The BIG Lesson was initiated in 1999 by Margaret Holtschlag, Michigan Teacher of the Year 1999-2000 as (1) a professional development model for immersion learning; (2) a study trip for students, parents, and teachers, and; (3) a partnership between community resources and mid-Michigan schools. BIG Lesson programs are happening at community sites in Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Detroit, Michigan.

	The BIG History Lesson was the first of the BIG Lessons, started in 1998, at the Michigan Historical Museum.
The BIG Zoo Lesson was created in 2000-2001 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan. In the 2008-09 school year, 58 teachers are participating.
	Annie's BIG Nature Lesson began in 2002-03, in honor of Ann Mason, environmentalist from Clinton County, Michigan. For the 2008-09 school year, 62 teachers are participating in the Lansing area, and 20 teachers in Kalamazoo.
BIG Science Lesson at Impression Five Museum in Lansing, Michigan, began in 2006-07, under the leadership of Erik Larson. For the 2008-09 school year, 12 teachers are participating.
	University Prep Science and Math Middle School teachers and students are participating in this pilot year for BIG Science Lesson at the Detroit Science Center in Detroit.

 

 

** Annie's BIG Nature Lesson at Woldumar, Harris, Bengel, and Fenner nature centers in Lansing, and Kalamazoo Nature Center in Kalamazoo.

** The BIG Zoo Lesson at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing

** The BIG History Lesson at Michgian Historical Museum in Lansing and at Meridian Historic Village in Okemos

** The BIG Science Lesson at Impression 5 Museum in Lansing and Detroit Science Center in Detroit

For more information about The BIG Lesson Programs, contact:
Margaret Holtschlag, Director of The BIG Lesson Programs, Clinton County RESA, 1013 S. US27, Suite A, St. Johns, MI 48879. Phone: 517-230-8268. Email: biglesson@gmail.com.