Using Environmental Education in the Classroom Every Day

• Britt Carlson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  This presentation gives an overview of the definition of environmental education (EE). Use powerful research and statistics that suggest using EE may reduce symptoms of ADHD, create more focus learners, affect test scores, and more. The handout, Benefits of School-Based EE, (link to Benefits to School-Based EE handout) is great for sharing with principals, curriculum planners, and others.
  o Using Environmental Education in the Classroom Every Day

Taking Environmental Education to the Next Level

• Cara Rieckenberg, Environmental Education Coordinator, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
  Be inspired by how one school district integrated environmental education into many realms of everyday school life. Gain ideas and insights on what worked well and what did not work so well. Learn some ways that you can be the champion to involve others from starting an EE committee for staff, a Junior Naturalists club for students, promote an all-school recycling drive, or even add environmental foci to the strategic plan.
  o Taking Environmental Education to the Next Level

Green Up Your Curriculum! Small Group Brainstorming an Planning Time

• Cara Rieckenberg, Moderator
  After participants visited sessions and networked with each other, attendees met in small peer groups with an EE Mentor—another teacher who is practiced at integrating EE in his or her own curriculum. Attendees were also able to peruse commonly used EE programs and manuals.
  o List of EE Mentors
  o List of Related EE Programs and Manuals

Beyond Bard Rubbings: Nature Science Journaling

• Teachers from Jeffers Pond Elementary School: Tara Johnson, Lisa Kalina, LeAnn Weikle
  Integration of science into other academic curricula is key in helping to promote environmental literacy, awareness and observation skills. Learn about simple ways in which to use a notebook to aid in data collection, observational drawings, and connections to other academic areas. Discover the ease of leading your students through inquiry-based learning.
  o Beyond Bark Rubbings Nature Science Journaling

Outdoor Classrooms: How Do I Get Started?

• Amy Kay Kerber, Minnesota School Forest Coordinator, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
  Learn the basics of how to set up an outdoor classroom and what resources you need to make it work for the long haul. Discuss what options exist to support your effort – from establishing a schoolyard site to a full-blown school forest.
  o Outdoor Classrooms: How Do I Get Started?

Creating a Sense of Wonder

• Beth Ruark Ruark, Early Childhood Faculty/Environmental Educator, University of Minnesota, Duluth; Instructor, Hartley Nature Center

  Why is the sky blue? Where do bugs go in the winter? Young children have many questions about nature. This workshop will explore how to bring nature inside and how to guide learning outside. Learn math, science, and literacy activities using natural materials and outdoor experiences. This session will focus on teachers of primary and preschool audiences.

  o Creating a Sense of Wonder
  o Early Childhood Nature Activities
  o Early Childhood Songs