Ed 3201 Environmental Science and Place-Based Education is a May Session course taught at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (PWLC) located in Fergus Falls, MN.

The PWLC is part of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, and is a cooperative venture between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the City of Fergus Falls, and the State of Minnesota . The PWLC includes 330 acres of native and restored prairie, 28 wetlands, and 4 miles of trails. The visitor Center houses a 2500 square foot exhibit area, the Bluestem Store, classrooms and the Great Hall-a multipurpose meeting room. The Center provides both day and residential environmental education and interpretation of the prairie pothole region for learners of all ages.

In 2003, the USFWS and PWLC began a formal partnership with Fergus Falls Independent School District 544 to create a Prairie Science Class (PSC). Each school year, approximately 100 fifth graders (two morning classes and two afternoon classes) spend two hours each day at the PWLC in a PSC. Students are taught by two ISD 544 teachers, along with PWLC environmental education specialists who together provide field-based instruction in the curricular areas of science, math, and writing through a series of seasonal, integrated units based on the prairie wetlands ecosystem. Students spend the remainder of the school day at the Fergus Falls Middle School , where they receive their reading social studies, physical and education, and health instruction.

An expansion of facilities at PWLC, which includes four new classrooms, teacher offices, a conference room, storage and a commons area, is evidence of the program's success. In the fall of 2008, 100 fourth grade students will join the 100 fifth graders in their new classrooms that look out onto the prairie.

Partnership with the University of Minnesota , Morris Teacher Education Program began in 2004. During Fall and Spring semester, UMM students in the Teacher Education Program have the opportunity to complete practicum and student teaching experiences at the PWLC. These experiences provide future educators instruction and practice in integrated field-based teaching methods, and enhances their knowledge about environmental education. The Ed 3201 Environmental Science and Place-Based Education May Session course provides increased opportunities for students across all disciplines to experience working with young people in a natural, outdoor setting.

Visit the program website for more information.

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