Outdoor Classrooms and Digital Tools: Reimagining Education for Today’s Students with Stefan Moss

How can a student’s future be impacted when a scientist passionate about education steps into the classroom? Stefan Moss, an environmental scientist and educator, joins host Gerry Ellis to discuss how he transforms complex science principles into engaging, hands-on learning experiences, fostering both hope and awe in young learners. From his early days growing up in the Bahamas to working with middle schoolers in Georgia, Stefan shares how curiosity and representation can change the way young people see themselves—and their future careers in science.

"We have an opportunity to create the world we want by continuing to educate, but to make sure that everybody is involved in the process and making sure that we all have a way to engage with the things that we're passionate about—to inspire young people to continue to be curious about the world, continue to follow their heart and whatever field that they get into.

But always remember to engineer that hope, to bring hope to the world in whatever it is that we do."

Beyond the classroom, Stefan is working to uncover and share untold stories of resilience and ingenuity. He takes us inside his project on the Saltwater Underground Railroad, revealing how enslaved people in the U.S. South escaped to freedom in the Bahamas. What started as a personal research interest has evolved into a powerful environmental education tool to connect history with science in a way that students can experience firsthand.

"Now I see it. It is an environmental education tool because we're looking at GIS, we're looking at geography and how enslaved people are moving and migrating and finding resources and utilizing their knowledge of land and water to find freedom.

I was just so deep in trying to understand history. I lost sight of all of STEM and all the science applications. But now it's a bit more clear to me, so I'm excited to see where it goes."

While Stefan is passionate about getting kids outside, he also recognizes the power of technology when used with intention. He shares how by incorporating tools like iNaturalist and GIS mapping, students can build connections to nature, learn to identify species, track environmental changes, and even document history. But striking the right balance is key—how can educators harness digital tools without letting screens replace real-world experiences? Gerry and Stefan discuss the importance of training teachers to embrace technology as a bridge to deeper learning rather than a distraction.