WELCOME TO SENSE OF PLACE LEARNING!
If an education is to be used well, it is obvious that it must be used some where; it must be used where one lives, where one intends to continue to live; it must be brought home. –Wendell Berry
Sense of Place Learning, LLC (SPL) provides educational programs designed to inspire learning through inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, place-based projects and activities. We strive to raise the awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the unique ecology, history, heritage and artistic works intrinsic to specific locales. Our educational programs, services and materials are developed to enhance local residents’ sense of self, community pride and civic engagement.
T.I.G.E.R.S and Prime Time Summer Surivial Camp
Check out the terrific article of Pittsburgh Youth Media:
The goal of SPL’s Survival Camp is to introduce Pittsburgh area kids to skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed to survive in the wilds of Western PA. The students have gone above and beyond – learning about edible, medicinal, and poisonous native plants; how to find and identify animal tracks; navigating with maps and GPS, and cooking using solar energy – Many thanks to the Consortium for Public Education for making these outdoor encounters possible, and kudos to the terrific kids and teachers from Wilkinsburg and Woodland HIlls!
Champions of Learning Award!
SPL was thrilled and honored to be included in the amazing array of nominated educators and businesses from twenty regional school districts. Here’s the award description from the Consortium:
Champions of Learning Awards Finalists have been selected, honoring individuals, organizations and businesses that create, support or expand learning opportunities in our region. Categories include Business Partnerships, Classroom Teaching, Community Outreach, Leadership, Technology Integration and Nominator’s Choice.
Sense of Place Learning was one of three finalists in the Business Partnerships category, and was nominated by Greg Spotti, Director of the Clairton CASTLE after school program. We didn’t win, but I got to meet my favorite Steeler and fellow nominee Charlie Batch – how great is that?
Working with the good folks at Grow Pittsburgh, Clairton students designed, built, and planted Le Jardin du C.A.S.T.L.E. We harvested enough lettuce, spinach, radishes and greens to make a healthy salad for our community celebration on May 28th and look forward to more produce this fall. Great job, everyone!
Welcome to
Le Jardin du C.A.S.T.L.E.
(The CASTLE Garden)
Students Planting Seeds of Prosperity
This garden was designed, built, and planted by C.A.S.T.L.E. afterschool students and is maintained and cared for by Clairton Education Center students, faculty, and community members.
TREES ARE LIKE LUNGS: AIR QUALITY INDEX MURAL UNVEILED
SPL and The Consortium for Public Education received a New Voices of Youth Grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation to work with local artist, Ian Green, and Clairton C.A.S.T.L.E. students to create a visually exciting interpretation of the EPA’s Air Quality Index. With support from The Breathe Project, Ian also created a coloring book, which allows people to make their own small-scale version of the full mural. For more photos and to read about the project, visit The Breathe Project’s blog http://breatheproject.org/news/trees-are-like-lungs-air-mural-unveiled-in-clairton/
Fishing on the Mon!
What could be better than a day of fishing on the Mon? There was no shortage of action as our Clairton anglers caught sheepshead, bass, and a variety of other fish, and had a great time learning to hook worms and just watching barges go by. Thanks to Mr. Manko for teaching us the basics!
