Dear Teachers,
Summer is in full swing! Hopefully you are finding time to relax and have fun. As you gear up for the school year, take a look at these resources, workshop opportunities and some new ideas for integrating nature into your classroom this fall.
This Nature Net News Blast has it all!
Teacher Workshops:
Summer Workshops Are Here! Check out this and other upcoming programs for educators:
Growing Minds: Garden-Based Learning from the Ground Up: July 25-29, 2011 – Community GroundWorks, Troy Gardens, Madison, WI
This 5-day, 20-hour course is designed for K-12 teachers and community educators interested in building their skills in youth garden education, development, and management. This course will emphasize an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to garden-focused learning. Course topics include youth garden design and construction, funding and resources, recommended tools and equipment, organic gardening methods, cooking in a garden kitchen, garden-based nutrition, nature study and games, earth art, chickens, program evaluation, and the role of youth gardening in the sustainable agriculture movement. Course instruction will take place outdoors in the award-winning Kids' Garden at Troy Gardens. Enrollment is limited to 22 educators. Cost is $135. 1 semester unit of graduate credit available at additional cost of $60. To register, or for further information, contact Nathan Larson at nathan@troygardens.org or 608-240-0409.
Read more and find out about other workshops!
Opportunities for Science Teachers:
ECB Climate Literacy Collaborative: Are you a grade 8 science teacher? You can be compensated for a climate education evaluation study in Fall 2011! The Educational Communications Board has recently produced a climate literacy digital resource, the Climate Literacy Collaborative, which targets climate science concepts that are typically difficult to teach and learn, and supports 21st Century learning skills through STEM content. Participate in the study — either as implementation teachers or comparison group teachers, and help evaluate their effectiveness! Register for the study here.
Wisconsin Science Festival: Mark your calendar for this inaugural experience designed to engage the next generation - and everyone else - in science. Participate in this free festival, September 23-35, including K-12 fieldtrips and teacher workshops across the Madison area. Visit www.WisconsinScienceFest.org for more information!
Nature Express:
Planning for next year and looking for a way to make your outdoor exploration fieldtrip dollars go further?
Check out Nature Express - a program that provides funds for nature fieldtrip buses to any Nature Net site. You may receive up to $80 per bus to offset the cost of your second trip! More tips for designing effective field trips can be found on Nature Net.More Nature Net Online:
Follow the Nature Net blog and "like" us on Facebook for frequent tips and ideas, local opportunities, and interesting articles for parents and educators - plus the same great resources found on NatureNet.com. Get started with these posts on nature journaling with your students, nature education apps, and Nature Net resources for educators.
