Wisconsin Environmental Science Teacher Summit 2009

SUMMARY

The 2009 Wisconsin Environmental Science Teacher Summit was held August 17-18, 2009 at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station in Amherst Junction, WI. The theme was Field Techniques and Classroom Enhancements. Participants enjoyed networking and expanding their teaching repertoire in a relaxed environment with like-minded teachers. There were 60 participants including 42 teachers and numerous presenters and volunteers.

Day one - field experiences: guided canoe exploration or naturalist-led hike, forestry field techniques, pond mucking, and wildlife tracking. Evening entertainment includes Wisconsin forest history with Lumberjack Louie and a campfire social.

Day two - classroom lessons: keynote speaker, Biofuels Sustainability: Assessing Energy and Carbon Balance workshop, Sustainability Education for the Classroom workshop, and environmental science resource sharing.

SUMMIT RESOURCES

• Wildlife Tracking (Arndt & Janowski)
  Animal Tracking (PowerPoint)
  Field Guide to Wisconsin Animal Tracks (MS Word)
  Wildlife Tracking Oath (MS Word)
  Tracking Lab Cards (MS Word)



• State Natural Areas (Yockers & Hayden)
  State Natural Areas Program - WDNR (web site)
  


• Aldo Leopold (Temple)
  Leopold papers, photos, A Sand County Almanac discussion guide, fact sheets, and more (visit web site and click on EDUCATION)
  


• Biofuels (Krauskopf)
  Activities, PowerPoints, Resources (web site)
  


• Sustainability Education in Your Classroom (Kelly & Solin)
  Presentation (PDF)

OUTCOMES

• Stronger Support Network
  Participants had time at the Summit to network with fellow environmental science teachers. Not only were teachers able to share ideas and resources, they also benefited from knowing they are not alone in their frustrations. Having other teachers to rely on and ask questions of can enhance an educator’s experience in the classroom and reduce stress.
  
  One participant stated, “As I think back to the workshops and conversations that I experienced at the Summit I have a lot more hope than I would otherwise. I know that I am not alone and that others are facing the same challenges as me. I am inspired by the fact that so many good people are out there trying to plant the seeds in the minds of young people so that maybe one day they will sprout and take root. In the end, that is all we can do, and we probably shouldn’t beat ourselves up over the frustrations we all feel from time to time.”



• Improved Courses
  Participants had the opportunity to grow professionally at the Summit through new experiences and skill-building. Many of them also reflected upon what they had done in previous years and what they could change this year. As a result, the courses taught by participants will be stronger and more meaningful for students.
  
  After being introduced to the concept of “sustainability” a teacher decided that sustainability is a topic that should not remain in environmental science classrooms. He stated, “Sustainability is so important that it should be infused throughout all of K-12 education. I plan on integrating the topic of sustainability everywhere applicable, including my freshman science course. Hopefully from my lead (and talking with our curriculum director) other teachers can join in and make a change for a more sustainable future.”



• Increased Resource Accessibility
  Participants were introduced to many new teaching resources at the Summit. Presenters, including fellow ES teachers and natural resource professionals, shared activities as well as print and online resources. A wealth of free materials from the Wisconsin DNR and other state and national organizations were distributed. The final sharing session allowed participants to describe their favorite resources and exchange ideas. Over 100 new resources will be added to the Wisconsin Environmental Science Digital Resource Library.



• Vision for the Future
  This event provides the Network coordinator an opportunity to meet the environmental science teachers face-to-face and discuss their needs with them. This provides insight into what areas of support should be continued and what areas need to be strengthened. This feedback is essential to maintaining the momentum of the Network and enhancing the vision for the future of the Network.

THANK YOU

• Summit Planning Committee: Pat Arndt, Berlin Area School District; Kathy Cady, Winneconne Community School District; Harv Hayden, Wisconsin Rapids School District; Chad Janowski, Shawano School District; Margie Winter, Fond du Lac School District



• Summit Volunteers: Staff of the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education



• Guest Speakers and Session Presenters: Alan Haney, Emeritus Professor of Forestry, UW-Stevens Point; Dennis Yockers, Associate Professor of Environmental Education, UW-Stevens Point; Sarah Gilbert, Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program; Erin Henegar, Clean Boats, Clean Waters Coordinator; Sterling Strathe; Stanley A. Temple, Aldo Leopold Foundation; Sara Krauskopf, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center; Christine Kelly, Educational Designer; Jeremy Solin, Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program Director; Pat Arndt, Berlin Area School District; Kathy Cady, Winneconne Community School District; Harv Hayden, Wisconsin Rapids School District; Chad Janowski, Shawano School District; Margie Winter, Fond du Lac School District



• Support: This event was made possible through support from the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE). Financial contributions provided scholarships for the 17 participants who earned graduate credit for participating. WCEE funding also supported the keynote speaker, presenters, and offset site costs so that the registration fee was kept to a minimum.