Teaching Expertise
My primary areas of curriculum and teaching experience are in three complimentary subject areas G 11 Environmental Science, Outdoor Ed Grades 10-12, Grade 9 Geography and Grade 12 Canadian Geography Resource Management. These subjects complement each other and lead to many cross-curricular activities and opportunities.
Recently, I have also taken on teaching a second combination of courses that have a natural fit. These are Grade 10, 11 and 12 Business, G10 Civics and Careers, and Media Technology which combines yearbook with video and photography.
As a Special Education Specialist, I have also been responsible for teaching the Grade 9 through 12 Learning Strategies courses as they are required.
Environmental Science
G11 SVN3M
In my Grade 11 Environmental Science Course we cover the entire curriculum expectations however with a focus on our local water system and how it relates to the four main curriculum topic areas; addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and management of waste; and the conservation of energy., This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore river ecology, water quality, pollution sources, agricultural challenges to the water system, and invasive species. Field work includes conducting regular water quality testing as well as collect field samples and learning to identify invertebrates using Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) protocols. Students will learn how to use D-nets and kick nets to sample benthic invertebrates, as well as practical lab skills including how to use a microscope, pipette, and dichotomous key. Students will also ground survey the local river to identify point source pollution such as sewage inflows and dispersed pollution sources such as road salt, agriculture pollution and runoff from fertilizers both chemical and natural. Students will collect images and scientific data with modern technology enabled on phones or GPS installed software which will be collected for use in applying spatial skills such as G.I.S. mapping, and Story mapping. Students will also conduct ground surveys of watersheds examing agriculture and pesticides, organic solutions to agriculture and look at watersheds natural buffer systems such as wetlands and green spaces.
Grade Ten Geography
Students will explore river ecology, water quality, pollution sources, agricultural challenges to the water system, and invasive species. Field work includes conducting regular water quality testing as well as collect field samples and learning to identify invertebrates using Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) protocols. Students will learn how to use D-nets and kick nets to sample benthic invertebrates, as well as practical lab skills including how to use a microscope, pipette, and dichotomous key. Students will also ground survey the local river to identify point source pollution such as sewage inflows and dispersed pollution sources such as road salt, agriculture pollution and runoff from fertilizers both chemical and natural. Students will collect images and scientific data with modern technology enabled on phones or GPS installed software which will be collected for use in applying spatial skills such as G.I.S. mapping, and Story mapping. Students will also conduct ground surveys of watersheds examing agriculture and pesticides, organic solutions to agriculture and look at watersheds natural buffer systems such as wetlands and green spaces.
