Interpreting Nature Series with George Heinrich

Interpreting Nature Series (adults, age 16 and up)

Improve and broaden your interpretive naturalist skills during this new series of engaging, hands-on workshops for naturalists, educators, land managers, park volunteers/docents, and other interested individuals.

Join wildlife biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) during one or more of these fun and educational half-day programs scheduled to be held at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida).  The series (9:00 am-12:00 pm) includes:

Snakes of the Tampa Bay Region (16 February 2013)

Scatology: Discovering the Secrets of Scat (16 March 2013)

American Alligator: Ruler of the Wetlands (20 April 2013)

Gopher Tortoise: Icon of the Uplands (18 May 2013)

Registration fee is $40/workshop or $120/full series (four workshops); space is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  A PDF including detailed program information and registration form is available by contacting George at (727) 865-6255 or george@heinrichecologicalservices.com.

"Tampa Bay: Living Legacy" Educator's Workshop

"Tampa Bay: Living Legacy" Educator's Workshop

August 2, 2012   

9 am to 4 pm

Weedon Island Preserve
Cultural and Natural History Center
1800 Weedon Drive N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Immerse your students in the natural and cultural history of Tampa Bay by attending this free one-day workshop featuring curriculum designed to accompany the documentary film "Tampa Bay: Living Legacy"  This film chronicles the transformation of Tampa Bay from one of the nation's most polluted waterways to one of its most heralded environmental success stories.

The curriculum is designed for grades 9-12.

Participating teachers will receive a $35 stipend.

The teaching guide offers six complete lesson plans that complement key chapters in the bay's natural and human history, highlighting important natural resources such as birds and seagrass habitats, and drawing on the memories and perspectives of the local "Bay Champions" who fought to save this centerpiece of our region.

Pre-registration is required; home school and informal educators are welcome.

Click here for more information and to register online 

Calendar in the Sky workshop

From Bryan Mendez of the UC Berkeley Center for Science Education, FYI…

You are invited to apply for the Calendar in the Sky workshop on April 30-May 1, 2012 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The application is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9GBYCFP and the deadline to apply is April 6, 2012 (acceptance notifications will be made on April 9th).

Calendar in the Sky (www.calendarinthesky.org) is a NASA-funded project led by the UC Berkeley Center for Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory to engage the American public, particularly Latino audiences, in NASA science (space exploration, astronomy, planetary and Earth sciences, etc.) via the broad interest in Maya culture.

This project emphasizes the interplay of science and culture embodied by Maya calendars and addresses misconceptions about the Maya. It also uses NASA resources to inform the public about the astronomical basis of the Maya calendar system and dispels misconceptions about the year 2012.

We are providing free professional development trainings for educators in informal settings to:

1) increase their familiarity in Calendar in the Sky topics and resources,
2) learn about and share best practices in public programming for Latinos in informal settings,
3) get ideas for an informal education event or program around astronomy, Maya culture and the year 2012, and
4) create opportunities for networking between participants (especially with Latino community members), allowing for future interactions and/or collaborations.

These trainings are intended for educators from a broad range of venues: museums, science centers, community leaders, parks, astronomical societies, Latino cultural or community organizations, libraries, etc. During the workshop, participants will interact with experts in NASA science and Maya astronomy and culture.

This 2-day workshop will be held April 30-May 1, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Museum of Natural History. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The workshop is free of charge. Travel funding is not available and we will be giving preference to local applicants

BirdSleuth Workshops in Lakeland

From Tabitha Biehl, Polk County:

I'd like to invite you to attend one of two BirdSleuth workshop opportunities in Florida next month, or to pass the word to others who might be interested. Thanks to sponsorships and grants, we are keeping the costs very low, but space is limited. Both workshops will be held at the Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland , Florida . We look forward to introducing more Florida teachers to BirdSleuth, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s K-12 curriculum!

Ambassador Workshop
February 16-17

This workshop is specifically targeted to people who are interested in becoming BirdSleuth Ambassadors. It’s a fantastic opportunity for informal educators, science supervisors, lead teachers, and people involved in curriculum and teacher professional development to network, develop new skills, and receive great resources. We’ll cover our classroom program as well as resources for out-of school use (afterschool, homeschool, camps). This fun, hands-on workshop will prepare participants to be part of our growing team of Ambassadors, who share this innovative curriculum with teachers around the country. For more information,please see this page. (Cost $30 and includes two days of training, all meals, and a kit full of resources.)

