My vision for Environmental STEAM is connecting people with nature through experiential education and recreational opportunities that inspire and empower us all to enjoy and protect the great outdoors.
Howdy, I’m Candy Cook. I’m an Environmental & Outdoor Recreation Educator. Here, you can get to know me a little better and learn more about Environmental STEAM before deciding to enroll in classes, workshops, or six-week courses. First, let’s take a look at my education background. After that, I’ll go into more detail about Environmental STEAM.
My education, certification, and qualifying experience…
- Formal Education
- Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science, Minor in Biology & Philosophy. GPA 3.68
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. When deciding my major, I was compelled to learn as much as I can about my home planet and our place within it. I like to very simply describe the environmental science field as the study of how all things are connected and well-balanced.
- Certifications
- Advanced Training for Environmental Educators
A nationally accredited, professional certification program for formal and non-formal educators based on the Guidelines for Excellence from the North American Association for Environmental Education. The program is offered by EEA in partnership with the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. - Georgia Master Naturalist
The Georgia Master Naturalist program is an Adult Environmental Education course developed by the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and UGA Cooperative Extension for people who wish to be more informed about habitats, natural resources and the natural environments of our state. - Project WILD, Growing up WILD, Aquatic WILD, and Flying WILD
Project WILD is a nationwide program that assists PreK-12 educators in teaching about wildlife and their habitat. The materials are available through Project WILD workshops lead by certified instructors.
- American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid/CPR
The Heartsaver CPR AED course trains participants to give CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). - Project Management Professional Google Certificate
This program includes over 140 hours of instruction and hundreds of practice-based assessments which simulate real-world project management scenarios that are critical for success in the workplace.
- AAA Defensive Driving
Nationally-recognized AAA Defensive Driving Course designed to provide the latest safety information and tips regarding traffic laws and basic rules of the road.
- Advanced Training for Environmental Educators
- Experience
- Natural Resources Division of Cobb County Parks, Rec, & Cultural Affairs
My current employment as an Outdoor Recreation Specialist. This position frequently works in schools and requires a background check and random drug screening.
- Homeschool Facilitator
Thirteen years experience as a homeschool educator and facilitator of a wide variety of subjects. - Boy Scouts of America
Two years experience as Cub Scouts Den Leader - Explore Georgia
Four years experience as an Outdoor Recreation Travel Correspondent.
- Natural Resources Division of Cobb County Parks, Rec, & Cultural Affairs
What is Environmental STEAM?
As an environmental scientist, and a veteran homeschool educator, I want to lend my education and experience to those embarking on a journey to learn more about this planet we call home. STEAM is a common acronym among educators. It stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The thing about Environmental STEAM is that we rely on growing and improving our relationship with the natural world to teach about our place within it. Environmental scientists know that everything is connected and that an integrated approach to teaching fosters a natural love of learning. I offer experiential education and outdoor recreation opportunities in flexible forms to reach as many people as I can. These formats include classes, workshops, six-week courses, and perpetual series.