An Invitation to the 2009 Missouri Environmental Education Conference
The 13th Annual Missouri Environmental Education Conference
Outdoors in the Ozarks
Friday - Sunday October 16-18, 2009
Richwood Valley Campus, Ozarks Technical Community College
Ozark, Missouri (just south of Springfield)
Conference Supporters
Conference Committee
Download a pdf of the Conference Schedule (as of October 15, 2009).
Research shows that going outside increases children's engagement in school, improves academic achievement, reduces behavior problems, improves health, and fosters a stronger attachment to nature. Long term, it plays a key role in developing skills for and interest in protecting the environment.
If kids are going to go outside these days, teachers, and other caring adults are going to have to take them. That's what this conference is about. We have kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, two cave trips and other hands-on outdoor experiences for educators who want to develop or improve their outdoor skills so they can enjoy the outdoors with their students, their children, grandchildren and honorary nieces and nephews.
Along with these great outdoor activities, we have our usual terrific line up of indoor and outdoor environmental education presentations, curricula, and resources. You can learn about Stream Teams, Envirothon, Field Trips, Karst, Animals, Recycling, Weather, Green Teams, Festivals, Wetlands, Play, the Antarctic, Conservation, MEEA, Population Growth, Photography, Ponds, Forests, Prairies, Carbon Sequestration and Xeriscaping.
Friday Night-Hands-on Social, Dinner, Music and WOLF School Presentation: Join us at 5:00 to help make a Dutch Oven Dinner we'll all dig into at 6:00, accompanied by Ozarks Bluegrass Music and the Fishin' Magicians. At 7:00, former WOLF School Fifth Graders, their Animals, their Teachers and Misty Mitchell from Wonders of Wildlife will bring the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (aka WOLF) alive for you! The WOLF school is an innovative Choice learning opportunity for Springfield Public Schools fifth graders, in conjunction with the Wonders of Wildlife Educational Center. The school offers an inquiry-based learning experience that allows students to explore a comprehensive curriculum through the context of nature and conservation, with an emphasis on outdoor activities. Students must apply to attend, and enjoyment of nature, not grades, is the prerequisite.
Keynote Speaker - Loring Bullard: Who better to make the connection between the outdoors and education than Loring Bullard, Executive Director of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks for 20 years. Loring will share his views on the role of non-formal outdoor education in transforming the Springfield area into one of Missouri's premier watershed friendly regions.
Certification: The Conference qualifies as a Category III requirement! Many of the outdoor activities will count as a Category II requirement. Look for information on Professional Certification at the MEEA table.
Plus! Welcome Bags filled with Springfield area goodies, including a CD with presentation handouts and a discounted $5 rate for Discovery Center admission so you can see the Green Features of this LEED Platinum building
Check out the presentations!
Here is a link to the conference location
Directions: 3369 West Jackson, Ozark. Take 65 south out of Springfield, turn west (right) on West Jackson Road/Hwy 14. The campus is about 1.6 miles from 65. The campus features a 1.5 mile nature trail and pond so be sure and dress for outdoor activities.
Conference Hotel: Days Inn of Ozark 417-581-5800 900 North 18th Street, Ozark.
Directions: From Richwood Valley, take Jackson Road east, past 65 and turn north (left) on 18th Street. The hotel is about 1/10 of a mile, on the right. From Springfield, exit at Jackson towards the east (left), turn east (left, cross 65) and then make another left on 18th Street. Visit http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=01976&brandInfo=DI or call 417-581-5800 to make a reservation. The $59.95 rate is available for Friday and Saturday nights, you must book before September 15 and indicate you are with the Missouri EE Conference or the MEEA Conference
2009 Registration Fees (click here to pay using paypal).
Conference Registration (Required for all field trips or activities except Leave No Trace)
Field Trip or Activity (Pre-registration required)
Exhibitors
NO LATE FEE
How to register
*The Share Fair is free to all individuals registered for the conference to share information about a project, program or curriculum they use to teach (no home-based businesses please.) Share Fair participants will have 1/2 a table to display information. Space may be limited, so be sure to contact us early.
