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Please register for workshops through the link shown with each workshop description. A nonrefundable registration fee is required. The fee is $10.00 per person plus a $1.00 convenience fee per registration unless stated otherwise in the workshop description. Should you have questions about workshop registration please email (dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov) or call (217-524-4126) the IDNR Division of Education. Should the IDNR cancel a workshop, registrants will be asked if they want to transfer their registration to another ENTICE workshop or receive a refund. Some restrictions apply. ENTICE workshops are available to teachers, home-schooling educators, nonformal educators and youth-group leaders in Illinois only. 2023-2024 Workshop Schedule | Fall 2023 | Winter 2024 | Spring 2024 | Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 |Fall 2023 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Tree Homes Registration for this workshop is closed.
Course Name: Illinois Biodiversity 101 What is biodiversity? Does Illinois have much biodiversity? How are plants and animals adapted for survival in the four major habitat types in the state? Can some species live in all of these habitats? We will answer these questions and provide much more information about aquatic, woodland, wetland and urban habitats and their inhabitants in this introduction to the natural resources of our state. Numerous supplemental educational items will be provided. Although targeted to educators of grades kindergarten and three, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Fall **THIS CLASS IS FULL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST, PLEASE EMAIL DNR.TEACHKIDS@ILLINOIS.GOV.** Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We will take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We will be incorporating animal tracks, animal signs, seeds and changes in leaves, too. We will show you how to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through two, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You will take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Birds of Illinois Bring the biodiversity of Illinois birds into your classroom by taking a closer look at birds. See how birds use their physical characteristics to adapt to the environment and how each species has a unique niche in the ecosystem. The class will be working with the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders to see science in action and explore how and what scientists do in the field. Explore why we track and band birds. Come dressed to spend some time outside and take a walk on the prairie identifying birds in their natural habitat. Educators will learn first-hand by participating in educational activities related to birds. This workshop is targeted at teachers of grades PreK through 12th. Some materials may need to be adapted as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Coyote Track Coyote Track is a standards-based, educational program developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Wildlife Resources with assistance from the IDNR Division of Education. The program is centered around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. This workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and lessons that support the unit. The workshop is for teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Wild Illinois History Wild Illinois History is a self-contained teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight. The online interactive student activity and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history instruction by focusing on information regarding early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography in what was to become Illinois and the uses of wildlife by indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. The activity also highlights the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Winter 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Wait List Registration Do not register in this workshop block unless instructed to do so by IDNR Education personnel.
Course Name: Coyote Tracks Explore Coyote Track interactive visualization tool. This online site centers around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. Using real data, this workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and standard-based lessons that support the unit. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying coyotes in Illinois including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is for teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Winter Winter is a wonderful season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn, you just have to look for the signs. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in winter. We will take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We will show you how to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through two, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You?ll take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Reptiles and Amphibians This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild reptiles and amphibians in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for reptiles and amphibians, and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild reptiles and amphibians? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Illinois Mammals This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild mammals in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for mammals and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild mammals? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program
Course Name: IL Oak Ecosystems In urban, suburban and rural locations in Illinois, oaks carry special significance as reminders of our history and drivers of biodiversity. Teachers of grades PK-8 can join us to explore the various species of oaks, and the characteristics of the ecosystems in which they are found, including forests, woodlands, savannas, and barrens. Why are oak ecosystems special, and what is being done in Illinois to conserve them? Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
Course Name: Tracks, Scats, and Habitats Often when exploring nature, instead of seeing an animal, we find what it left behind. Join us in this exploration of animal signs and how they relate to habitats. We'll be practicing our skills on an outdoor field trip, too. We'll show you how to incorporate the topic into your lessons and provide resources to help you do so. Although targeted to teachers of grades prekindergarten through four, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Spring 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Illinois Mammals This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild mammals in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for mammals and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild mammals? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Wildlife Basics: Reptiles This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild reptiles in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for reptiles and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild reptiles? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Illinois Wetlands Join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four as we learn what wetlands are and explore the fascinating organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations and identification of wetland species and will put the skills to practice as we visit and sample several wetlands on the grounds of The Grove, comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you?ll receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Mosquitos and Ticks Mosquitos and ticks are often looked at as the scourge of summer. These fascinating creatures fill an important niche. Explore how they live, the various types, diseases they carry, and where they are found. Participants will be seeing how scientist sample and study them. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you?ll receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of all grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Wetlands Join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four as we learn what wetlands are and explore the fascinating organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations and identification of wetland species and will put the skills to practice as we visit and sample several wetlands on the grounds of The Grove, comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you?ll receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Creating and Keeping Collections For more than 160 years the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been assembling and maintaining a variety of natural history specimens and collections. Teachers of grades PK-8 can learn about the collections of the Museum and what they can teach us about changes in Illinois ecosystems over time. We will discuss how the museum builds and maintains our collections, and provide guidelines for collecting natural materials and using living and preserved specimens in the classroom. Educators will be pinning dead invertebrates as part of this workshop. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
Summer 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Wildlife Studies for the Classroom Scientific research requires standardized techniques that can be used to collect, analyze and share data. You can learn about some of these techniques and how to implement a few of them with your students to study local wildlife and wildlife habitats. Targeted to grades three through eight, the information and activities will assist you in meeting several Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to attend but may need to adapt the information and resources. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Bats The only true flying mammals will be examined at this workshop for educators of grades one through four. Work with resource professionals as you learn about the life history of bats and their relationships to other species jn the environment. Experience hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. We'll take a short drive to watch bats emerge from their roosts at dusk, too. Take home many Illinois-specific supplemental materials. Professional Development Hours are available. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate.
