Who are the Urban Rangers?
We are two *crazy* educators who believe kids learn by doing and being involved in meaningful, engaging experiences. We also think learning should be fun and happen outdoors as much as possible!
So in 2013 we began Urban Rangers as a summer nature/arts program in Revere, MA.
We had an AMAZING opportunity to transform a neglected, overgrown outdoor courtyard in the center of a local public elementary school into a creative learning space filled with life, enthusiasm, adventure, and discovery.
So in 2013 we began Urban Rangers as a summer nature/arts program in Revere, MA.
We had an AMAZING opportunity to transform a neglected, overgrown outdoor courtyard in the center of a local public elementary school into a creative learning space filled with life, enthusiasm, adventure, and discovery.
BEFORE....
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AFTER...  |
| Excavating an archeological dig site... |
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| Constructing habitats... |
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| Catching dragonflies... |
We balanced our outdoor exploration and discovery with making art inspired by our experiences. We (the adults) brought some ideas but our Rangers took on the roles of leaders in their own learning, and came up with their own ideas too.
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| Pill bug sculptures |
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| Courtyard painting in watercolors |
This is what "child-driven curriculum" looks like--not something a multi-million dollar, one-size-fits-all testing company can package!
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| Mud painting |
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| Clay snail sculptures |
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| Printmaking |
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| Even the courtyard snails caught the creative fever and became artists themselves... Below are Insect Installations created by upcycling materials aka trash!   |
2014
& 2015 Urban Rangers continued the work of transforming the
courtyard into a vibrant learning space and creating art that reflected
hours of observation and discovery outdoors.
In
February 2016, Cornell University's Celebrate Urban Birds program awarded the Urban Rangers a generous grant to host a group citizen scientist event in September. (stay tuned for updates!)
We are no longer exploring and making in the courtyard--conflicting views on what it means to teach and learn make this a necessity, but also an opportunity to expand!
We are seeking an indoor/outdoor studio space to offer classes, workshops, and opportunities to be creative and connect with nature. We also hope to host other upcoming local events this summer and fall to grow the Urban Rangers community and extend these valuable learning experiences with a wider audience.
February 2016, Cornell University's Celebrate Urban Birds program awarded the Urban Rangers a generous grant to host a group citizen scientist event in September. (stay tuned for updates!)
We are no longer exploring and making in the courtyard--conflicting views on what it means to teach and learn make this a necessity, but also an opportunity to expand!
We are seeking an indoor/outdoor studio space to offer classes, workshops, and opportunities to be creative and connect with nature. We also hope to host other upcoming local events this summer and fall to grow the Urban Rangers community and extend these valuable learning experiences with a wider audience.
Please stay tuned as we work toward
this goal!
*crazy* educators refers to the beliefs we hold true in terms of teaching and learning, which appear to conflict with the current state of public education in which students are expected to sit silently and respond accurately to predetermined questions over and over and over and over and over again in crowded classrooms for the grand prize of scoring better than someone else on a test. We believe it's more of a human process with the goal of producing happy, healthy communities. Call us crazy!!!!
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