**During the lunch break we invite you to participate in our "Drop-in Interest Groups" or DIGs. These are informal get togethers among individuals with a common issue, interest or problem. You can participate by joining a group that has been set up, or by setting up your own group. To set up a group, email Jan Weaver (weaverjc@missouri.edu) with a brief description of the topic your group will cover, your contact information and a name for your group. We'll find you some space and post your DIG description and meeting place.
Strand A: Environment and Outdoors
1. Stream Team Review and Update Friday 3:00-4:50 pm Priscilla Stotts, Missouri Stream Team A demonstration of how biological, chemical and visual data can be collected by trained volunteer monitors. It can be an introduction for teachers wanting to start teams or a review for experienced teachers. This will be going outdoors.
2. Watershed Festivals to Meet the GLEs Saturday 8:00-8:50 am Kellie Herman, James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) A hands-on watershed festival can teach students the importance of clean water, point and non-point source pollution, erosion, and other environmental concepts (that will inspire environmental responsibility) and help meet GLEs. Includes overview of test results of the effectiveness of JRBP's festivals on student knowledge.
3. Conservation Frontiers: Nature for All Seasons Saturday 9:00-10:50 Jay Barber and Carol Mahan, Missouri Department of Conservation The Conservation Frontiers Program is a great way to connect with nature and have fun doing it. It is a flexible, go at your own speed investigation of nature and using the outdoors. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to experience this great program and many “give-aways” will be included.
4. How to Get the Most From a Field Experience Saturday 1:30-2:20 pm Deb Ballin, DJ Enterprises Ideas for extending the learning experience beyond the field and into the classroom. Includes lesson plan ideas that are cross-curricular and aligned to Grade Level Expectation, primarily math and science. Includes possible trip checklists and sample forms.
5. The GLADE Program Saturday 9:00 - 9:50 am MOVED From Sunday Janice Greene, Missouri State University GLADE, the Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystem, is a Together Green Toyota Grant-based joint project of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society and the MSU Bull Shoals Field Station. Learn how 16 high school sophomores and juniors spent a week immersed in nature, tracking Warblers, replanting canebrakes, building a bridge, and sharing their experiences with their communities.
6. Aquatic Life: Pond and Stream Survey Sunday 8:00-9:50 am Adam Crane, Missouri State University Using seines and dip-nets, we will sample ponds and a creek on the Richwood Valley campus looking mainly for amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. These sites are all easily accessible from a campus bike trail. Attendees should bring appropriate hiking and/or water shoes; bikes are also welcome.
7. Basics of Green Building, Low Impact Development and the Importance of Design Sunday 10:00-10:50 am Mary Mike Taylor and Melissa Cox, Ozark Green Buildings Coalition A change from “building-as-usual” has begun. This presentation will illustrate the movement toward making development and building design more environmentally-friendly. Handouts will be provided CHANGE FROM CHILDREN IN NATURE
Strand B: Middle and Secondary School
8. Stream Sense (A Project WET Activity) Friday 3:00-3:50 pm Fran Fry, Niangua High School Using your senses, and journaling, mapping, and observation skills, while interpreting an outdoor area. This activity will focus on the water near the conference area as our observation classroom. You will be given various ways of interpreting your outdoor area that can be adapted for all grades and subjects in school.
9. About DNR Sponsored Field Trips Friday 4:00-4:50 pm Jim Lubbers, Department of Natural Resources Learn about DNRs free field trips for environmental science students. (THIS SESSION ONLY IF DNR FIELD TRIP DOES NOT FILL)
10. Living on Swiss Cheese: Cave and Karst Activities Using Hands-On, Inquiry and Probes Saturday 8:00-9:50 am Jill Black, Missouri State University and Lindsay Harmon, Ozark Middle School, Elaine Brys, Immaculate Conception School Activities using several levels of inquiry and technology are presented that involve students in caves, karst, water quality, and related environmental issues. Student-designed inquiry activities using on-site abiotic measurements with probes and graphing calculators are presented, as well as traditional methods. Participants also perform hands-on activities and make models.
