Jim’s Story
Teaching biological sciences has been Jim Lane’s dream since middle school. He grew up in Minnesota, near 300 acres of wetlands and woods, where he spent the majority of his free time exploring. After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in the Naval Nuclear Power program serving his time on-board the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as an analytical chemist and radiation control technician, completing two deployments to the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. Although his naval experience provided great opportunities, Jim knew his place was not in the belly of an aircraft carrier, but in front of a classroom.
Jim has been in the classroom since 2008 where he shares his passion and experiences in his biology and field ecology classes. In his field ecology class he has created innovative approaches to outdoor learning, incorporating principles of indigenous learning, dendrochronology, and the philosophy of Aldo Leopold’s “Land Ethic”. In 2016, with the support of a Knowles SEED Grant, Jim traveled to India to teach Tibetan monastics about biology, an experience which translated into Jim leading a multi-year fellowship for science and math teachers in Tibetan schools in India and Nepal.
Closer to home, he is on the Educational Advisory Board for 3D Molecular Designs, creating professional learning opportunities and sharing the joy of learning through modeling with teachers around the country. Jim has also collaborated with BSCS in the development, field testing, and professional learning for the Understanding for Life curriculum. Additionally, Jim is an HHMI BioInteractive Ambassador where he energetically shares his passion for learning through material development and professional presentations.
Outside the classroom, Jim enjoys reading, natural history (especially paleontology!), photography, gardening, or simply wandering in the woods with his family. His experience as a Knowles Fellow has given Jim the confidence and network to pursue and share his passion for learning and teaching around the globe.
Knowles Academy Courses Taught
Engaging Math and Science Students in Engineering Design