play, framing, and performance in different cultures and contexts. Sound and environment shape one another, and our increased awareness of sound shapes the way we experience our lives as unique individuals, local / global community members, and caretakers of that environment.
4. Bringing Nature to your School Campus
Danna Keyburn, Redeemer Lutheran
By creating a series of outdoor gardens, classrooms and nature areas, we bring nature to children at Redeemer! Danna will share a bit of our 'natural' history and how she involves children ages 4 to the 8th grade in environmental learning. Best of all, she will walk you through the new Austin School Garden website - which compiles all the resources you need to bring a little bit of nature to your school!
5. Art in Nature
Linda Grey, The Girls' School
Art in Nature is a hands-on workshop designed to expose participants to the concept of 'earth art'. Notable artists' work and methods will be explored. Followed by an outdoor activity in which groups will gather materials and create an original piece to be photographed. All ages welcome.
3:15-4:00 Closing Session
Design with Children and Nature in Mind
Panelists:
Haddon and Cowen, architects collaborative
David Sobel
Snacks will be provided by Sprouts!