ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the way that the environment outside of the school building can provide a rich laboratory in which to investigate all subjects. A science teacher might use the local stream to teach river ecology, or a history and math teacher might collaborate with a social studies teacher to investigate architectural styles. The enhanced understanding of the subjects is the desired outcome. A local place offers firsthand experience of content and concepts that comprise the subjects which teachers are required to teach. Teachers and students can identify the questions that naturally reside in local places. This "local investigation" involves a deeper involvement than just an experiential connection. Teachers organize curriculum based on ideas and incorporate investigations of local community. Subject-based local studies can build global understanding when students learn about local parts to a global whole. Teachers can begin a global study by exploring concepts locally. A way to consider local studies alongside global understanding is through service learning.