Course Name: Adapt or Die In the game of life, what makes a winner? Survival! Walk, trot, fly, swim, or hop down to The Morton Arboretum and learn about the adaptations of plants and animals that ensure their survival. Collect data, analyze plants, observe animals, engage in fun activities, and even play a few games that bring the theme of adaptations to life in your classroom. Although targeted to teachers of grades second through fourth, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You'll take away several resources to use in your classroom! This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Professional Development Hours are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate.
Course Name: Illinois Amphibians Description to come
Course Name: Pollinators and the Prairie They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the IDNR Conservation grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Animal Architects The world is full of objects built by animals to help them survive. Attend this workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through three and learn about beaver dams, spider webs, mussel shells, bird nests and so many other amazing objects constructed by animals in our local environment. Challenge the engineering skills of your students to create similar structures by using the resources provided and activities presented at the workshop. All educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Illinois Dragonflies and Damselflies Join us for this workshop about the dragonflies and damselflies of Illinois! We will be working in the field and in the lab as we discuss the identification, life history and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. Although targeted to educators of grades six through 10, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. You?ll be provided with several resources to use with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Pollinators They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors? center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available.
Fall 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Illinois Pollinators They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors? center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available.
Course Name: Pollinator Gardens Pollinator populations are in decline, but you and your students can take actions to help them. By planting a native pollinator garden at your school, you can provide food and shelter for pollinators and a place of learning for students of all ages. We will discuss what makes a successful pollinator garden and how to maintain it. Connections to learning standards will also be provided. We will show you how to apply for an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant to help fund your project, too. ?This workshop is targeted to educators of grades prekindergarten through 12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Birds and Butterflies Soar on down to The Morton Arboretum this summer and gather ideas, resources, and activities for your classroom. This workshop will help educators bring the classroom outdoors and connect with green spaces in their community. Participants will identify birds, track butterflies, investigate the role of both in different habitats, and learn to utilize the natural world to bring science curriculum to life. Although targeted to teachers of pre-K through second grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Your curriculum will ?take flight? with the resources you take home!
Course Name: Illinois Urban Wildlife Wildlife is all around us, in large urban areas or small towns! Educators of grades prekindergarten through four are invited to participate as we learn where to look for urban wildlife, what you can expect to find, how to identify species, and how to improve urban wildlife habitat at your school. Natural resources professionals and educators will instruct about these topics and more, including how species adapt to the urban environment, how humans affect urban wildlife, and how to use urban wildlife topics as the foundation for locally relevant, place-based teaching. Receive supplemental educational materials to enhance your teaching.
Course Name: Aquatic Biodiversity Join us for this workshop that will have you sampling and observing the components of four aquatic habitats at Red Oak Nature Center: river; lake; stream; and spring. We will discuss what the results show and talk about how to incorporate this type of activity into your curriculum to support Next Generation Science Standards. Although targeted to teachers of grades five through eight, teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Course Name: Wildlife Basics-Birds This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild birds in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for birds and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild birds? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Fall Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We?ll take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We'll be incorporating several topics. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through three, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You?ll take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about fall nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Illinois Reptiles and Amphibians Illinois is home to a variety of slimy and scaly animals which inhabit all types of sensitive ecosystems. Educators of grades prekindergarten through eight will learn about their unique life histories, features and behaviors, and will take a hike around the Nature Museum to look for examples in our urban habitat. We will observe living and preserved specimens, provide you with resources and activities, and discuss regulations regarding keeping these animals in the classroom. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
Course Name: Prying into Prions Prying into Prions: Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease is a supplemental, educational unit for high school students that assists in studying prion diseases, including chronic wasting disease. Explore and learn about transmissible spongiform encephalopathies by examining the role of proteins in organisms, the chemistry and properties of proteins, the genetic processes that create proteins, and how proteins can become pathogenic. Study how chronic wasting disease affects Illinois? white-tailed deer herd and what control measures are being taken.
Course Name: Wild Illinois History Wild Illinois History is a self-contained teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight. The online interactive student activity and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history instruction by focusing on information regarding early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography in what was to become Illinois and the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. The activity also highlights the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
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