A book?

For my MS in Science Education/Biology, I did a special project instead of a thesis.  I wrote a week’s worth of workshops to help elementary school teachers learn science content.  It was a great experience, especially since I aligned my project with the state standards, so I really understood what I could expect from my students when they get to high school.  It was also great when, last spring, a colleague and I ran a modified version of these workshops with our district’s 4th and 5th grade teachers.  I really enjoyed working with other educators, and the enthusiasm of elementary school teachers was wonderful.  I’m used to critical science teachers!

So now I’m working on a second MS.  This one’s in Environmental Education, and I’m really enjoying the program.  I’m already thinking about my special project, because I can do it at any time and not just at the end of my studies.  For the last week or so I’ve been contemplating writing a book.  This book would combine my skills and experiences as a science educator with my environmental interests.  I’d love to write a book full of activities for families to use to explore their local food systems.  This would be an informal educational book with activities for families to experience together, but it could also be useful for homeschoolers, teachers, or green groups.  My book would include science activities (my area of expertise), field trip ideas, and activities for crafts, gardening, and simple recipes that bring families together to learn about where their food comes from.  The book would incorporate an exploration of local foods with environmental aspects, small family farms, and science activities.  I’m really excited about this.

When I first started thinking about writing a book, I didn’t think I could do it.  While I enjoy writing, I’m far from a trained writer.  How would I convey everything I want to about the environment, farming, science, and local food, while bringing families together? Finally, I got the idea to compile a series of activities.  That’s what I do! I am completely comfortable writing activities, and once I started thinking about it, there were a lot of ideas floating around in my head.  I think I can do it.

I still need to speak to my advisor about it, but now I’m thinking I might want to write this book even if I can’t use it for my special project.