11. Envirothon: Forestry Saturday 10:00-10:50 am Jamila Harris, Missouri Department of Conservation This workshop will examine the key forestry concepts from the Envirothon competition. We will identify trees and shrubs with and without a key. Understand basic forest management concepts and tools. Use tree measuring devices, determine the best use of management practices and analyze wildlife communities as they relate to forest communities.
12. The People Connection: Human Ecology Activities for a Sustainable Planet Saturday 1:30-3:20 pm Janice Greene, Missouri State University An understanding of human ecology and pathways to sustainable communities would be incomplete without an understanding of human population trends. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore innovative ways to teach students about population growth trends, natural resource use and environmental carrying capacity. Free CD
13. Fabulous Furballs Sunday 8:00-9:50 am Reta Barkley and Melanie Carden-Jessen, Missouri Department of Conservation Learn about Missouri Mammals in this workshop - where they live, what they do and the ways they are important to people and nature. Materials provided to enhance formal and informal learning.
14. Carbon Sequestration 101 Sunday 10:00-10:50 am Gary Pendergrass, City Utilities, Springfield City Utilities of Springfield is working with Missouri State University geologists on the Missouri Carbon Sequestration Research Project. This informational session by engineer Gary Pendergrass, CU's Manager, will get you up to speed on the basics of carbon sequestration, which is hoped by many to be the key to slowing the effects of coal-burning power plants on climate.
Strand C: Elementary and Middle School
15. A Study of Elementary School Outdoor Classrooms in Rural and Non-Rural Areas of Missouri Friday 3:00-3:50 pm Cathy Wissehr, University of Arkansas How do outdoor classrooms in rural and non-rural areas of Missouri compare? Data from 2004-2006 on 136 elementary schools in rural and non-rural areas of Missouri showed outdoor classrooms in rural areas tended to be larger, contained different features, and received different levels of support than non-rural outdoor classrooms. What to consider for your outdoor classroom.
16. At Risk or At Promise - Making a Difference for All Learners Friday 4:00-4:50 pm Pam Herd, Dickerson Park Zoo and Susan Miranti, Springfield Public Schools Research indicates students excel where the curriculum makes real-life connections. Several educational partnerships were developed with Dickerson Park Zoo and Springfield Public Schools alternative school sites. Various programs, field trips and experiences will be shared. There will be animals!
17. Children in Nature: Incorporating Play into Teachable Moments Sunday 8:00-8:50 am CANCELLED
18. The Green Team: Holland School's Successful Program Saturday 9:00-9:50 am Kim Taylor, Holland Elementary School In this session you will hear about the steps Holland Elementary in Springfield took to make their school green: how to set up a green team, deciding on a mission and what green will look like for your school, as well as questions to lead you into a healthier and more sustainable way to live for your staff, families, and your community. Easily transferable to middle and high schools.
19. Antarctica: Is it Just Ice? Hands-On Activities for the Elementary Classroom Saturday 10:00-10:50 am Melida Gutierrez, Missouri State University and Shae Johnson, Greenwood Laboratory School Polar science will be introduced by means of hands-on activities that will address (1) melting of glaciers and ice, (2) the differences between the North and the South Poles, (3) the geography and landforms of Antarctica and (4) how Arctic/Antarctic animals’ insulation helps them live in this harsh environment.
20. How to Have a Successful Earth Day Event with Little Green Saturday 1:30-2:20 pm CANCELLED
21. The GO:SEE Program with Missouri Geographic Alliance Saturday 2:30-2:20 pm Lindsay Harmon, Ozark Middle School and Sheryl Cardenzana, Reeds Spring Middle School Join Lindsay and Sheryl in their ten days of travel through the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks with other 4th - 8th grade educators, learning about history, culture, economics, and the environment of this region. The trip, sponsored by the Missouri Geographic Alliance, offered free graduate credit, free food and lodging, and free materials and resources. They will share information about this.
22. Discover Nature Schools: Untamed World of Missouri's Ponds, Forests and Prairies Sunday 8:00-9:50 am Regina Knauer, Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Unleashed is a fully-aligned, exciting, engaging, hands-on, outdoor learning instructional unit for elementary students aligned with state standards. Activities are designed to be adapted easily by teachers to meet student needs and to get students outdoors and exploring, investigating and asking questions about immediate areas around their school—learning about nature in nature.
