Areas of Focus: Middle and High School Science (Biology (Living Environment), Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Environmental Science)
Jonathan Pragle is a science teacher in Marcus Whitman Central School District, which is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. He teaches Living Environment, Earth Science and Gemini Environmental science. Jonathan has focused his efforts on teaching curriculum through the use of local flora and fauna and the use of local ecosystem services and ecosystem capitol in STEM. His graduate thesis focused on the appropriate use of Field Experiences and Studies in Earth Science Education.
Over the past 12 years Jonathan has received grants and awards that has helped bring students to the environment, and the environment into the classroom. This includes vermicomposting setups for the elementary and high school, new canoes to use on the school property and Canandaigua Lake, Trail Cameras for a biodiversity study on the school property, a fish tank and supplies to raise Brown Trout in the Classroom which are then released into Canandaigua Lake, and most recently was a co-recipient for funds to support the building of a Maple Sugar Facility on campus that uses the latest technology in Maple Syrup Production. His efforts have been highlighted in Life in the Finger Lakes, New York Agriculture in the Classroom, New York Farmer’s Bureau, and local newspapers. Jonathan believes that the proper mending of the environment and technology helps students engage in science education.