In my classroom, I strive to integrate all areas of my curriculum—language, math, science, social studies, and the arts—using authentic, field-based experiences to excite and motivate my students.  I believe that place-based education is an effective means for connecting seemingly disparate elements of a curriculum into a cohesive whole.  By fostering a sense of place in my students, I instill in them a reason to care about what they are learning and encourage them to be engaged both inside and outside of the classroom.