Concurrent Sessions

 - History and Culture               - Natural History

- Hot topics in Education                 - Trends in Energy

- Stewardship/Service Learning

Thursday ~ 10 am

Dr. Pete Myers,  Our Stolen Future 

A facilitated discussion about his keynote program and his work with “Our Stolen Future” and the Environmental Health Sciences.  The emerging science in environmental health, while at first blush daunting, has us poised on the edge of a revolution in our ability to prevent many common diseases, including quite a few that most people right now don't think of as having an environmental origin.

 Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko, Rural Renaissance and Inn Serendipity

 “Sustainable Living Simplified”

Despite what ad campaigns tell us, "the good life" can't be bought on a credit card.  Craft your own definition of "the good life" and simplify declutter, reduce and recycle. Join Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko, co-authors of Rural Renaissance, as they share creative ideas and approaches to sustainable living. 

Diane Pixler, Marshall County (Iowa) Naturalist and Sally Wilson, Iowa State University Extension

 “It’s More Than Elementary – Service Learning for Life.”

Get middle schoolers involved in environmental ed. and their communities.  The 4H Jr. Conservationists program provides academics, life skills development and opportunities for community service.  Learn how to start a program like this in your area.

Linda Zaletel, Story County (Iowa) Naturalist  and Wendy Zohrer, E Resources Group (90 min.) “KinderNature”

KinderNature, a new website, can help provide environmental education activities and training to naturalists and early childhood educators on the web, EE activities, and the training tools needed for developing age-appropriate activities.

Sandra Fulcher, Hartman Reserve Nature Center (Iowa) Program Coordinator

 “Mountain Lions in Iowa”

Mountain lions in Iowa?  What is going on?  Come and find out in this hands-on learning activity appropriate for all ages.

 Pat Higby, Energy Educator, Center for Energy and Environmental Education, UNI

“Junior Solar Sprint Workshop” (90 minutes) - $10 fee for materials.

Build a model car powered by solar cells and learn how this activity can be used in both school and non-traditional learning programs.  Discover for yourself the awesome power of the sun captured and transferred to electricity by the photovoltaic process!

           

Frank Babka, World Population Balance

“Population: Humanely Stopping Increase as Resources Decline” (90 minutes)

Many scientists and leaders agree: stabilizing population is crucial to our future existence on the planet.  Learn what's current and how to help others grasp the urgency

 Duane Toomsen, Retired EE consultant, Iowa

“Southern Africa Adventure”

A 35mm slide presentation accompanied with verbal dialogue showing Victoria Falls in Zambia, plant and animal life and the cultures of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.  An emphasis will be placed upon changes taking place in the landscape and culture.

Thursday ~11 am

  Alisa Meggit, 6^th Grade Instructor, Lucas Elementary, Iowa City

 “Food and Farming”

Come to understand the privileges behind a balanced diet by calculating the distance food travels to reach Iowa's tables; distributing food among the worlds population; witnessing the earth's surface excavated to reveal remaining farmland, and learning about human and animal conditions in large-scale food production.

  Jill Bucher, Science Instructor, Lincoln College, Normal, Illinois

 “ Water Quality at Wolf Creek in Kappa, Illinois”

Wolf creek is a small tributary that runs through private property in Kappa, IL and empties into the Mackinaw River.  In speaking with the property owners, they were becoming concerned about a recent subdivision development taking place a short distance upstream.  They noted several changes in the creek and the impact it was having on the organisms living in the creek.

Susan Salterberg, Program Manager, Center for energy and Environmental Education, University of Northern Iowa

 “Great Books with Environmental Messages”

You'll be introduced to some quality picture books and lesser-known but wonderful trade books.  These can be used for reading aloud to your students, word study, shared reading, independent reading and writing reactions to literature.

Don Perschau, Iowa Herpetological Society

 “Iowa’s Venomous Snakes”

Learn about the ecology status and distribution of Iowa's four species of venomous snakes.  Tips on safe viewing in the wild included.

  Rachel Sandhorst, Science Education Instructor, Luther College, Decorah, IA

 “Citizen Science”

Through Citizen Science, students are actively engaged in real research.  Learn how to incorporate inquiry, data collection and technology through these national research projects.

 

Fred Heinz and Todd Von Ehwegen, Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board

“Iowa’s County Conservation Boards – Fifty Years Riding the Winds of Change”

For the past 50 years, Iowa's County Conservation Board's have been instrumental in implementing landmark conservation concepts in Iowa.  What can we learn from Iowa's "grassroots" conservation success story?

Thursday ~ 2:45

Joe McGovern, Land Stewardship Director, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

 “ Changing the Midwestern Landscape with Restoration, Management and Permanent Protection”

Learn the elements of restoration and management of natural systems, how they can be protected for future generations using conservation easements and how educators can be involved.

   

Terri Hallesy, Education and Communications Specialist, University of Illinois

“Do Your Part to Nab the Invader”

Website "Nab the Aquatic Invader" engages students using a detective theme to investigate invasive species concepts such as biology, spread, impacts, and control measures.  Students develop an understanding of how exotic aquatics affect the water environment and ways humans can help prevent the further spread of these organisms.

