“Memorizing all the parts of a pig is a lot of work, and I was just wondering if it were really important in the big picture.”
This was the question asked by a student in Young's classroom. That question laid the foundation for what would become a one-of-a-kind advanced class in biology. 24 years and 700 students later, Young recounts these experiences in 'Biodesign Out For A Walk'. His interview is currently available at The Authors Show.
This student and her classmates rightfully and instinctively questioned the validity of memorizing all the parts of a fetal pig, when most of them would likely never have use for that information. When given the chance to discuss what was important, the students opened up and shared hopes, dreams and desires to learn to be more loving, compassionate people.
For 24 years, Lowell Young taught Biodesign, which gave high school students the chance to go into the wilderness and discover the interactions of plants, animals and themselves. The class was dedicated to studying biology by exercising the illimitable freedom of the human mind and probing the mysteries of the physical, mental and spiritual nature of man.
Following the footsteps of John Muir, they slept on the top of Yosemite’s famous Half Dome. They followed Loren Eiseley and John Wesley Powell to the bottom of Grand Canyon. Ed Ricketts and John Steinbeck led them into forests and tide pools of California’s beautiful Mendocino coast.
"Biodesign out For A Walk," Young stated, "was written as an extended 'thank you' letter to the students who taught me about spiritual biology. I also wanted to offer a tribute to the legacies of John Muir, Henry Thoreau and Loren Eiseley. Finally, I wanted to encourage all teachers to include lessons from inspired scientists, naturalists and sages who approached the universe from an holistic perspective.""
The book has fifteen 5 star ratings on Amazon. Reviewers have stated, "Your amazing book recounting an amazing set of adventures is too superlative to describe," and, "What you have done for so many students and chaperones is truly remarkable."
Lowell Harrison Young is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at young.lowell@gmail.com. 'Biodesign Out For A Walk' is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Young's interview is running now at The Authors Show. More information is available at Young’s website at http://www.biodesignoutforawalk.com.
Profile:
Lowell Young and his wife, Christie, have lived in California’s Napa Valley for over 40 years. Mr. Young taught high school biology for nearly 38 years before he retired. He holds a Masters’ Degree in the art of teaching biology.
The class that evolved into Biodesign was a collaborative, creative project where the roles of teacher and student were often reversed. It was well known by the students that although Mr. Young represented the physical nature of the class, Christie’s silent spiritual guidance was often felt in their classroom circles as well as along the many miles of trails they walked. The Biodesign class may be the only one of its kind taught in a public high school in the country.
Contact:
Lowell Harrison Young
http://www.biodesignoutforawalk.com
young.lowell@gmail.com
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