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College of Natural Resources

Physical Address:
975 W. 6th Street
Moscow, Idaho

Mailing Address:
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1138
Moscow, ID 83844-1138

Phone: 208-885-8981

Fax: 208-885-5534

Email: cnr@uidaho.edu

Web: College of Natural Resources

Directions

Karla Eitel

Karla Eitel, Ph.D.

Director, McCall Field Campus. Professor of Place-based Environmental Education

Office

McCall Field Campus

Mailing Address

McCall Outdoor Science School
University of Idaho
PO Box 1025
McCall, Idaho 83638

Earned Degrees

  • Ph.D., Natural Resources, University of Idaho, 2007
  • M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 2008
  • M.S., Conservation Social Sciences, University of Idaho, 2003
  • B.A., Studio Art and American Studies, Williams College, 1995

Research Interests

  • Place-based education
  • STEM identity and engagement of underrepresented groups in culturally relevant STEM programming
  • Appropriate use of technology in outdoor learning contexts

Refereed/Adjudicated

Squires, A., Engels, M., Jennewein, J., Miller, B., Eitel, K. (in review). The Confluence Approach: Developing scientific literacy through project-based learning and place-based education. Research in Science Education

St. Onge, J.P. & Eitel, K.B., (in press) Increasing middle school students’ energy literacy. Research in Outdoor Education.

Son, J. Mackenzie, S., Eitel, K, & Luvaas, E. (2017). Engaging youth in physical activity and STEM subjects through outdoor learning as outdoor adventure education. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 20(2), xx–xx

St. Onge, J.P. & Eitel, K.B., (2017) Increasing active participation and engagement of students in circle formations. Networks: Online Journal for Teacher Research.

Delparte, D. M., Richardson, R., Eitel, K., Matsaw, S., & Cohn, T. (2016). Promoting Geoscience STEM Interest in Native American Students: GIS, Geovisualization and Reconceptualizing Spatial Thinking Skills. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 15(5).

Dickerson-Lange, S. E., Eitel, K. B., Dorsey, L., Link, T. E., & Lundquist, J. D. (2016). Challenges and successes in engaging citizen scientists to observe snow cover: from public engagement to an educational collaboration. Journal of Science Communication, 15(01), A01-1.

Squires, A., Jennewein, J., Engels, M., Miller, B.G., Eitel, K. (2016). Integrating watershed science in high school classrooms: The Confluence Approach. Clearing Magazine, 7(1), 14 – 17. 

Parsons, R., Eitel, J., Whitney, B., Magney, T., Eitel, K., Vierling, L., (2015). Connecting the Dots: Lasers link students to their 3D world. Science Scope, submitted December 2014.

Anderson, C. L., Miller, B. G., Eitel, K. B., Veletsianos, G., Eitel, J., Hougham, R. J., (2015). Exploring techniques for integrating mobile technology into field-based environmental education. Electronic Journal of Science Education, 19(6).

Miller, B.G., Cox, C.J., Hougham, R.J., Walden, V.P., Eitel, K.B., Albano, A. (2015). Adventure Learning as a curricular approach that transcends geographies and connects people to place. The Curriculum Journal, 26(3).

Hougham, R.J., Eitel, K.B., Miller, B.G., (2015). Technology-enriched STEM Investigations of Place: Using Technology to Extend the Senses and Build Connections to and between Places in Science Education. Journal of Geoscience Education, 63(1).

Eitel, K. B., Hougham, R. J., Laninga, T., Fizzell, G., Schon, J. & Hendrickson, D. (2015). Teacher Professional Development for Energy Literacy: A comparison of two approaches. Journal of Sustainability Education, 8(1). 

Schon, J.A**., Eitel, K.B., Hougham, R.J., Hendrickson, D. (2015). Creating a research to classroom pipeline: closing the gap between science research and educators. Journal of Sustainability Education, 8(1).

