Summer 2012 Workshops:
Sustainable Schoolyards
June 11–15, 2012
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Litzsinger Road Ecology Center
Can your students plan and create a schoolyard wildlife habitat while they are achieving curriculum objectives? A growing number of St. Louis area schools and a local nature center say, "Yes!" During this workshop, you will be introduced to methods for analyzing the history and ecology of your school and for developing a schoolyard habitat with your students, all in support of your curriculum. Project mentoring is available during the school year. Applications will be accepted from teams of two or more teachers.
Fee: None. Two graduate credits available with additional university charge.
Call (314) 540-4068 for more information. Download a registration form.
Questing to Learn
June 18–22, 2012
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Litzsinger Road Ecology Center
Discover the remarkable stories and special places in your community as you build quests for your students. Clue-to-clue explorations guide students as they investigate the people and places that make your neighborhood unique. Along the way, they can meet a wide range of curriculum standards, including language, math, science and social studies. You will have plenty of opportunities to share ideas with colleagues, and leave with a quest developed and ready to try out with your students.
Fee: None. Two graduate credits available with additional university charge.
Call (314) 540-4068 for more information. Download a registration form.
Effective Outdoor LearningOffered twice: June 25–27, 2012 (M–W) OR July 25–27, 2012 (W–F) 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Litzsinger Road Ecology Center
Learn great ways to take your kids outside into the schoolyard and neighborhood while meeting curriculum requirements. Develop a field study project at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center that links to your schoolyard investigations, then bring students to LREC during the school year—busing is even provided for students!
Fee: None for class or follow-up student field experience.
Call (314) 540-4068 for more information. Download a registration form.
Additional summer professional development workshops are available at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Other Local Professional Development Resources: The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Discover Nature Schools (DNS) is a science/conservation education program that includes hands-on activities designed to bring students in grades K–12 outdoors and closer to nature. Each unit includes colorful and engaging student books as well as teacher guides with activities designed to meet Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) state standards and Grade Level Expectations (GLEs). Student books and teacher guides (as well as training in their use) are available to all Missouri educators. However, teachers who enroll formally in the DNS program are eligible for additional resources including grant opportunities for field trips, outdoor classrooms and classroom materials to support each instructional unit.
The MySci program gives early elementary students throughout the St. Louis area the chance to study science through inquiry. It provides curriculum books and classroom kits on plants, animals and the earth. It also includes a visit from one of the newly designed Investigation Stations, roving vehicles of innovative exhibits and specimens.
Missouri Stream Team is a group of people who care about Missouri streams. It is citizen-based and biologists provide training and expertise at no charge to help with stream projects and information. Stream Team projects can include litter pickups, storm drain stenciling, water quality monitoring, habitat improvement, advocacy, greenways, or educational projects.
Gateway Greening helps community groups develop food producing gardens and landscaped areas on public land. They also work with area schools to bring gardening programs into classroom, provide curriculum assistance, professional development, outdoor programs and other gardening activities.
Webster University’s Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability aims to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools for transforming schools, organizations and communities toward global sustainability.
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