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 Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Belle Isle, Dryden, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Marshall, Michigan.

In the BIG Lesson model, students, teachers, and parents use community resources (museums, zoos, nature centers) as their classroom for a week. Changing the concept of the traditional field trip to a week-long interdisciplinary study trip, this experience includes investigations, behind-the-scenes tours, presentations by community experts, and groups of students working cooperatively on research. Parents are actively involved in the learning activities as well as student service projects. Culminations of the week are service learning activities, research projects, and community action plans.

Teachers receive extensive training in The BIG Lesson model to learn about integrated curriculum, lesson design, place-based education, cooperative research, scientific inquiry and content, visual note-taking, thematic instruction, and identification of community resources. Teachers continue this professional development throughout the school year with workshops and online discussions to share resources and lesson plans. Teachers, students, and parents participate for a full week of activities and lessons, learning about the natural world, local ecology and the importance of taking care of the earth.

Cost for ABNL 2026-27 is $400 per class for the Fall and Spring seasons. If you choose January or February, the cost is $200 per class. A busing stipend is available for teachers who complete a follow up survey after their week. If you are interested in ABNL for the 2026-27 school year but do not know yet about your teaching assignment or school district's calendar, feel free to register and you can let us know later about those details. This is a grant-funded program and spots are limited.

For more information about ABNL at Woldumar, please contact Program Manager Allie Shigley programs@woldumar.org.

For more information about other sites and other BIG Lesson programs, please contact Margaret Holtschlag biglesson@gmail.com.