23. Earth Science: Can You Dig It? Sunday 10:00-10:50 am Deb Ballin, Rubidoux Middle School, St. Joseph Ever wish you had Earth Science resources together? Wish you could do inquiry with little or no supplies? Is Earth Science your overlooked area? Everything from vocabulary, performance events, inquiry investigations to assessment will be provided – all GLE aligned in documents you can modify.
Strand D: General Interest I
24. Teaching Recycling: Activities, Information and Collaborative Groups Friday 3:00-3:50 pm Barbara Lucks, City of Springfield Materials Recovery/Education Coordinator Teaching recycling to young and old plus how to engage your entire community in your efforts.
25. Dutch Oven Cooking: A Hands-On Lesson Friday 4:00-5:00 pm Celeste Prussia, Bull Shoals Field Station Meet with Dutch Oven Cooking expert and Bull Shoals Field Station Manager Celeste Prussia to learn the basics of Dutch Oven Cooking! You'll then be in the forefront for preparing Friday evening's Dutch Oven Dinner from 5:00-6:00, helping teach other participants the techniques that you learn! Enjoy!
26. Hazardous Weather: AMS Outreach for Education Saturday 8:00-9:50 am John Sode, Marshfield High School Learn about the latest technologies and resource materials for teaching about the weather, especially hazardous weather (thunder storms and severe storms). Includes information on teacher's guides, hands-on activities and internet delivered weather information.
27. Using Animals and Nature to Connect with At-Risk Students Saturday 10:00-10:50 am Bridget Ebert and Kimberly Hoormann, St. Louis Zoo Animals and nature can benefit at-risk students by helping them to assimilate their home-life situations, as well as having other long-term benefits. Come learn what the Saint Louis Zoo is doing and how to make a difference in your class. Includes material lists, story-telling ideas, and other activities.
28. Snakes! Saturday 1:30-2:20 pm Jay Barber, Missouri Department of Conservation Learn about common Missouri Snakes, which ones are venomous and which ones are not, what their food and habitat preferences are and their importance to people and to nature.
29. Using Digital Photography to Understand Ecosystem Concepts Saturday 2:30-3:20 pm Gigi Saunders, Missouri State University Using digital photography, students can examine the local schoolyard and then “bring the ecosystem into the classroom” to learn about population, habitat, community and ecosystem. Participants will experience this hands-on approach themselves taking pictures and creating descriptions of the ecosystem using text and their photos.
31. MEEA 101: What MEEA Can Do for You Sunday 9:00-9:50 am MEEA Board Members What's new with MEEA - the website, the monthly email newsletter, participation in No Child Left Inside and the recently revised Certification Program.
32. Xeriscape Gardening for a Changing Climate Sunday 10:00-10:50 am Barbara St. Clair, Springfield Xeriscape Garden The Xeriscape Garden on National Avenue is a project of the Master Gardeners of Greene County and for over 15 years it has featured xeric plants that bloom and prosper in Missouri weather. Barbara St.Clair, will discuss what Master Gardeners have learned about the kinds of plants that are successful, adaptations that help them survive drought, preparing the soil, and sources for purchasing plants.
Strand E: General Interest II
33. Storm Water Management: Opportunities for Education, Recreation, and Natural Systems Friday 3:00 - 3:50 pm NEW Todd Wagner, Springfield Storm Water Services Division Learn how the City of Springfield and other cities are finding creative ways to educate kids and adults on storm water runoff and water quality, integrating trails and other recreation opportunities into flood control projects, and using native plants and natural designs to protect our water resources.
34. Teaching Young Children About Water Friday 4:00 - 4:50 pm NEW Mary Giles, USDA-NRCS South Missouri Water Quality Project Learn how the USDA-NRCS South Missouri Water Quality Project has utilized an outreach/education program to build a foundation for future learning and environmental stewardship in young children. The program targets children between the ages of three years and the third grade. Attendees will receive a free story book in addition to information on where to access free early childhood conservation lesson plans developed through a partnership effort with Missouri State University.
