Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional reasons. It’s the concept of continually learning and developing throughout one’s life to adapt to the ever-evolving personal, societal, and professional landscapes. There are several reasons lifelong learning is essential: 1. Adaptability: Lifelong learning equips individuals with the ability to…
Author: Dan Beltramo
I was born and raised in California. Taught middle school science and math for 30 years and served as the Technology Coordinator, Science Chair, and Athletic Director. I attained a Ph.D. in Education, specializing in Educational Technology, and an Administrative Credential. For eight years, I ran a cohort helping teachers in achieving their Master's Degrees. I am currently retired and working on promoting Regenerative Education.
Democractic Societies and the Beehive
Many similarities exist between democratic societies and beehives. Both reach decisions by consensus and benefit from diverse viewpoints and a principle of mutual cooperation through working together. In beehives, the consensus is reached through waggle dancing in which scout bees advertise the location of potential new homes to the rest of the hive. Consensus in…
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced by an individual, organization, or event. It is calculated by measuring the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other GHGs released into the atmosphere because of human activities. A carbon footprint is measured in CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), the number of metric…
Understanding and Calculating Carbon Footprints: An Eco-Literacy Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan Title: “Mapping and Minimizing My Carbon Footprint” Project Overview: In this project, students will journey to understand their environmental impact by exploring the carbon footprint concept. They will use an online carbon footprint calculator to estimate their carbon footprint and identify the main contributors. They will then research and create an actionable plan…
Living in The Information Age
Before we can consider regenerating our current educational systems, we must first understand and be informed by the prevailing worldview that those systems are serving. We live in what has been called the Information Age, defined by the rapid shift from an economy based on traditional industrial technology established by the Industrial Revolution to an…
Unraveling the Past: A Proxy Data and Climate Change Lesson Plan
Project Overview: In this project-based learning unit, students will learn about climate change and how scientists use proxy data to understand past climates. They will research different types of proxy data, evaluate their use, and understand their implications in predicting future climate change. Learning Objectives: Materials Needed: Possible Online Resources: What Are Proxy Data? (2022)….
Off The Bookshelf: Regenerative Learning
Kumar, S. and Howarth, L., (2022), Global Resilience Publishing This book of independently written essays presents persuasive arguments for a pedagogical shift in educational paradigms towards more holistic and ecological methods. Satish Kumar is well-known for his thoughts on ecological and spiritual activism. He has served as the editor of the Resurgence magazine for many…
Off The Bookshelf: SEED + SPARK
Using Nature as a Model to Reimagine How We Learn and Live 180 Studio + Eckenhof Saunders (2020) This is a beautiful coffee table book that you can set on your coffee table at home and spread the “Seed” and create a “Spark” for what could be the possible future for education and learning. According…
Off The Bookshelf: The Regenerative Life
Transform Any Organization, Our Society, and Your Destiny Sanford, C. (2022), Nicholas Brealey Publishing “The Regenerative Life” by Carol Sanford is an ambitious, thought-provoking, and innovative work that redefines our perception of societal roles, personal transformation, and sustainable living. Among the various roles Sanford explores, her examination of educators and teachers as agents of transformation…
Democracy and the Hive: A Regenerative Learning Lesson Plan
Duration: Five 50-minute classes Subject: Social Studies Grade Level: 8th Grade Learning Objectives: Materials Needed: Day 1: Understanding Democracy. Day 2: Honey Bees and Their Hierarchy. Day 3: Drawing Parallels between Democracy and Bee Colonies. Day 4: Democracy in Action. Day 5: Consolidation and Reflection. Assessment: Formative assessments will be made throughout the week via…