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| 2008 Professional Development Workshops for Educators
Workshops feature overview of topic for all grade levels, hands-on demonstration of activities appropriate for different ages, and grade-level specific lessons and materials. All workshops meet at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, VT with field trips to other local sites where appropriate.  January 25-26, 2008 Rapt by Raptors: Investigating Birds of Prey 9am-3pm (Friday & Saturday) Fee: $200.00 Join VINS' education and wildlife services staff for this very special workshop highlighting the ecological importance of raptors. The biology of birds of prey, along with unique adaptations and specific conservation threats, will be key areas of focus. Participants will have a chance to meet VINS' resident raptors up-close and personal while learning how to use these amazing creatures as a hook for teaching science in the classroom. February 18-19, 2008 (REGISTRATION CLOSED) Vermont Mammals: Challenges and Successes 9am-3pm (Monday & Tuesday) Fee: $200.00 What do the beaver, the bobcat, and the black bear have in common? Their numbers have been threatened to such an extent that they have been, at one time or another, the primary focus for wildlife conservationists. Learn about the natural history of a number of Vermont mammals while gaining an understanding of how human intervention can have a positive impact on the natural world. March 13-15, 2008 (REGISTRATION CLOSED) Wetland Wonders: Exploring the Marshes, Bogs, Fens and Vernal Pools of New England 9am-3pm (Thurday & Friday)and 9am-12pm (Saturday) Fee: $250.00 Wetlands play an incredibly vital role in the health of the natural world. Participants in this workshop will learn first-hand about the different types of wetland habitats found in New England while gaining an understanding of their ecological importance. Be prepared to get your feet wet, your hands dirty and have some fun as we explore a local bog, investigate the grassy tufts of a marsh, and muck along the edge of the vernal pool at the VINS Nature Center. April 16, 2008 Conservation Projects: Engaging Students in Hands-On Service Learning for the Environment 9am-3pm (Wednesday) Fee: $100.00 One of the most effective ways of teaching environmental science to children is to provide them with opportunities to become actively engaged in some conservation effort. In this 1-day workshop, gather ideas and resources for designing and implementing a conservation project with your students. We will review a number of organizations currently engaged in developing student projects, identify local resources through a mapping exercise, and meet with service learning practitioners who offer first-hand accounts of their successes (and challenges) in the field. May 22-23, 2008 River Ecology: Salmon and Trout Conservation 9am-3pm (Thursday & Friday) Fee: $200.00 The range of the Eastern brook trout in Vermont and New Hampshire has been severely compromised due to decreased water quality and habitat destruction. Both habitat destruction and diminished water quality along with dam construction and over fishing led to the extinction of wild Atlantic salmon over 100 years ago. Participants in this workshop will address the question; Is it possible for healthy brook trout and Atlantic salmon populations to once again exist within their historic range? Through hands-on fieldwork and a variety of other activities, educators will gain the knowledge and skills needed to teach an engaging river ecology and trout and salmon habitat unit. Click here to download a pdf version of the brochure. Click here to download a registration form. If you have questions or wish to register over the phone call 802-359-5000 X221 |   | ||||||||||||||
© VINS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, wholly supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants. | ||||||||||||||||
