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Teacher Workshops Discovery Boxes EE Links
Here are the workshops
scheduled for Summer 2008.
This course will examine the mosaic of plant communities and their key animal species that have shaped human history in middle America through the works of writers, photographers and scientists. Journeys afield will identify plant assemblages and their roles in the ecology of the Great Plains. Materials for use in the teacher’s classroom will be provided. No previous courses in ecology are required. For more information call Joyce at (316) 683-5499 x210 or joyce@gpnc.org or see the Emporia State
University website .
The following workshops will be taught at the Great Plains Nature Center.
In this workshop we will discover nature using all five senses. Science, music, art, literature and movement activities will be part of this experience as we utilize the resources of the Great Plains Nature Center. For more information call Charlene at 683-5499 x111 or owlsnest@gpnc.org
The availability of fresh water has a pronounced influence on the flora and fauna of a region. The workshop will focus on the physical characteristics, forms and distribution of water, with an emphasis on the Wichita area. Day two will include a field trip with some walking. For more information call Connie at 683-5499 x107 or connie@gpnc.org
The “little things that run the world” are all around us, easily approached and they make great resources for teaching hands-on science. Learn how to use insects to excite students about life science. For more information call Jim at 683-5499 x103 or jim@gpnc.org
Diverse and appealing, birds can be excellent teaching tools. Learn how to use binoculars and find birds in the field. Study biology and behavior with study skins and live animals. Explore reference materials and classroom activities. For more information call Bob at 683-5499 x106 or bob@gpnc.org
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers a variety of programs for students of all ages to learn about, enjoy, and reconnect with nature and the outdoors. Classroom modules are available to assist educators in exploring the natural world through science, civics, math, language, visual arts, history and geography. Two days of this three-day workshop will be held at the Great Plains Nature Center. A one-day field trip to Quivira National Wildlife Refuge will introduce educators to this outdoor classroom. For more information contact Lorrie at 683-5499 x108 or lorrie_beck@fws.gov
This 3 day program looks at three U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service programs in greater depth: Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design, Shorebird Sister Schools, and Wildlife for Sale. Students will get hands on experience in these three modules designed for all ages to learn about and enjoy nature and the outdoors. The first day will be held at Great Plains Nature Center and the following two days will be held at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Evening activities are planned for day 2; overnight stay is encouraged and accommodations are available. Prerequisite is having completed a previous FU - USFWS class or permission from the instructor. For more information contact Lorrie at 683-5499 x108 or lorrie_beck@fws.gov
Just why do people live where they do? Is it geographic, economic, political or a social factor? We will examine geographic influence on the Wichita area. Day two will include a field trip with some walking. For more information call Connie at 683-5499 x107 or connie@gpnc.org
True or False: Kansas is just a flat, prairie state. ANSWER: False! Wetlands, found throughout Kansas, are a critical part of the Great Plains ecosystem. Because they disappear at an alarming rate, learn how you can impart an appreciation for wetland conservation through interactive classroom and field experiences. For more information call 683-5499 x105 or kdwp@gpnc.org
Discovery Boxes are available for check-out within the Wichita area. Each box is full of printed and hands-on materials. Boxes are checked out for two weeks. (Exception: The Kansas Box may only be checked out for one week in the month of January.) Call 683-5499 to make a reservation. If you want to know what is in each box, you may download the contents checklists by using the links next to each title. (On a Windows system, download the file by right clicking on the link and choose "Save Target As" to save it to your hard drive, then open it from there.) Some titles have duplicates. The lists are slightly different for each one. Boxes available are:
Check out the links to Environmental Education web sites below!
Connie Leger is a facilitator for Project Learning Tree, Project Wild and
Project WET (see below). Project Learning Tree -
A multi-disciplinary Environmental Education program,
Project WILD -
Companion program to Project Learning Tree, focusing on wildlife. Project WET - This
program focuses on aquatic habitats. Leopold Educational Project
- The Leopold Education Project is an interdisciplinary conservation curriculum based on
the classic writings of renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold. Kansas Association for Conservation and
Environmental Education (KACEE) - hosts an annual training workshop in
the fall. Wide membership from government, the private sector and the E.E.
community. Coordinates PLT, WILD and WET in Kansas. Kansas Association of Teachers of Science
(KATS) - Hosts an annual training workshop in the spring. It is a state chapter of the National Science Teachers Association. Kansas Association of Biological Teachers
(KABT) - Fall meeting, spring field trip, Internet listserve,
newsletter, regional workshops & seminars and The Kansas Biology Teacher journal. National Association for Interpretation - The professional organization for the interpretive field. The web site for the regional section (Region 6) for the southern Great Plains area may be reached by clicking here. E E Link - A website
devoted to environmental education links on the internet. GreenCom - Online comprehensive listing of EE resources and efforts worldwide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has an online listing of EE resources. Last revision: 04/09/2008
Questions or comments? Send Email to Jim Mason
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