Adjunct Professor · Teacher Educator · Researcher · University of Michigan
Bridging tech-native learners and the natural world through intentional, place-based science design.
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Signature Framework
Mobile technology, when intentionally designed, can deepen students’ connection to the natural world — not diminish it.
In Her Own Words
"I kept watching my students reach for their phones the moment I asked them to step outside. Instead of fighting that instinct, I started asking: what if I designed for it?"
— Dr. Ashley Booker
About
Dr. Ashley Booker is an Adjunct Professor of Science Methods at the University of Michigan–Flint and a teacher-researcher at Clarkston Community Schools whose work sits at the intersection of mobile technology, AI integration, and place-based science education. She designs phenomenon-driven, inquiry-based learning experiences for K–16 learners.
Recognized as a MagicSchool AI Pioneer and selected for the Michigan Place-Based Education Fellowship 2025–2026, she is a nationally connected educator shaping the future of responsible AI use and community-connected science instruction.
The Framework
Today's learners are tech-native and nature-disconnected. Rather than treating the phone as an obstacle to outdoor learning, intentional design transforms it into the reason students look up and engage with their environment.
Mobile missions — structured tasks requiring genuine observation, documentation, and inquiry in the field — give the phone a scientific purpose. The screen becomes the doorway through which students encounter place.
Implemented across middle school science, university preservice methods courses, and K–12 professional development, the framework shows consistent patterns of heightened curiosity, engagement, and place-connection across ages and contexts.
Areas of Work
From 6th graders at a creek to teachers at a conference — the same tool, the same curiosity, a different audience.
Watershed and water quality field investigations where students use Goosechase missions to document macroinvertebrates, photograph evidence of human impact, and practice genuine scientific observation. Funded by the Clarkston Foundation and Project B-WET grants.
Field-Based LearningAdjunct Professor of Science Methods (IES 424) at University of Michigan–Flint. Preservice elementary teachers experience Goosechase as learners first — then design their own place-based, NGSS-aligned experiences.
Teacher PreparationWorkshop facilitation using Goosechase on campus and at conferences — so educators feel place-based mobile learning before bringing it to their classrooms. Presented at MSTA, National Place-Based Education Conference, and more.
Teacher PDPlatform Partnership
Dr. Booker is not a one-time Goosechase user — she is a researcher, practitioner, and long-term advocate whose published work and conference presentations bring a scholarly lens to what the platform makes possible. She serves as a guest speaker, workshop leader, and ambassador for educators exploring mobile-first, place-based learning.
Visit Goosechase →Scholarship & Presentations
Peer-reviewed publications, practitioner articles, conference presentations, and curriculum development spanning marine science, place-based learning, and technology-integrated STEM education.
Recognition & Leadership
Recognized nationally for shaping the future of ethical, effective AI use in K–12 education. Certified in AI PD Levels 1–3.
Selected for the 2025–2026 cohort, supporting statewide community-connected science instruction and professional learning.
Appointed to shape district-wide expectations and resources for responsible AI use across Clarkston Community Schools.
Ongoing curriculum design and expert consultation for the Center for Great Lakes Literacy since 2023.
Active member of the National Marine Educators Association Education Research, International, and Social Media committees since 2012.
District-level Professional Learning Community Leader delivering BTC instruction and mentoring Clarkston educators 2023–2025.
Statewide and national recognition including a NOAA tweet linking community ArcGIS StoryMap presentations from student work.
Fellowship recipient 2020–2021. Journal article reviewer for NMEA and NSTA publications since 2013.
Interested in workshops, speaking engagements, podcast conversations, research collaboration, or bringing Screens as Doorways to your school or district? Dr. Booker would love to connect.