​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
BEAVERTON'S NATURAL & HISTORIC AREAS
In this course, through readings and site visits, you'll develop an understanding of Beaverton's natural and human history. You'll visit the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, the Jenkins Estate, Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Commonwealth Lake. You'll discover wetland wildlife species, amazing trees, garden spaces and historic architecture. Along the way, you'll develop teaching ideas that can be implemented across the curriculum.
WASHINGTON COUNTY'S HIDDEN PARKS
In this course, you'll discover local fauna, flora and local history with visits to Koll Wetlands Park, Greenway Park, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, Rood Bridge Park and Orenco Woods Park. You'll develop teaching ideas to supplement lessons across the curriculum.
HIDDEN HILLSBORO
In this fun and diversified course, you will take a self guided tour of Downtown Hillsboro to discover more than a dozen replicas of Native American petroglyphs in the Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza and five Giant Sequoia trees measuring more than 30 feet in circumference, across Main Street, outside the Washington County Courthouse. You'll also visit Jackson Bottom Wetlands, the historic Grand Lodge in Forest Grove and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals to learn more about Northwest nature, art, culture and geology. You'll 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.
EXPLORING McMINNVILLE
In this fun and diversified course, you'll explore Downtown McMinnville and the campus of Linfield University. In each location, you'll discover impressive architecture, beautiful sculptures and mature trees. You'll also tour the historic Hotel Oregon and the North American Aerospace Museum, (home to the Spruce Goose). You'll develop classroom lesson and field ideas that will enhance your teaching.
TILLAMOOK'S EDUCATIONAL TREASURES
In this course, you will visit the Tillamook Forest Center and the trails adjacent to the Wilson River. You'll learn both the natural and human history of the Tillamook State Forest, and you'll see how past reforestation efforts have been successful in restoring a forest previously decimated by forest fires. You'll develop ideas for teaching about forest and river ecology.
If either of these courses interest you, please contact Peter at walkportland@msn.com. Peter can provide specific information about how to complete each course.