ALPENA — Recently the Michigan State Board of Education recognized an Alpena High School teacher for his innovative methods of connecting students to their communities through place-based education.

In September, the state began the program Proud Michigan Educator to recognize and celebrate the great work being done by teachers across the state. John Caplis, a social studies teacher at Alpena High School was recognized for his innovative teaching methods in a class unique to the Thunder Bay.

The class, entitled Shipwreck Alley, is taught as an earth science elective but incorporates subjects such as local history, math, geology, ecology, meteorology, archaeology, and technology as students learn about the area’s numerous shipwrecks.

Caplis, the class’s instructor, said while it is an honor to be recognized by the state, it would not be possible without several key community partners.

“It is wonderful to be recognized because we work with such amazing groups in our community,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to do the things we do without these groups supporting us and providing us with grant funding.”

Caplis was referring to four entities in particular who have helped make the class what it is today. These were the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, the Association of Lifelong Learners and the Northeast Michigan Jesse Besser Museum.

Caplis said it was exciting to watch students gain a better appreciation of their community through this place-based education class. He said students not only get to practically apply subjects such as math and history in their backyards, but they also can become an advocate for the community’s natural resources.

Since shipwreck alley began in spring of 2012, roughly 700 students have participated in the intivative class. Caplis said students who complete the class have a better understanding of the community they live in.

“I love the fact that after taking the class students have a better understanding of the community and the struggles and challenges the community has faced,” he said.

The place-based education method was recently highlighted during an Alpena Board of Education meeting as a way to integrate the community into the classroom. Meghan Gass, who is with the NEMGLSI, told board members the unique opportunity place-based education provides for Northeast Michigan.

“It allows students to apply their learning to have a benefit for our local community,” Gass said. “Here specifically it’s our Great Lakes and the natural resources of Northeast Michigan.”

Caplis will begin the next shipwreck alley class in the spring trimester.

Tyler Winowiecki can be reached via email at twinowiecki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688. Follow Tyler on Twitter tw_alpenanews. Read his blog, Just a Thought … at www.thealpenanews.com.