March Classes

Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses

OMSI & More
Saturday, March 4th, 2023
Course Number SS411b or SS511b 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.

Discover dozens of science, history, art and architectural lesson ideas, as we tour two impressive museums on Portland’s east side. We’ll visit OMSI and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, and we will tour the outside exhibits adjacent to OMSI and discuss the natural and human history of the Willamette River. Along the way, we’ll discover lots of ideas for bringing the study of science, history and math to the classroom.


Exploring Orange Line MAX: Art, Architecture, History, and Transportation
Saturday, March 18th, 2023
Course Number: SS417Q/SS517Q 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.

In this exciting class, we‘ll explore the entire 7.3 mile length of the new Orange Light Rail MAX line, as it extends from the city of Milwaukie to Portland State University in SW Portland.. Along the way, we’ll discover local neighborhoods from Milwaukie to PSU, where we will examine the area’s amazing new artwork, natural areas along the Willamette River, a diversity of architecture and a wealth of local history. In addition, we will explore the new Tilikum Crossing Bridge, the first bridge in the nation designed specifically for public transportation vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of art, nature, local history, culture, transportation and recreation to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and on field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math, writing and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.


Historic Oregon City     
Saturday-Sunday, March 25th-26th, 2023
Course Number HI406z or HI506Z 2 Credits $275
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.

Explore two museums that focus on the Oregon Trail, Clackamas County History and pioneer life. We’ll also explore the historic section of the city, and we’ll ride the municipal elevator that connects the upper and lower cities. Discussions, and visits to several historic sites and natural areas will provide lots of ideas for making history come alive for your students.


​​Willamette River Greenspace

Tuesday, March 28th, 2023

Course Number SS417V/SS517V 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.

In this fun and informative new class, we’ll discover both the natural and human history of the Willamette River Green Space, as we explore both sides of Portland’s waterfront. Our journey will take us to the site of “The Clearing,” where Native Americans flourished and early pioneers settled. We’ll explore Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where history, memorials, public art and recreational activities abound, and we’ll visit the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade and North America’s longest floating walkway. Included will be a discussion of Portland’s bridges, urban wildlife, and transportation options. As you explore the green space, you’ll develop lesson ideas for integrating Portland’s geography, history, bridges and art throughout the curriculum.


Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center
Thursday, March 30th, 2023
Course Number SS415Q/SS515Q 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.

Discover the variety of educational opportunities available at the Oregon Zoo. We will visit diverse habitats, where we see more than 100 animal species from five different continents. Our extensive stay at Zoo will provide participants with information and ideas that can be implemented with students across the curriculum. In addition, our visit to the World Forestry Center will provide us with information about local, national and international forests, and how we can implement environmental education with our students.