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	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}Education Philosophy Webpage Header.png" /></h1>
<p>
	Au Sable Institute&rsquo;s Environmental Education Program provides extraordinary opportunities for school children throughout northwest Lower Michigan to study our environment first hand through direct experiences. &nbsp;The curriculum is sequential and is designed to mesh with the objectives of classroom disciplines and the science objectives for the state of Michigan. &nbsp; These steps fall in four categories: &nbsp;Environmental Awareness, Environmental Dependency, Beginning Ecology, and Environmental Studies.</p>
<h3>
	Environmental Awareness</h3>
<p>
	These studies engage the students in a sensory exploration of the natural world that enhances their ability to observe. &nbsp;These studies familiarize students with the common plants and animals of our Northwoods region and in so doing instill a &ldquo;sense of place.&rdquo; &nbsp;Each study provides direct experience with the natural world that fosters wonder, joy, and delight. &nbsp;In addition to laying the foundation for environmental concepts, these studies include beginning science, math, and language arts skills. &nbsp;Special attention is given to support each school&rsquo;s science curriculum and the states science learning objectives.</p>
<h3>
	Environmental Dependency</h3>
<p>
	Many students do not understand that the environment supplies all of our basic needs. &nbsp;The study at this step in environmental understanding acts as a bridge between the environmental awareness studies and the beginning ecology studies. &nbsp;Students must understand that they are inextricably linked to the environment before proceeding to the study of ecology.</p>
<h3>
	Beginning Ecology</h3>
<p>
	These studies provide students with a basic understanding of some of the important principles that govern the interaction among living things and their interaction with the non-living portion of the environment.</p>
<h3>
	Environmental Studies</h3>
<p>
	These studies use techniques to measure the health of our environment. &nbsp;Whether the study focuses on surface water, groundwater, or an entire watershed the inter-link between the biotic and abiotc elements of our environment are examined. &nbsp;Each study emphasizes how individuals affect environmental quality. &nbsp;Students are given the training necessary to make decisions and develop lifestyles that maintain a productive and healthy environment.</p>
<p>
	<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; "><em>These steps are designed to train stewards who can take leadership in our communities to bring healing to the land and protect environmental quality.</em></span></p>
