Lesson # 105 - Ecology: Part 1 and Dragons

Lesson # 105 - Ecology: Part 1 and Dragons

Author: Block Party Podcast Network December 9, 2019 Duration: 32:14

On this two-part interview episode of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt are joined by interpretative naturalists Ashley Smith and Brandon Baker!

The topic of discussion: an amazing course that Ashley and Brandon developed and are running for students at the Three Rivers Park District in Minnesota. Their course combines environmental studies with D&D.

I think we use the words "cool" and "amazing" to describe the work of many of our guests on this podcast, but these descriptors have never been more accurate and well deserved. Ashley and Brandon are pioneers in creating authentic, engaging, and impactful that fuse education and TTRPGs. If you are interested in hearing more about how educators can integrate D&D into education then this is a must listen!

If you enjoyed listening to Ashley and Brandon, you can hear more from Brandon on his podcast The Wandering Naturalist.

You can listen to the podcast here:

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=1447276177

or here:

https://www.threeriversparks.org/podcast?fbclid=IwAR3gvvQyHpD4o688AHOElXCfRXf3FI2nVDLdAAxdNbiAEjefr0eF6zdP7IA

You can also learn more about the Three Rivers Park District here:

https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversParkDistrict/

You can also connect with Ashley on Twitter:

@arsmith326

Did this interview inspire you to fuse authentic learning into your D&D game? Then help Josh and Matt out by recommending Detentions and Dragons to a friend, teacher, or student. New listeners are the best way to help us grow as a podcast. Thanks again for all of your support!

Detentions and Dragons is a proud member of the Block Party Podcast Network! Check out our show and other great D&D and gaming podcast at https://www.blockpartypodcastnetwork.com/ or where ever you download podcasts!


Ever wondered how the collaborative storytelling of a tabletop roleplaying game could transform a classroom or simply enrich your own game night? That’s the territory explored in Detentions and Dragons, hosted by Josh and Matt. While the core idea is built around integrating Dungeons and Dragons into educational settings, the conversations extend far beyond the school walls. The hosts delve into practical advice for crafting manageable adventures, adapting rules for different age groups, and using game mechanics to teach everything from critical thinking to social skills. You’ll hear specific examples of classroom campaigns, breakdowns of educational concepts framed as game mechanics, and reflections on what makes a collaborative narrative truly engaging. Whether you're an educator looking for a dynamic new tool, a brand new Dungeon Master seeking foundational tips, or a longtime player curious about the game's applied potential, this podcast offers a unique perspective. It’s a biweekly show that takes a summer break, giving hosts and listeners time to recharge and plan their next campaigns. Detentions and Dragons is part of the Block Party Podcast Network, focusing on the tangible ways a fantasy game can build real-world skills and community, making the podcast a resource that’s as informative as it is genuinely fun to listen to.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Detentions and Dragons
Podcast Episodes
Lesson # 106 - Ecology: Part 2 and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:58
On part 2 of this two-part interview episode of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt are joined by interpretative naturalists Ashley Smith and Brandon Baker! The topic of discussion: an amazing course that Ashley and Br…
Lesson # 104 - Collaborative Backstories and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:21
Developing a backstory for a player's character can be a fun, exciting, and engaging way to participate in a game of D&D. However, one of the downsides of this creation process is that backstories are often done in isola…
Lesson # 103 - Promoting Cooperative Gaming and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:23
D&D is a collaborative storytelling game. However, are your player interacting with you AND the other players? Many new players quickly become comfortable interacting with the DM. However, players interacting with other…
Lesson # 102 - Other Systems and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
Josh and Matt are back from Acadecon! On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about other role-playing systems besides Dungeons and Dragons! While, D&D is still their favorite, Josh and Matt wanted t…
Lesson # 101 - Combat Encounters and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt discuss Combat Encounter. Battles are a foundational part of most D&D campaigns. However, making a fair and balanced battle can be difficult for new and experienced…
Lesson # 100 - Halloween 2019 and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:35
Our 100th Lesson! On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt go trick-or-treating in the city of New Trollsburg. The treats of Halloween come in all shapes and sizes. But be careful! In new Trollsburg, the t…
Lesson # 99 - Bosses and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:14
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt discuss Bosses. Boss fights are an dramatic conclusion to a dungeon or quest. However, are your bosses fighting up to their potential? This lesson discusses ways to…
Lesson # 98 - Sportmanship and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:13
On the interview episode of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt are joined by Physical Education teacher, coach, and twitter denizen @heartless_pe ! The topic of their discussion: Sportsmanship. The importance of sport…
Lesson # 97 - Reflections 2019 and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:12
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt reflect on their first few weeks of leading their Dungeons and Dragons Club. While both Matt and Josh found their first few weeks of D&D at school successful, refle…
Lesson # 96 - Tool Proficiency and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:46
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt discuss tool proficiency. New players often rely on the basic skills like combat, perception checks, and athletics checks to interact with the world. However, why n…