Workshops & Field Trips

Sunday, October 23


Session E 9:00 - 11:00 am


E1. GPS Challenge: Navigating with Experiential Education
Larry Chambers M.Ed, Nature’s Classroom; Prindle Pond Conference Center

Working in teams, participants use maps, compasses and GPS receivers to navigate to find specific “GPS” locations. By design, GPS Challenge applies innovative teaching methodologies and requires participants to work as a team, logically solve problems and apply leadership skills.


E2. Teaching Product Lifecycle using Inquiry Based Lessons
Daniel Gross, Teacher; Valleyview Middle School and Centenary College

Learn how to teach product lifecycle to students age middle school through college. Using hands-on activates, music, and inquiry based lessons this workshop will take you through lessons that connect students to the impact of everyday products.


E3. Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature With Young Children
Stephen Deflorio, Teacher/Naturalist; Apple Valley Montessori School

Learn about this national early childhood initiative that builds literacy skills and environmental appreciation among early learners through participation in engaging wildlife-based hands-on activities. Connect with nature and many of its wonders through music, movement, play, and art.


E4. Field Exploration of Nature's Classroom
Beth Short, Director of Program Development and Communication; Nature’s Classroom Inc.

Get outside and explore a variety of forest habitat and wetlands while discovering the relationships existing within and between our natural and manmade systems. This walk is perfect for educators from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you are a classroom teacher or a non-formal educator, take some time away from the main conference campus to center yourself in the natural world.


E5. The Nuts and Bolts of Being a Naturalist
John Foster, Executive Director; The New England Naturalist Training Center

A free ranging discussion from a field tested, business experienced naturalist on the sticks, stones, nuts and bolts and business of being a Naturalist. How do you rent a mailing list? How to best rot a road-kill for the skull? How to develop innovative programs that will get people in the door? First steps in writing a grant? How do you become successful?