Picture from last year's conference

Sunday Workshops

Schedule

Workshop Session E 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Fieldtrips 9:30 – 12:00 pm

Session E Sunday, 10:00-11:00 am (1 Hour)

E1 The Science of Reader's Theater

Description: Learn to build your students' fluency and teach environmental science concepts by adapting science-themed picture books into fun Readers Theater scripts that elementary-aged children will love practicing and performing.
Presenters: Melissa Stewart, Readers Theater
Min/Max: 5/100
Audience: Elem, Informal Ed.

E2 Conservation of Birds of Grasslands and other Open Habitats in New England

Description: Although conservationists often focus on saving forests, open habitats have a disproportionate number of declining bird species. Grassland species declined as farmland was replaced with forest. Is this a conservation problem or a "return to normal"? Where did these species live before people cleared the forest? How can we sustain their populations?
Presenters: Robert Askins, Connecticut College, Biology Department
Min/Max: 10/none
Audience: General/Mixed

E3 Beyond Terra Firma: Understanding the Importance of Ocean and Climate Literacy in Environmental Literacy

Description: NAAEE encourages systems-based approach to EE, focusing on human interdependence with the environment and the importance of place-based education. This session will help us understand that to be environmentally literate we must be literate in ocean and climate concepts, as this is the "conceptual glue" that binds together earth science systems content.
Presenters: Diana Payne, Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut
Min/Max: 10/25
Audience: Middle, High School, College, Informal Ed, General/Mixed

E4 A Closer Look - Working in Clay from Found Natural Materials

Description: Working from found natural materials is a way to explore form and structure in nature. Using clay we will transform what we see into the language of clay. This is a great way to work with children (and adults) incorporating art and observation skills, working indoors or bringing clay along for field "sketches" outdoors. Participants are encouraged to bring a found natural object with them to the workshop.
Presenters: Marie Camillo Reimensnyde, Fiddlehead Center for the Arts
Min/Max: 12/15
Audience: Pre-K/K, General/Mixed

E5 ELP! ELP! Implementing Cumulative Environmental Literacy Programs

Descriptions: Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages… come experience SELL (Science and Ecology: Live and Unplugged!) a sequential environmental literacy program that utilizes three arenas for instruction: the school setting, a residential center setting, and hands-on field ecology in diverse ecosystems. Learn how to implement Environmental Literacy Plans like an amazing three-ring circus!
Presenter: Drew Dumsch (Ringmaster) and Meg Edstrom (Trapeze Artist), Ferry Beach Ecology School
Min/Max: 5/50
Audience: Elem, Middle, Informal Ed, Admin, General / mixed

Sunday Field Trips

Field Trip 7: Canoe and/or Kayak Trip

10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Leave from Incarnation Center

Take the morning to enjoy the views and natural areas of Connecticut. Bring your own canoe or kayak or reserve space in one that is provided for your use. Russ Miller will guide you through the Messerschmidt Wildlife Area. Box lunch will be provided for your excursion.

Field Trip 8: Hot Spot Birding

10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Fee: $15.00

Join Andy Griswold from Connecticut Audubon Eco Travel as he leads participants to the places that feature the best birding venue in Connecticut. See who is passing through our coast line and river valley as the fall migration season starts. Dress for the weather, a box lunch will be provided for your morning outing. Carpooling will be arranged.

Field Trip 9: Let's Go to the Zoo!

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Bridgeport, CT
Fee: Free, Lunch not provided

Take some extra time after the conference to enjoy Connecticut's only zoo. End your conference adventure and Connecticut experience with an afternoon of wild fun. Individuals and families may obtain a pass for attending the conference that will provide you with free admission. Self guided.