Teacher Workshop
February 18

Would you like to teach your students through birds? Join Cornell Lab of Ornithology educators for this fun, hands-on Saturday workshop! You’ll receive and learn about theBirdSleuth Most Wanted Birds curriculum and discover how your students can become citizen scientists! Participating teachers receive breakfast and lunch, tours, and lectures, the BirdSleuth curricula, and a certificate of completion from Cornell Lab. This training and these resources will make it easy for you to use BirdSleuth in your classroom or program. For more information, please see this page. (Cost is $20 and includes meals, tours, training, and the fullMost Wanted Birds curriculum kit.)

We’d love to get a diverse group of participants together and recruit a strong cohort of Ambassadors, so I ask that you pass the word to educators who you think might be interested. Register or forward this announcement soon; space is quite limited.

Jennifer Fee, K-12 Programs Manager
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
jms327@cornell.edu
(607) 254-2403

Tabitha Biehl
Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator
Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Division
4177 Ben Durrance Rd
Bartow, Fl 33830
Environmental Lands Program: 863-534-7377
Polk's Nature Discovery Center
4399 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
Polk's Nature Discovery Center : 863-668-4673
cell: 863-899-8157
fax: 863-668-4677

A Symposium for Environmental Professionals

Management and Conservation of Diamondback Terrapins in Tampa Bay: A Symposium for Environmental Professionals

 

3 December 2011 (9:00 am-3:15 pm)

 

Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida)

 

Environmental professionals, conservationists and educators are invited to join us to learn about the natural history and conservation needs of this imperiled coastal species.  This symposium will focus on connecting ongoing research to coastal aquatic management efforts.  Participants will better understand diamondback terrapin ecology and habitat requirements.  The goal is to encourage sound management decisions that will benefit this species.  Attendees will receive a set of newly developed educational material and sample bycatch reduction devices. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

George L. Heinrich
Heinrich Ecological Services
website: www.heinrichecologicalservices.com

Online Workshop- Oceans

From COSEE-West Online Workshop Team:

COSEE-West Presents: Free 3-week online workshop
...Considering 95% of the ocean is UNSEEN by human eyes...
...This workshop helps shed some light on WATCHING THE OCEANS,
to expand our horizons and increase our knowledge about them.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean Observing Systems: From Your Eyes to Satellites
Oct. 31-Nov. 18, 2011
http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2011

Presentations include:
---"Coastal Ocean Observing Systems - An Eye on the Ocean"
by Dr. Burt Jones

---"Tracing Invisible Patterns: Water Quality and Harmful Algal Blooms"
by Dr. Rebecca Shipe and Dr. Anita Leinweber

---"How satellites have revolutionized our understanding of the Earth: From Benjamin Franklin to Aquarius"
by Dr. Jorge Vazquez

---Also, there will be 2 special live interactive sessions!
More details: http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2011

The professional development event is designed especially for educators, with resources for classroom teachers and informal educators. This online workshop is FREE and available 24-7. Log on anytime to see the lectures, investigate the resources, ask questions, and try out activities. Each week we will post a new presentation and resources, and you can join discussions throughout the workshop.

More information, registration, and log-in page:
http://www.coexploration.org/cosee_west/fall2011
----------------------------------------------------

PLT weekend

To Educators interested in attending a PLT Train-the-Trainer (facilitator) workshop:

Registration for the PLT professional development conference, featuring 2 days of PLT workshops in South Florida, is quickly approaching. The conference is being held at the beautiful Riverside Retreat in LaBelle. Attached is a flyer with workshop information. Continuing education credits can be given. Please help spread the word. There are plenty of seats to fill.

Registration and information at http://plt2011conf.eventbrite.com

Friday, Nov. 4, 2011

· Prek-8 & Early Childhood Experiences Combination workshop, ages 3-grade 8 (open to all) 9AM-4PM

· Forests of the World Workshop, grades 9-12 (open to all) 10AM-4PM

· Early Childhood Experiences (ages 3-6) half-day workshop for PLT trained educators and facilitators (open to PLT Trained Educators) 1PM-4PM

Saturday, Nov, 5, 2011 · PLT Train-the-Trainer (facilitator) workshop (open to PLT Trained Educators) 9:00-2:30

PLT Workshops

PLT Professional Development Workshop held on Nov 4 & 5 in LaBelle, FL (Hendry County). 

