Attending the Biscuits & Banjos Festival was a transformative experience and a powerful reminder of the innate human connection provided by food and music. As a science teacher in Durham Public Schools, where my students come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, I’m always seeking ways to make science relevant, relatable, and inclusive. This festival not only gave me ideas of ways to incorporate culture into my classroom, but provided me with a renewed sense of connection with my fellow educators and with the deeper purpose of what we do in the classroom.
Topics Related to Notes from the Field
Updates and stories from the field spotlighting educational programs, experiences, and resources across DNCR sites.
Let’s be honest—chaperoning a field trip with three energetic 9-year-old boys isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a relaxing day. But there I was, bright-eyed (okay, maybe bleary-eyed) and ready for roll call at 5:45 a.m., boarding a charter bus bound for the Outer Banks. While I may have questioned my sanity at the time, what unfolded that day became one of the most memorable experiences of my career as an educator—and one of the most heartwarming moments of motherhood as I got to witness pure joy in my own children’s eyes.
As educators, we know the value of bringing history to life for our students. While field trips often focus on more traditional destinations, the State Library of North Carolina and State Archives of North Carolina, nestled within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), are vital institutions that preserve our state’s rich history and provide resources for all North Carolinians. Third graders at Exploris Elementary recently took advantage of these history-rich spaces to learn about Civil Rights in North Carolina.
“The real world is more complex, beautiful, and spontaneous than we can possibly convey in a classroom. When we take our students outside, we immerse them in this environment and build deeper meaning to their learning.” -Fred Pfeiffer, teacher and Earth Week at the Eno organizer
What does it take to get every student from Lakewood Montessori Middle School in Durham to Eno River State Park in one week?
“When any of us faces an important challenge, we search for strength. Strength to rise to the occasion. Strength to reach across differences in search of common ground. Strength to stand up for what we know is right. Strength to meet the moment. Sometimes, you don’t know how strong you are until you are put to the test.” Governor Josh Stein, State of the State Address
It’s been six months since Hurricane Helene disrupted life in Western North Carolina, leaving communities to rebuild everything from homes and roads to schools and classroom routines.
History You Can Touch
For too long, the history, culture, and natural wonders of this state have been waiting quietly, hidden in plain sight. The truth is that North Carolina holds some of the greatest treasures in the country. I’ve recently learned about some of the ways the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is creating spaces that share these treasures, tell the stories of this state, honor its past, and provide experiences that change the way students see the place they call home.
The Ambassadors’ Program has opened an entirely new world of possibilities for me, my students, and my school staff. It has deepened my appreciation for North Carolina and all it has to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its natural resources. This experience has been truly life-changing, broadening my perspective and inspiring me to introduce my students to opportunities they never knew existed. I now see DNCR not just as a department, but as a gateway to exploration, education, and discovery across our state. - Patrice Wade, 2025 Ambassador
On February 3-4, 2025, 88 committed DNCR educators gathered at the NC Museum of Transportation in Spencer for a two-day professional development conference. The theme, "Pathways to Learning, Discovery, and Collaboration," aimed to strengthen DNCR's support for schools across North Carolina. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative educational approaches.
On Wednesday, January 15, twelve North Carolina educators and two staff members from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences embarked on an exciting journey to Mexico as part of the Museum's most recent Educators of Excellence program: Mexico's Magical Migrations Institute.
Meet the Educators
On Saturday, December 14, the North Carolina Opera hosted "The Passion of Mary Cardwell D