Hougham, R. J., Hollenhorst, S.,  Schon, J., Eitel, K., Hendrickson, D., Gotch, C., Laninga, T., James, L., Hough, B., Schwartz, D., Pressley, S., Olsen, K., Hasselbach, L., Langitt, Q., Moslemi, J. (2015). Education at the Speed of Research: an overview of the NARA approach to BioEnergy Literacy. Journal of Sustainability Education,8(1). 

Hendrickson, D., Corrigan, K., Keefe, A., Shaw, D., Jacob, S., Skelton, L., Schon, J., Eitel, K.B., Hougham, R.J. (2015). Global Sustainability: An Authentic Context for Energy Education. Journal of Sustainability Education, 8(1). 

Veletsianos, G., Miller, B., Eitel, K., Eitel, J., Hougham, J., & Hansen, D. (2015). Lessons Learned from the Design and Development of Technology-Enhanced Outdoor Learning Experiences. Tech Trends.

Eitel, K.B., Wilhelm, F., Parsons, R., Eitel, J.U.H. (in press). Lakes Alive! Science Scope. XX, 000-00.

Schon, J., Eitel, K.B., Bingaman, D., Miller, B.G., Rittenburg, R. (2014). Little leaders in conservation. Science & Children. XX, 000-00.

Schon, J., Hougham, R.J., & Eitel, K.B. (2014). The value of a tree. Science Scope. XX, 000-00

Lysne, S.J., Miller, B.G. & Eitel, K.B. (2013). Two-Year Community: Exploring Student Engagement in an Introductory Biology Course. Journal of College Science Teaching. 43(2)

Goldberg, A.R., Davis, J.C., Eitel, K.B. (2013). Bringing authentic landscapes into the classroom: Using erosion models to connect science and engineering practices. Science Scope. 37(4).

Miller, B. G., Hougham, R. J., & Eitel, K. B. (2013). Adventure learning in action: Practical enactment strategies for educators. Tech Trends, 57.4.

Eitel, K.B., Hougham, R.J., & Miller, B.G., Schon, J. & LaPaglia, K. (2013). Upload/download: Empowering students through technology-enabled problem-based learning. Science Scope. 36(7).

Magney, T. S., Eitel, K.B., Eitel, J.U.H., Schon, J., Jansen, V.S., Rittenburg, R.A., Vierling, L.A. (2013) Keeping a (Digital) Eye on Our Planet's Clock. The Science Teacher. 80(1).

Eitel, J.U.H., Vierling, L.A., Long, D.S., Litvak, M., & Eitel, K.B. (2011). Simple assessment of needleleaf and broadleaf chlorophyll content using a flatbed color scanner. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 41, pp. 1 - 7

Bingaman, D. & Eitel, K.B. (2010). Boulder Creek Study. Science & Children, 47(6), pp. 52 – 57

Peer Reviewed/Evaluated:

Miller, B. G., Hougham, R. J., Cox, C., Walden, V., & Eitel, K. B. (2014). Adventure Learning @ the Learning Sciences. In J. L. Polman, E. A. Kyza, D. K. O’Neill, I. Tabak, W. R. Penuel, A. S. Jurow, K. O’Connor, T. Lee, & L. D’Amico (Eds.), Learning and becoming in practice: The International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS) 2014, Volume 3, (pp. 1509-1510). Boulder, CO: International Society of the Learning Sciences.

Hougham, R.J., Miller, B.G., Eitel, K.B., Hogue Mackenzie, S., Stafford Son, J., Thompson, G. (2013). Adventure Learning to Promote GreenSTEM Education and Physical Activity in Schools. Published proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium for Experiential Education Research. Denver, Colorado.

Hougham, R. J., Eitel, K. B., & Miller, B. G. (2012). AL@: Combining the strengths of adventure learning and place based education. Clearing Compendium (pp 38-41).