35. What is the Carbon Footprint of a School? Saturday 8:00 - 8:50 am NEW Greg Pelkey, Springfield Public Schools Greg will discuss the process and methodology used in developing a carbon footprint model for each of the 65 district facilities, encompassing over 4 million square feet. These are the beginning steps in developing a carbon footprint scoring system for the three primary categories within the district, Elementary, Middle, and High schools.
36. Valley Water Mill: Outdoor Education at the Watershed Center Saturday 9:00-9:50 am Mike Kromrey, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks Learn about the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill, and the free educational opportunities provided to students of all ages.
37. Designing and Implementing Rain Gardens Saturday 10:00 - 10:50 am NEW Adam Coulter, USDA This presentation will focus on the factors in designing and implementing rain gardens, specifically for educational purposes at public facilities such as schools, churches, and community buildings.
37a. Water Quality of Urban Streams in the Springfield Metropolitan Area Saturday 10:00 - 10:50 am NEW Heather Hoggard and Jennifer Duzan, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute This presentation describes the methods and results of three recent Missouri State University studies of water quality in the region. First, we examine the quality of storm water draining residential areas in Ozark and Nixa. Second, we describe the MS4 urban stream monitoring program for 30 sites in Springfield and surrounding communities and look at the results from year 1. Finally, we identify the water quality trends for the Pearson Creek watershed.
38. Ward Branch Stream Restoration Project Saturday 1:30 - 2:20 pm and 2:30 - 3:30 pm NEW Dr. Bob Pavlowsky and Marc Owen, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute Ward Branch is an urban stream draining Springfield and flows into the James River. A case study is presented documenting how a portion of Ward Branch was restored to prevent to reduce bank erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife benefits. Important topics to be covered include urban stream issues, channel stabilization practices, channel monitoring techniques, project planning and design process, and importance of community and government partnerships.
39. Hands on Demonstration of Field Mapping Techniques Saturday 1:30 - 2:20 pm NEW Derek Martin, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute Become familiar with the instrumentation and techniques used to map the landscape. Get a chance to operate modern surveying instruments including an auto-level, total station, and surveying-grade GPS. We will cover the process by which spatial information is collected in the field and used to create a computer-generated map.
40. Bridging the Classroom-Outdoor Gap Sunday 8:00-8:50 am CANCELLED
41. GPS--Geocaching 101 Sunday 9:00-11:30 am Kara Warren, Springfield-Green County Parks This is a hands-on session for learning about geocaching and about using GPS units. Includes what kind of unit to look for (for classroom or youth group use), how to find or place a cache, permits and partnerships, and incorporating math and technology into a geo-caching activity or program. Equipment is provided.
Strand F: Field Trips and Workshops PreRegistration Required for All Activities - Many are off-site and/or may have fees
42. Pre-Conference Leopold Education Project (LEP) Educator Workshop Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Celeste Prussia, Bull Shoals Field Station (BSFS) This training at BSFS will provide opportunities for educators to learn more about Aldo Leopold and experience LEP activities. The workshop will use the new LEP activities in “Exploring the Outdoors with Aldo Leopold”. Bring your own lunch, snacks and beverages provided. Cost: $40, includes a copy of "A Sand Country Almanac", "Lessons in a Land Ethic", LEP Task Cards and a CD of the new LEP activities.. You must arrange your own transportation to and from Bull Shoals Field Station near Kirbyville - directions are in the logistics section
43. Field Trip to Tumbling Creek Cave Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tom Aley, Ozark Underground Laboratory See the cave, the aboveground karst features and the Ozark Underground Laboratory. Bring a flashlight, pack a lunch. Cost: $20 Meet at the Cave by 10 (directions in logistics section) or contact us about carpooling or van arrangements CANCELLED
43a. Learning with the WOLF Pack Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Becky Ziegler and Sue Dyle, WOLF School Come and see how the WOLF teachers incorporate the 5th grade curriculum into conservation science on a daily basis through hands on learning in the field. Learn what you can take back to the classroom for your students. Cost: Free. Meet at the WOLF school, Wonders of Wildlife 720 W Sunshine Springfield. Registration limited to 4 teachers. Bring a sack lunch
