Contemporary Environmental Issues and New Iowa Science Standards: Transforming Conservation Outreach

February 4-5, 2016

Springbrook Conservation Education Center

2473 160th Road

Guthrie Center, IA 50115

Join us and build your local network to link science education to scientists and science-based conservation practices happening all around Iowa. Naturalists and environmental educators, resource conservation professionals, Area Education Agency (AEA) Science Consultants, and teachers will all play key roles in the network, and each person will contribute as well as learn about projects and educational opportunities in their area.

The workshop will use wildlife as the unifying theme to connect the newly adopted Iowa Core Science Standards and environmental and conservation education. Naturalists will see exactly where their programs fit into the core. Teachers will receive curriculum support from professionals.

Who should come: Formal and non-formal educators, plus conservation professionals are encouraged to attend. Regional AEA Science Consultants and conservation professionals will be at the workshop to build local relationships with formal and non-formal educators to improve the quality of education for students.

Keynotes include: Rich Leopold, Iowa Wildlife Federation and Stephanie Shepherd, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Diversity Program, and more.

Why should I come? Here is a participant quote from the 2015 Workshop that says it all, “I like the single topic focus. PLEASE do this again and I will drive anywhere!”

Registration Costs? $70.  Dorm-style lodging is available at Springbrook Conservation Edcucation Center for $20 per night and can be reserved at registration. Traveling from a distance? You can reserve dorm space for Wednesday evening also - Choose 'Lodging - Additional Night' option. A limited number of scholarships are available. See the workshop flyer for other nearby lodging options.

Online Registration. Register By 2/1/2016 (Late Fee will be applied after 1/27/2016).

Online Professional Development for PLT GreenSchools

PLT’s GreenSchools program inspires students to improve the environment at their school, home, and in their community. This nationwide service-learning program provides training and resources for teachers and students to reduce their school’s environmental impact, improve health, and save money. Give your students the opportunity to apply their STEM skills to make a difference in their world!

In this online workshop, you will:

• Get an introduction to PLT’s GreenSchools program.
• Learn how to effectively engage your students in conducting each of the five investigations (Energy, School Site, Waste and Recycling, Water, and Environmental Quality) in your own educational setting.
• Find out how to obtain equipment and collect data.
• Participate in interactive learning experiences that will enable you to facilitate a green schools program at your school and get the support of school administrators, staff, parents, and community members.
• Engage in planning exercises to help you be successful in implementing the program.
• Discover ways to empower your students to design and lead an action project.
• See video demonstrations of GreenSchools students and educators in action.
• Understand the benefits of PLT GreenSchools – for students and your school.
• Get tips on how to measure your students’ impact and celebrate successes

PLT’s GreenSchools online course costs $25 and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. Once enrolled, you will have 180 days to complete the course. To access the course, go to www.plt.org/onlinePD-GreenSchools.

Iowa State-Fish Art Contest

Contest Rules & Guidelines
2016 Entry Form

The Iowa DNR is partnering with the Wildlife Forever^® State-Fish Art^® Contest to host an Iowa State-Fish Art Contest. Students are encouraged to use their artistic skills to create an image of their favorite Iowa fish (see the eligible fish list) in its natural habitat.

The first place artwork in each judging category will be submitted for National Awards. First place winners at the state level will be honored at the annual State-Fish Art Expo this summer. Each student submitting an entry will receive a Certificate of Recognition.

All entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2016.