Professional development workshops are offered throughout the year for teachers and youth group leaders of all grade levels. These opportunities are advertised through a variety of sources, including the District’s newsletter Landscapes and here on our website. We can also develop an environmental education workshop for the teachers at your school, or for your youth group leaders. There is no charge for this service, however, we require a minimum of 15 participants. Dates are subject to staff availability. Call (815) 479-5779 for more information.

 

2013 Summer Teacher Workshops

The Conservation District offers a variety of teacher workshops throughout the summer and has added a “day camp” opportunity just for teachers this year! All of the workshops offer CPDUs with graduate credit from Aurora University available at an additional fee. The workshops and the day camp are also designed to coordinate with the Illinois State Learning Standards and to include principles and activities that transfer directly to the classroom.

Environmental Science Field Studies

July 16–19, 2013 / Tuesday–Friday / 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Lost Valley Visitor Center, Savanna Room, Glacial Park
Fee: $250 per person

Learners will actively participate with McHenry County Conservation District scientists daily as they complete field studies, monitoring protocols and data collection in the major ecosystems of McHenry County.  Participants will be able to bring back real world scientific experiences to their classrooms. Workshop time will be spent in the field, participating in hands on lesson plans, learning from guest lecturers and practicing scientific journaling. Students will gain knowledge of natural systems, data trends, ecological principles and career enhancements. Light breakfast and snacks will be provided. Please bring a lunch that can travel during field studies and dress for the weather.

This class offers two optional graduate credits with Aurora University for $215. This fee is payable to KIDS and due on the first day of class between 8:00-8:30am. All other fees are due upon registration.

 

No Teacher Left Inside: Day Camp Just for Teachers!

June 18–20, 2013 / Tuesday–Thursday / 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Rush Creek and The Hollows
Fee: $85 R / $105 NR
Why should your students be the only ones looking forward to camp this summer? We’ll be putting a spin on the usual camp activities that make them applicable to your classroom while still offering a chance to unwind from the school year and network with fellow campers. Spend time outdoors hiking, cooking lunch over a fire, playing nature games and maybe even kayaking. Explore quality juvenile literature through “storytime”, learn new art projects during “craft time”, discover math connections and learn about ecology as you explore the habitats of this beautiful setting. A light breakfast and afternoon snack is provided. Bring your sense of adventure and reconnect with your inner child! Pack a lunch and dress for the weather.

Register for: Environmental Science Field Studies workshop and No Teacher Left Inside: Day Camp Just for Teachers! online here.
Questions? Call Mary Kozub, Education Outreach Coordinator at (815) 678-4532 x 8117.

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Great Lakes Earth Partnership for Schools

Online registration for this program is not available.
Download these materials to register: Flyer | Application | Letter to Administrator

For more information contact:
Melissa Alderson, Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 968-3326

Mary Kozub, McHenry County Conservation District at (815) 678-4532 x 8117

Workshop Dates:
July 29–August 2, 2013 / Monday–Friday / 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake
McHenry County Conservation District

December 7, 2013 / Saturday / 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods
Lake County Forest Preserves

Fee: Accepted schools pay $100 per teacher. Includes all curriculum materials, meals and field trips. Three graduate credits are available for an additional fee. Upon completion, schools will receive $150 for their schoolyard project and a $100 stipend per teacher.

This workshop represents an expansion of the original Earth Partnership for Schools program and includes a focus on the importance of water in our world. Teams of teachers will learn to employ ecological restoration of native communities on schoolyards, in rain gardens and at nearby shoreline, wetland and riparian habitats as a basis for interdisciplinary curriculum activities. Participants will gain the knowledge and leadership necessary to lead their students in the building of a native garden at their school.