Miller, B. G., Hougham, R. J., & Eitel, K. B. (2012). AL@UI: Connecting people to places for meaningful learning. Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2012 (pp. 672-677). Chesapeake, VA.

Veletsianos, G., Miller, B., Eitel, K.B., Eitel, J.U.H., Hougham, R.J. (2012). Localizing Adventure Learning: Teachers and Students as Expedition Leaders and Members. Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2012 (pp. 2164-2169). Chesapeake, VA

Other: (reports, proceedings, papers, citations and references, performances)

Hougham, R. J., Schon, J.A., Eitel, K.B., & Hollenhorst, S.A. (2012). Education at the Speed of Research: Communicating the Science of Biofuels. Published Proceedings of the Sun Grant Initiative. New Orleans, LA.

Eitel, J.U.H., Hollenhorst, S., Eitel, K.B. et al. (2012). A Strategic Plan for the Development of a Field Research Station at the University of Idaho’s McCall Field Campus.

2014 University of Idaho Award for Excellence in Outreach and Engagement
2013 Regional Prize, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Engagement Scholarship Award
2012 Grand Prize, J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation ID21 Award
2011 Outstanding Continuing Education and Service, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho.

Research

Eitel, K (PI), Cohn, T (Co-PI), Vierling, L (Co-PI), Eitel, J. (Co-PI). 2016. ITEST Award # 1513349 Building STEM Identity and Career Interests in Native American Students By Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Remote Sensing Technologies. National Science Foundation. $1,101,523

Miller, BGM (PI), Eitel, KCB (Co-PI), and Eitel JUH. (Co-PI). 2012. CI:TEAM Demo: Adventure Learning through Water and MOSS. National Science Foundation Award #1135577. $170811.

Hollenhorst, S. and C. Baxter, J. Gosz, K. Bradley Eitel, L. Vierling. 2011. University of Idaho McCall Field Campus Planning. National Science Foundation Award #1034850. $25,000.

Hollenhorst, S., G. Fizzell and K. Eitel. 2011. The Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA): A New Vista For Green Fuels, Chemicals And Environmentally Preferred Products (EPPs), USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2011-68005-30416 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.U.S. Department of Agriculture. $2,912,883.84

Eitel, K.B. 2011. Expansion of an Existing CyberLearning Infrastructure. Sub-award under National Science Foundation Award #EPS-0919514. $10,000.

Eitel, K.B. 2010. MOSS Cyberlearning Materials. Sub-award under National Science Foundation Award #EPS-0919514. $20,000

Outreach

2009 – present Service-learning with Donnelly Elementary
Since 2009 I have worked with Ms. Deirdre Bingaman and her 5th grade class at Donnelly Elementary School in rural Donnelly, ID to study the health of their local watershed and plan and implement restoration projects. This work has been conducted through my course CSS 563, Place-based Education. It is a service-learning experience for my graduate students who learn how to conduct school-based field science education and for the 5th grade students who complete their science curriculum through studying and collecting data on Boulder Creek.

2009 - present MOSS Teacher Institute
The MOSS Teacher Institute is a series of inquiry-based, place-based workshops for middle and high school teachers to explore current research in biofuels, climate change and water resources. Workshops funded through USDA, NSF EPSCoR and NASA, 2-3 workshops per year since 2008. 277 teachers served since 2009.
View a complete list of workshops.

2003 – present McCall Outdoor Science School K12 programs
Principle manager of the curriculum and educational operations for residential place-based, inquiry-driven outdoor science programs that take place at the University of Idaho Field Campus in McCall. More than 20,000 K12 students have participated in these programs since 2003. View students served.


Contact Us

College of Natural Resources

Physical Address:
975 W. 6th Street
Moscow, Idaho

Mailing Address:
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1138
Moscow, ID 83844-1138

Phone: 208-885-8981

Fax: 208-885-5534

Email: cnr@uidaho.edu

Web: College of Natural Resources

Directions