Peter's Continuing Education Courses
Through research and site visits, you will learn the natural, human and cultural history of each site. You will also have an opportunity to develop high interest lessons for your students that meet your teaching goals.
EACH OF THE COURSES ON THIS PAGE ARE ONE CREDIT
THE SIX COURSES THAT CAN BE COMPLETED ON BICYCLE “AT A GLANCE”
NOTE: These course descriptions can also be found on this website in their geographic region, but they are also listed on this page as a quick reference if you are interested in bicycling courses.
PORTLAND'S BRIDGES VIA BICYCLE
In this fun and informative class, you'll have an opportunity to explore a dozen Portland's bridges via a 12 mile figure 8 bike ride along the Willamette River waterfront. Through research, and first hand exploration, you'll discover the wonder of Portland's bridges, past and present. You'll also develop lots of ideas for integrating bridge study across the curriculum.
SPRINGWATER TRAIL
The Springwater Trail Corridor is a 21 mile multi use paved trail, Oregon's first rails to trails project. In this course, you'll have an opportunity to walk or bicycle the entire length of the trail, discovering the natural and human history of locations from Boring to SE Portland. You will develop dozens of ideas for classroom lessons and field trips.
BANKS-VERNONIA TRAIL
In this fun and informative class, you'll explore the northern and southern sections of the Banks-Vernonia Trail, riding about 25 miles via bicycle, on a relatively flat, beautifully paved trail. The highlight is a visit to the refurbished Buxton Trestle. Built in 1920, the trestle is a 600 foot long wooden bridge located 80 feet above Mendenhall Creek. You'll also explore the banks of Vernonia Lake and the Oregon American Lumber Mill historic site in Vernonia. You'll discover an abundance of native trees, plants, and bridges and develop teaching ideas that can be implemented across the curriculum.
COLUMBIA RIVER GREENSPACE
This course entails a 25 mile bicycle loop ride along both the south and north banks of the Columbia River in Portland and Vancouver. You'll explore the Marine Drive bicycle trail before traveling over the Interstate Bridge on a shared pedestrian and bike lane. Continuing, you'll ride east along the Vancouver Renaissance Trail past Marine Park and Wintler Park, returning to Oregon via the Glenn Jackson I 205 Bridge bicycle path. As a result of this invigorating experience, you will develop teaching ideas focusing on river ecology, bridges, transportation and recreation.
BURNT BRIDGE GREENWAY
On this 16 mile round trip bicycling adventure in Vancouver, you'll discover a paved pathway that follows Burnt Bridge Creek across Vancouver, Washington. You'll experience a variety of forest and water habitats and develop teaching ideas focusing on nature, history and recreation.
BICYCLING THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE STATE HISTORIC TRAIL
In this fun and interesting course, you'll have an opportunity to explore three sections of the Columbia River Gorge State Historic Trail. The paved trail will take you along a tree lined corridor where you will find several waterfalls and two sets of tunnels. You will note a change of vegetation as you ride from the lush western Gorge near Cascade Locks, to the semi arid ecosystem east of Hood River. Through readings and your bicycling experience, you'll develop lots of ideas for teaching about Oregon's natural and human history.
If any of these courses interest you, please contact Peter at walkportland@msn.com. Peter can provide specific information about how to complete each course.