Place-based Curriculum Design: Exceeding Standards through Local Investigations

by Amy B. Demarest

Place-based Curriculum Design provides pre-service and practicing teachers both the rationale and tools to create and integrate meaningful, place-based learning experiences for students. Practical, classroom-based curricular examples illustrate how teachers can engage the local and still be accountable to the existing demands of federal, state, and district mandates. Coverage includes connecting the curriculum to students’ outside-of-school lives; using local phenomena or issues to enhance students’ understanding of discipline-based questions; engaging in in-depth explorations of local issues and events to create cross-disciplinary learning experiences, and creating units or sustained learning experiences aimed at engendering social and environmental renewal. An on-line resource (www.routledge.com/9781138013469) provides supplementary materials, including curricular templates, tools for reflective practice, and additional materials for instructors and students.

Genres: Education

188 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2014

Reviews

[Jeanie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out a podcast conversation about this book here: https://tiie.w3.uvm.edu/blog/place-ba...

What a treasure trove for teachers wanted to design more relevant (and revolutionary) educational experiences for learners! I learned so much from Amy and the many teachers she spotlights in the book.

[L Nehlsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Place-Based Curriculum Design by Amy Demarest is an essential read for educators interested in connecting classroom learning to the local environment and community. As a science teacher passionate about place-based education, I found this book to be an inspiring and practical guide that offers valuable insights into designing curricula that engage students with their surroundings.
Demarest provides a clear framework for developing place-based curricula, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and community involvement. Her approach encourages educators to leverage local resources, histories, and environments to create meaningful and relevant student learning experiences. The book is filled with practical examples and case studies that demonstrate the power of place-based education in fostering critical thinking and a deeper connection to the world around us.
One of the book's strengths is its focus on interdisciplinary learning, which is particularly beneficial for science teachers looking to integrate real-world applications into their lessons. Demarest offers concrete strategies for aligning place-based projects with educational standards, making it easier for teachers to implement these practices within existing curricula.
Overall, Place-Based Curriculum Design is a must-read for educators seeking to create dynamic and engaging learning environments. Demarest's insightful guidance and passion for place-based education make this book an invaluable resource for teachers dedicated to cultivating students' sense of place and responsibility to their communities.

[Ashley Bostrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as recommended reading for a master’s course on Vertical and Horizontal Curriculum Design, I really enjoyed the perspective of this book. Not every chapter was golden - here’s looking at you first few chapters. But I really connected with chapters 6-8 and would highly recommend giving those a read if you’re interested in incorporating more place-based learning into your teaching.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific resource for engaging students in local learning experiences. The author provides lots of examples and templates for making this curriculum happen in any community.

[L.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and realistic ways to start a place-based pedagogy. Deeper review forthcoming.