The BIG Lesson Team

Together with teachers and community experts, we work to make The BIG Lesson week a powerful learning experience for everyone involved. We're excited to connect with you!

Margaret Holtschlag

Founder and Program Director

Margaret Holtschlag teams up with Michigan's Capital Area teachers and community places for place-based learning and stewardship. Margaret is founder and director of the BIG Lesson Programs (history, zoo, nature, science), and was Michigan Teacher of the Year 2000.

Lessons: Discovery Walk; Observation Activities; 6-Part Description

ReWired Teachers

The integral work of The BIG Lesson is possible through the dedication and overall phenomenal-ness of a group of retired, now ReWired, teachers. They provide a wealth of experience and knowledge about teaching and the natural world.

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Joni Baker

Lansing School District

Lessons: A Walk in the Woods; Michigan Products

Contact Mrs. Baker

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Dave Beutel

Laingsburg School District

Lessons: Looking Closely with Loupes and Lenses, Water Experiments

Contact Mr. Buetel

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Dave Brigham

Lansing School District

Lessons: Biltmore Stick Measurements; How to Measure a Tree; How to Notice and Identify the Unseen; Techniques of Interpretation; Concrete Poetry

Roseann Dailey

Bath School District

Site coordinator

Contact Roseann

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Jan Derksen

Bath School District

Lessons: Aquatic Ecology; A Tale of Two Wetlands; Careers in Conservation

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Stephanie Knapp

Bath School District

Lessons: Observation Time Activities; Careers in Conservation; Plant Dissection

Contact Stephanie

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Ruth Pearson

DeWitt School District

Lessons: Identifying Tree Leaves with a Dichotomous Key; Soil Stories

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Jill Tribell

Holt School District

Lessons: How to Use Binoculars; Enviroscape, Homes for Sale

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Cathie Wood

Bath School District

Lesson: What's the Buzz