E09: My Top Fieldwork Adventures of 2024

In this episode, I’m answering the question I get asked the most when I run into teachers in real life: So what have you been up to? Join me as I reflect on my 2024 experiences working in Calgary schools with teachers and students to explore their local surroundings.

I’ll give you a quick look at what this past year has been like for Yellow Steps—including five school residencies, two professional development workshops, and fieldwork with nearly 1,500 students at over 30 unique locations. Then, I’ll share my three top fieldwork experiences with you:

🌳 Bowmont Park (NW Calgary) – A stunning natural area where students explored curriculum connections in geology, human impact, and community wellness.
🏗 The Red Construction Crane (SW Calgary) – A student-driven investigation into a towering landmark that became a symbol of curiosity and creativity for a Kindergarten class.
🚂 Train Yard in Ogden (SE Calgary) – A spontaneous partnership opportunity that turned a simple walk into a hands-on history lesson about Calgary’s railway past.

These stories highlight the magic of place-based education—how it connects students to their communities, makes learning relevant, and creates experiences that endure over time. Whether you're a local teacher in Calgary or listening from afar, I hope these stories inspire you to think about how the places around your school can become part of your teaching.

Let's Connect:
🌍 Learn more about my work and upcoming residencies: yellowsteps.ca
📸 Follow my place-based adventures on Instagram: @yellowstepslearning

Let’s get out and get curious in 2025!