Gary Phillips, Sustainable Energy Resources Program Coordinator, Iowa Lakes Community College

“Sustainable Energy Resources: Career Opportunities and Educational Needs”

Presentation will look at the growth of career opportunities in the sustainable energy resources industry and address the role that environmental educators will have in addressing the needs of this industry for trained technicians and managers.

Jeff Weld, University of Northern Iowa

“ Ecophobes or Ecophiles:  Environmental Education That Helps and Hinders a Stewardship Mindset”

The expression on the faces of ecophobes is unmistakable-glassy eyes and bordom over environmental issues.  How we orchestrate informal or formal education encounters can make all the difference.

Karen Ostlie and Susan Anderson, University of Minnesota Extension Service

“ Bison, Bonnets, and Bluestem:  Life on the Prairie”

The Midwest, heart of the tallgrass prairie region, has an increased focus on prairies.  People are interested in place-based teaching and learning becoming more familiar with and appreciating the environment in which they live.

   Pat Higby, Energy Educator, Center for Energy and Env. Ed., UNI

“ K-12 Hands-on Energy Education”

Discover how the CEEE/UNI can help you teach energy efficiency and renewable energy to K-12+ students with the Iowa Energy Poster Contest, Junior Solar Sprint, and Electrathon.

   Annie Lindekugel, Recycling Educator, Peoria County, and Kristan Creek, Solid Waste Educator, Macon County Illinois 

“Where Does it All Go?  Pre-K-8 Natural Resource Programming for Traditional and Non-traditional Educators”Hands on Recycling and Natural Resource activities for pre-K-8 modeled in this session are applicable to the formal and non-formal educator.

  Barbara Tagami and Diana Pritts, Dickinson County (Iowa)  Conservation Board

“ Activities Connecting Sensory Awareness to the Natural World”

This presentation will focus on the fact that young children want, need and deserve authentic experiences with real objects.  It will build upon sensory awareness activites using natural objects to heighten young children's appreciation for nature, and will help create an awareness of the need to change the way we allow children to experience the natural world.

Thursday ~ 3:45 – These are all  60-90 Minute Sessions

 Joyce, elementary teacher, Allamakee County, and Bill Steffenson, Iowa Farmer

“ Family Farm Forecast”

A visual tour of midwestern rural life, from the past to the present, including a hands-on activity and related literature.  Is there a stormy, unsettled future ahead for the family farm?

Libby Dorn, Director of Fallen Timbers Environmental Center, Seymour, WI

“ Training Teachers to Master the Use of Field computers and GPS Units within Natural Environments”

Demonstrating the integrated use of technology, science, and math in water quality environmental studies.  Focus on the "water quality" and incorporate LabPro field computers, relevant probes and sensors, digital documentation equipment, and GPS units.

Lori Foresman-Kirpes, Naturalist, Polk County (Iowa)  Conservation Board

“Park Packs – No Naturalist Required”

Park Packs - nature themed backpacks with activities for families and other groups.  Learn how the learning style of Howard Garner's Multiple Intelligences theory were incorporated into the activities in each of the nature themed park packs.  Participants will investigate the packs and handouts will be available.

  Mark Edwards, AmeriCorps Coordinator, Iowa DNR

“ Tracking My Species in the Great Outdoors”

What do other beings and the children seven generations from now have to say to us today?  Come listen to the toads and ticks, bobcats’ screams and the cry of lost elk.  A spirited presentation and discussion on the history, hurts, and hopes of all species using Iowa as a model we can all live with.

 Duane Toomsen, Environmental Ed. Consultant and Marsha Morgan, 4-H Youth Extention Program Specialist, Iowa State University

“Food, Land, and People:  Resources for Learning”

A hands-on session designed to provide the educator with a series of activities to develop a better understanding of food consumption, environmental issues involving the land and cultural aspects of food as a natural resource required by all.

Wendy Zohrer, E Resources Group, Des Moines, Iowa

“Discover Stories Written in Dust: The Great Depression”

Help students connect with the Great Depression and discover stories written in dust.  Uncover the mysteries of Black Sunday and discover how people in YOUR community survived the 1930s.  Program techniques include a living history portrayal of an Iowa farm woman, research & oral history with a tie back to environmental education.

Peggy Doty, Natural Resources Educator, University of Illinois Extention, Sycamore, Illinois

“Putting the “R” in Recycling”

This program will put you steps ahead if you have been wanting to develop a recycling curriculum for K-5.  This session will focus on funding and hands-on curriculum activities

Saturday ~ 8:30 am

  Jason O’Brien, Coordinator, Iowa NatureMapping, Iowa State University Extension and Sara Schmidt, Beaver Creek Reserve, Fall Creek, Wisconsin

“NatureMapping: Citizen Scientists Changing How Science Is Done”

This program will share ways that Iowa and Wisconsin are providing opportunities for teachers, students and volunteers to become involved in NatureMapping, a long-term wildlife monitoring program.

Angi Reid, Naturalist, Osborne Nature Center, Elkader, Iowa

“People Count: Activites on Population and Sustainability”  (90 minutes)

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore innovative ways to teach students about population dynamics among humans and non-human species, especially as they relate to natural resource use and impacts on ecosystems.

