Synthesis 2018

Innovating Connections Across Disciplines

Featuring Forest to Forest: Bicknell’s Thrush

Friday, Feb. 9, 9:30-3pm

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How can multiple disciplines overlap to enrich curricula for our students? This second annual conference for NH Educators at the Museum of the White Mountains features hands-on workshops and presentations that link visual art, environmental science, creative writing, and social philosophy, using the Museum’s current exhibit “Forest to Forest: Bicknell’s Thrush” as inspiration. Explore how a visual art experience is engaging students and community members in the plight of an endangered bird, promoting advocacy, action, and reflection. The full and exciting conference day includes a writing workshop, watercolor workshop, a presentation about the Bicknell’s Thrush PSU Cluster Project, a bird mobile making workshop, small group facilitated discussions, a walk-through tour of the exhibit, and lunch. Educators will leave with sample lesson plans and other resource material.

Presenters include:

Meg Petersen – Meg is the Director of the National Writing Project in New Hampshire, and teaches courses in writing, writing pedagogy, and English teaching at Plymouth State.  She coordinates the graduate programs in English education, including certification in English for grades 5-12 and the Teaching of Writing program.  She is also a consultant to the National Writing Project in Santo Domingo and coordinates cross-cultural programs in Santo Domingo and Costa Rica.  Her academic interests include teacher research, writing pedagogy, race and culture in classrooms, and teachers’ writing.

Dr. Maria Sanders – Maria is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and coordinates the Philosophy program at Plymouth State University. She is an applied ethicist whose research engages the public in scholarly philosophical dialogue within the areas of medicine, business, education, and law while encouraging thoughtful interaction with existing and emerging technologies in an attempt to create opportunities for civic engagement and reflective living.

Clifford Gleason – Cliff began to paint with watercolor over 30 years ago.  He has studied with various art instructors.  He loves watercolor because although it cannot be controlled, it can be tamed to produce stunning effects.  In the last 15 years he has shared his art hobby by teaching watercolor at nursing homes, elementary schools, high school art clinics, and adult workshops.   His step-by-step instruction has assisted his students in getting better than expected results.  Some of his paintings can be seen at the website: fineartamerica.com.

PSU’s Bicknell’s Thrush Cluster Project Team – Several members of this multidisciplinary working group will be present. The team includes professors and staff from the areas of environmental science and policy, sustainable development, art, English, biological science, social science, tourism, and political science

Presented with support from the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire, the NH Arts Learning Network, and Plymouth state University’s Tourism, Environment and Sustainable Development Cluster

$40 for the day, includes lunch and professional development certificate

$30 for Museum of the White Mountains or AANNH members

Register Here Today

Plan to arrive with time to park. There are shuttles running every 20 minutes from Lot 602 on the  Plymouth State Parking Map to the Museum.