Syllabus

Course Description
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…” – Henry David Thoreau

We will go to the woods to experience and capture nature in summer – kayaking, canoeing, hiking, yoga & meditation, taking pictures, journaling and blogging. We’ll begin by looking at those who have come before us – writers, poets, philosophers – who were led to the woods, learning their techniques of observation and practicing them for ourselves. We will then journey outdoors – to parks and trails, forests and fields – to experience the beauty and power of nature. Day trips will include hiking, canoeing and/or kayaking, and practicing yoga in Dayton MetroParks and other area locations. We’ll capture our experiences by keeping a written and visual blog.

Learning Objectives

During this course, you will:

• learn the basics of kayaking, hiking and canoeing as well as safety procedures necessary for these activities. 
• read, discuss, and practice the nature-writing genre (authors will include Henry David Thoreau, Annie Dillard, Barbara Kingsolver, Wendell Berry, Anne Lamott, Emily Dickinson, and others). 
• learn and practice basic yoga, meditation, and contemplative thought. 

Planned Day Trips

Wednesday, May 27 – Delco Park
Thursday, May 28 – Cox Arboretum - lunch onsite
Friday, May 29 - Aullwood Audubon - lunch onsite
Tuesday, June 2 – Eastwood for kayaking - lunch onsite
Thursday, June 4 – Bellbrook Canoe - lunch onsite
Tuesday, June 9 – John Bryan State Park

Final Product & Grades

For this STEMmersion you’ll create, design and maintain a personal blog where you’ll post (at least) one entry each day of our course (either a journal-like entry or a writing piece we learn and practice that day, like poetry, vignette, etc.). Each entry needs to be polished, thoughtful, and proofread for errors in MUGS (mechanics, usage, grammar, spelling) and must contain at least one photo or video. Additionally, you’ll create a keepsake photo album to display your experiences and favorite nature-writing pieces during Exhibition Night.

You’ll receive daily participation points for your behavior and participation during writing workshops, trips, and other activities. We’ll create a list of expectations together as a class.

Required Materials
comfortable shoes & clothes
yoga mat
sunscreen
water bottle
notebook

Optional Materials
hat/sunglasses
camera
bug spray
rain jacket/poncho