  Karen Koenig, Teacher, Riverbend Middle School, Iowa Falls, Iowa

“So You Want to Start a Science Club?”

Learn how one teacher with no budget started a successful science club in her middle school.  Hand-outs displays, and ideas for club activities included.

 Mike Havlik, Head Naturalist, Des Moines Y-Camp, Boone, Iowa

“ Hawk Identification: Three to ID”  (90 minutes)

This fast-paced class has every participant making their own field guide to hawks in flight.  An excellent introduction for beginners or a refresher for hard-core birders

 Kristie Anders, Education Director, J. N. “Ding” Darling Foundation, Sanibel Florida

“A Darling Look at Advocacy and Partnerships”

Ding Darling encouraged partnerships to increase the leverage for advocacy.  Founder of the National Wildlife Federation and Fish and Wildlife Coop Units at universities, Darling's forward thinking is as relevant today as it was in the first half of the 20th century.

Karen Frailey, Research Assistant, Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University

“Insight on the Trail of Tears: Dispelling Myths, Changing Perceptions”

The story of the Trail of Tears, the history of the Cherokee people, can help us understand how misconceptions color our beliefs and ultimately our understanding of history.  When carefully researched, topics such as the Trail of Tears can provide case studies to help students better understand issues, thus providing the impetus for creating the 'Winds of Change' in our culture.

 

David Osterberg, Professor of Environmental Health, University of Iowa and Gail Barels, Naturalist, Linn County (Iowa) Conservation Board

 “Wind in Our Faces: Putting An Energy Answer in Front of the Midwest”

Wind turbines, ethanol, solar energy, and biomass have again gained use as new technologies stimulate great use of renewable energies.  The 2004 Green Bike Tour promoted these innovative energy sources and economic development in the local media and with politicians in the Midwest and Europe.

 

Saturday ~ 9:30

Anita O’Gara, Vice President/ Director of Development, The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

 “Land Protection Isn’t Just for Land Trusts”

Learn about tools INHF and other land trusts used to protect special land and waterways and important points to teach others about land protection through an overview of The Landowener's Options.

 

 Tammy Becker, Education Coordinator, Living Lands and Waters, East Moline, Illinois

“Interactive Ways of Teaching and Learning About Big River Systems”

This course will explore various techniques of teaching the value and importance of big river systems.  Specifically, it will highlight the workshops provided by LL&W, Chad Pregracke’s river cleanup organization.

 

Jim Pease, Wildlife Extension Specialist, Iowa State University

“"Iowa Wildlife:  A Checkered History"

Wildlife in Iowa have gone through many changes:  abundance, decline, some disappearance, and abundance again.  Dr. Jim Pease and critters will share this history with you and some thoughts on why it is a checkered history.

 

 Ed Saehler, Environmental Education Coordinator, The University of Iowa

“University of Iowa School of the Wild: Wildly Curious, Naturally Learning!”

Power Point presentation - U.I School of the Wild: "Wildly curious, naturally learning!"  Develop a sense of wonder in your students, by creating diirect connections to the natural world emphasizing "hands-on" activities.

 

Tom Hurd, Architect, Spatial Designs, Mason City, Iowa

“ A Generation Beyond: Environmental Design”

Environmental design can and should include a multitude of features.  Presents the reality, choices and effects of alternative energy and other environmental design options.

 

Saturday ~ 10:30 am

Marlene Ehresman, Program and Planning Associate, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

“Being the Wind of Change”

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation makes positive changes on the Midwest landscape by producing educational materials, such as Woodland Health, and developing partnerships, such as the four-state Blufflands alliance.

 

 Pam Holz, Naturalist, Washington County (Iowa) Conservation Board

“Sustainability: Australia and the Midwest”

Learn about the great things Australia is doing to make its country more sustainable and brainstorm methods to implement those practices locally and regionally.

 

 Susan Fowler, Harmony by Hand, Evansville, Indiana and Curt Carter, Land for Learning, Jonesboro, Illinois

“Music with a Message”

Come celebrate the EARTH in music!  Tap your toe and raise your voice, lift your hands and swing your partner and share the HEART and HARMONY of song, dance, guitar, and sign language.

 

 Liza Fischel, Naturalist, Heller Nature Center, Highland Park, Illinois

“Three E’s in Honeybees”

Humans have been working with bees for more than 3,000 years!  Understanding the life history of the honey bee has allowed cultures, the environment and the economy to flourish.  Come learn more about this fascinating creature, Apis mellifera.  A projection microscope and powerpoint slides will aid your inquiry.       

 

Lena Verkuilen, Educator, Boon County (Illinois) Conservation District

“Looking Back to Move Ahead”

First person and historical presentations can add a new perspective in your programming.  This workshop will help relate pioneer experiences to the prairie ecosystem.  Handle some artifacts and feel the history.

 

Tommi Makila, Program Planner, Iowa DNR

“Superconductivity – A New Technology to Save Energy and Transform the Energy Sector”

The presentation covers the history of superconductivity, an overview of various electric power sector applications, the benefits of superconductive technology, and the challenges the technology faces.