Four workshops are being offered at a fantastic price: PLT Train-the-Trainer (Facilitator), Early Childhood, Forests of the World, and Prek-8 EE.  Florida Project Learning Tree has not held its state-wide conference in the southern part of the state for many years.  The Riverside Retreat is a beautiful facility with great recreational opportunities.  Teachers, nature center staff, 4-H agents and volunteers, scouts leaders, etc. are encouraged to participate?    Information about the workshops and registration is at  http://plt2011conf.eventbrite.com

Florida “Train the Trainers”

The Future Fisherman Foundation Announces Florida “Train the Trainers” Seminar October 22nd and 23rd

Sept. 12, 2011 – The Future Fisherman Foundation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have announced a regional training seminar for all parties interested in aquatic education training. Camp Ocala, located at 18533 NFS 535 Altoona, Fl. 32702 will be the site of this year’s event.

This seminar is open to not only teachers from around the state, but also 4H leaders, Boy/Girls Scout leaders, FFA personnel and a host of others who are interested in getting students involved with aquatic education. Learning the principles of successful programs, such as Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs, will be the focus of this two day seminar. Read More .

Teacher Workshop- Pier Aquarium, St Petersburg

Teacher Workshop: The Creek, the Kazoo and What YOU Can Do! 

What: Join the Pier Aquarium for a FREE two-day workshop based on the book The Creek, the Kazoo and What YOU Can Do! 

Follow the adventures of Kasey, the big red kazoo, as he meets the characters of Booker Creek in downtown St. Petersburg. 

This two-part workshop will provide participants with an overview of the environmental story and the corresponding lessons that can be used in your classroom, with opportunities to explore and develop lesson plans. 

The book covers the following Sunshine State Standards: SC.1.N.1.1, SC.1.E.6.1 , SC.1.L.14.3, SC.1.L.17.1, SC.2.L.17.1, SC.3.N.1.6, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.5.E.7.2, SC.6.E.6.2. 

Where: 

Campbell Park Elementary Marine Science Center 

Marine Science Laboratory 

1051 7th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33705 

When: Thursday September 29 & Thursday October 6 from 4:30pm to 7:00 pm 

Who: Elementary teachers from Pinellas County (public, private and home school, grades K-5) 

This workshop includes a copy of The Creek, the Kazoo and What YOU Can Do!, corresponding lesson plans, additional resources and dinner from the Columbia Restaurant. 

All teachers who complete the two part workshop will receive a $100 stipend. There are a limited number of spaces available. 

To register call Jaclyn at (727) 895-7437 ext. 205 or email jmousoulias@pieraquarium.org 

Presented by The Pier Aquarium and Campbell Park Elementary Marine Science Center

Sponsored by Southwest Florida Water Management District

Fl PLT announces workshops

Florida Project Learning Tree Prek-8 Educator Workshop now on-line 

The self-paced training session begins September 19 and runs through November 14.  If you haven’t been able to attend a workshop in your area, don’t miss this chance. 

·        Registration info at http://pltworkshopsept2011.eventbrite.com .
·        Maximum of 30 participants 

·        The deadline to register for the workshop is Sept 12!

·        Information about the workshop can be viewed  at http://sfrc.ufl.edu/plt/new_to_plt/prek_8_online_workshop/index.shtml

PLT Professional Development and Train the Trainer Workshops

Nov. 4th PLT Workshops at Riverside Retreat, Fort Dunaud (LaBelle)

·        PLT Prek-8 & Early Childhood Experiences Combination Workshop (9AM -4PM) Open to all formal and non-formal educators

·        PLT Forests of the World Workshop (grades 9-12, but easily adapted to lower grades) 10AM-4PM Open to all formal and non-formal educators

·        PLT Mini Early Childhood Experiences 1-4PM Open ONLY to PLT trained educators

Registration info and costs coming soon

Nov 5th PLT Train the Trainer Workshop at Riverside Retreat, Fort Dunaud (LaBelle)

·        PLT Trained Educators-ONLY (Educators trained in the Prek-8/ECE workshop can participate in the this workshop)

·        Learn how to conduct PLT workshops and help us train teachers in your area

Registration and cost information is coming soon

For updates and more information, visit PLT- FL at http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/plt/ or contact Nancy Peterson: phone 352-846-0848; fax 352-846-1277; njp@ufl.edu

Summer Educator Workshop

From Tampa Bay Estuary Program:

Invasive Species Summer Educator Workshop

Friday, June 24 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Weedon Island Cultural & Natural History Center, St. Petersburg

  

Openings are still available for teachers of grades 3-6 to attend a free workshop about the impact of invasive plants and animals on Florida's waterways. All teachers will receive a copy of  "Fish Invaders at Gypsy Point," which includes lesson plans and supplemental resources. The workshop is presented by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. To register, call Colleen at (727) 893-2765 or colleen@tbep.org