Exciting ecological research happening across the Americas provides meaningful resources for learners to more fully understand their local environment in relevant ways. Utilizing the Long Term Ecological Research Program’s network resources, and the Next Generation Science Standards EQuIP rubric, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of ecological phenomena to naturally provoke higher-level thinking.

In Greece, a network of small, locally adaptable Environmental Education Centers survived the economic crisis and has been commended for innovative practices (CEDEFOP, 2012). This presentation discusses the institutional, structural and pedagogical characteristics that contributed to this result.

This session will apply several proven methodologies in promoting children’s construction of knowledge about nature. In-depth discussions will focus on experiential learning strategies, internal motivations that further children’s inquiries, role of language and problem solving skills, and metacognitive skills development.