44. DNR Sponsored Field Trips for Students Enrolled in Environmental Classes Friday 1:00-4:00 pm Jim Lubbers, Department of Natural Resources This field trip will visit quarry, solar and wind energy sites to demonstrate field trips available for schools with students in environmental science, environmental studies or earth science classes throughout the state. Leaves from the Richwood Valley Campus. Cost: Free Van leaves from Richwood Campus at 1: 00 pm and returns by 4:00 pm.CANCELLED
45. Teaching Water with an Ozark Stream Float Trip Friday 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm Loring Bullard, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Dr. Bob Pavlowsky, Ozarks Water and Resources Institute The history, geology, natural history, water quality, and issues related to watershed management in the James River from the Kerr Access to Galena. Cost: $25 Meet at the Kerr Access south of Springfield by noon - directions will be sent to registrants CANCELLED
46. Leave No Trace National Trainer Certification Friday 5:00 pm - Saturday 5:00 pm - an overnight activity Kara Warren, Springfield-Green County Parks Participants receive introductory training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics in a condensed two-day one-overnight format. They learn and prepare to teach LNT curriculum in a variety of settings – schools, camps, parks, wilderness and front country areas. Bring overnight duffle and personal camping gear, water bottle, small tent (available to rent for $10), camp chair and mess kit. Group gear provided. Cost: $50 fee covers materials, "bug juice", dinner, breakfast, lunch. 18+ only. Meet at Lake Springfield Park Boathouse and Marina - directions in logistics section
47. Wonders of Wetlands Workshop Saturday 8:00-10:50 and 1:30-4:20 must attend all 6 hours WOW!: The Wonders of Wetlands is a series of activities for children and adults about wetlands, wetland plants and animals, water and soil, and the culture and issues related to wetlands and people. Participants in this workshop will receive training and the Wonders of Wetlands Activity Guide, which is set up like the Project WET guide. Cost: $20 Richwood Valley Campus CANCELLED
48. Basic Canoeing and Kayaking Safety Skills Saturday 1:00-5:00 pm Melvin Johnson, Springfield-Green County Parks This session will cover both canoeing and kayaking equipment, parts, safety, and hands-on skills on a short float. Safety will include weather issues, including: combined air and water temperatures resulting in hypothermia conditions, working with youth on the water, and optional water rescue opportunity at the end. Discussion will include how to handle two 5th grade classrooms of 47 students and 2 teachers on the water at the same time. Cost: $35/canoe (1 or 2 participants) or $25/kayak (1 person). Meet at Lake Springfield Park Boathouse and Marina - directions in logistics section
49. Leopold Education Project (LEP) Facilitator Training Sunday 9:00-12:00 am Celeste Prussia, Bull Shoals Field Station This training will provide opportunities for educators to learn more about Aldo Leopold and experience LEP activities. This is only for persons who have previously taken LEP Educator training (like that offered on Thursday). Bring lunch, snacks and beverages provided. Cost: $25 includes LEP Facilitator Manual. Saturday night accommodations at the station are available for $10. (arrange this directly with Celeste - celesteprussia@missouristate.edu or 314-313-6694). You must arrange your own transportation to and from Bull Shoals Field Station near Kirbyville - directions are in the logistics section.
50. Hands-On Educational Caving, Artifacts and Fossils, and Bat Education Sunday 9:00-11:30 am Melvin Johnson, Springfield-Green County Parks This cave program encompasses environmental education, journaling, math, history, and science along with hands-on adventure recreation. Participants will learn about ethical and legal aspects of caving, safety and equipment, bats (including White Nose Syndrome), artifacts and fossils, partnerships and resources. Hard hats, gloves, and lights will be provided. Participants should dress for mud and water (maybe bring a change of clothes). Cost: Free Meet at Giboney Cave in Doling Park in north Springfield - directions in logistics section.
51. Tour of Valley Water Mill: A Great Resource for Environmental Education Sunday 9:00-11:30 am Mike Kromrey, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks Tour the trails and check out the Lakeside, Streamside and Springside Learning Stations at Valley Water Mill. Check out one of the regions' great watershed education resources with an experienced guide. Learn how the center can help teach students environmental responsibility and key science concepts. Cost: Free Meet at Valley Water Mill in north Springfield - directions in logistics section
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