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.
HISTORIC SALEM
In this fun and diversified self guided course, you'll visit the Oregon State Capitol Building, Oregon State Capitol State Park, and Willson Park to discover a mix of local and state government history. In addition,you'll note beautiful trees, amazing sculptures and historic murals. Visits to the Willamette Heritage Center, the campus of Willamette University and Downtown Salem will be valuable in learning more about historic architecture and local culture. Other sites you'll visit include Deepwood Estate, Bush House, Bush Pasture Park and the Barn Art Museum. The course will help you to develop an understanding of the importance of Salem, both past and present. You'll develop teaching ideas that can focus on local government, urban parks, art, architecture, trees and history.
BEYOND THE CAPITOL
In this class, you'll discover natural and historic areas in Salem and suburban areas. Visits to Willamette Mission State Park and Keizer Rapids Park will be of historic interest, and you'll explore Salem Riverfront Park, the Peter DiFazio Pedestrian Bridge, and Minto Brown Park to discover natural history, art and architecture along the Willamette River. Other sites visits are Independence City Park, the Polk County Museum in Rickreall and the Hunter Delbert Arboretum in Dallas, Oregon. You'll develop teaching ideas to enhance your teaching throughout the curriculum.
HISTORIC CHAMPOEG & THE NORTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY
In this fun and informative course, you'll discover the origins of Oregon statehood with visits to the Champoeg State Park Visitor Center Museum and the original Champoeg townsite. Other sites to visit in the Wilsonville area include the “Beauty & the Bridge,” 7,200 square foot tile artwork, Graham Oaks Nature Park, Boone's Ferry Park, Town Center Park and Korean War Veterans' Memorial, Murase Plaza at Memorial Park and the Wilsonville Library (home of the world's largest intarsia, wood puzzle artwork). An additional visit to the “Grove of the States,” (a Grove containing the state trees of all 50 states) is of great interest. You'll develop teaching ideas to supplement your art, history, social studies and science curriculum.
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.