Hear Our Impact Stories!

STEAM in the Park transforms educators into active hands-on learners in the spectacular settings of a selection of National Parks. It is powerful to participate in the “See, Think, Wonder” Thinking Routine from the perspective of a student. Surrounded by the beauty of the natural world with time to closely observe, quietly reflect, and engage in questions awakens a deep personal curiosity, desire to learn more, and insights into student driven inquiry. I treasure the memories of our adventures together developing survival skills, singing silly songs, campfires with deluxe s’mores, hiking, and plunging into the chilly waters of Crater Lake. However, attending STEAM in the Park does not end after one fabulous week. A network of exceptional educators developed friendships that continue to provide encouragement and a strong support system today and into the future.- Maryland Educator

I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to take part in Steam in the Park for two summers now. My time at Acadia revolutionized my teaching and I completely embraced teaching about the UN SDG goals with the parks on a regular basis. My science rotation in our grade level is focused on Acadia and the national parks. I’m forever thankful for my time spent at Steam in the Park.- South Carolina Educator

Spending time collaborating with educators from all over our country with the common love of national parks was the first thing that drew me to STEAM in the Park. It was much more than just a workshop. It was inspiring, rejuvenating, and I gained friendships with other educators who openly shared knowledge, ideas, and resources with everyone. I left that workshop with a huge resource, I have used constantly this school year in my own classroom/lesson planning. The workshop didn't end when we drove away. It continues every day as we connect through social media and apps- continuing to share resources, ideas, and support one another as we all have the common goal of educating children. It has been and will continue to be a positive impact on my own career. Thank you Dacia and Steve for providing so much to so many.- Mississippi Educator

Having had Dacia in my classroom, my students were thrilled to see 'Dr. Drizzle' on the video, they ASKED when we are going to see another one. They like doing something different and seeing the different parks. I used some of the techniques learned at STEAM in the PARK to let my students explore another part of their personalities. We do water quality testing and phenology hikes (this one was learned at STEAM), and doing the directed drawing and poetry writing- they asked about using a poetry style they were learning about in English class for this. THEY made the connection- this is what education is about. Getting kids to connect the dots.- Nebraska Educator

I love teaching science again! The support from other educators no longer makes me feel like an island teaching science departmentalized. I have lots of resources and I can reach out to a number of people who will point me in the right direction to find resource that I need. There is hope and encouragement in these people. I found my people.- Kentucky Educator

I got so many great ideas and made so many connections through STEAM in the Park. It inspired me to start a national park research project with my 4th graders and incorporate STEAM projects whenever possible.-Illinois Educator