WORKSHOPS
In response to feedback from last year's BAEER Fair evaluation, this year’s workshop coordinator, Naomi Stein from LHS, developed workshop strands to align with what attendees said they would like to see offered. The 2008 workshop strands are:
- Climate Change
- Ocean
- Youth and the Environment
- Arts
We'll have four sessions on each of those strands, and each session will have one of the following emphases: scientific content (Learn it), the pedagogy (Teach it), or direct action (Change it).
VIEW WORKSHOPS BY HOUR
10:30–11:30 WORKSHOPS
Exploring Environmental Issues: Places We Live
(Teach It—Grades 6–12)
(Teach It—Grades 6–12)
Buckeye Room
Nancy Dollard, Project Learning Tree, Walnut Creek
This session will demonstrate secondary education strategies to lead students in community-based investigations that explore how the choices we make impact our local communities and the quality of our lives. We will look at and interpret maps and discuss how a population changes their community. All participants will receive a copy of the PLT curriculum unit and other resources. (Youth)
Nancy Dollard, Project Learning Tree, Walnut Creek
This session will demonstrate secondary education strategies to lead students in community-based investigations that explore how the choices we make impact our local communities and the quality of our lives. We will look at and interpret maps and discuss how a population changes their community. All participants will receive a copy of the PLT curriculum unit and other resources. (Youth)
Recycle Ryoan-ji: Art into Action
(Change It —General Audience)
(Change It —General Audience)
Maple Room
Judith Selby Lang
Working with school children and with elders in senior centers, Ms. Lang used over 6,000 recycled white plastic shopping bags (the sand) combined with black plastic detritus (the rocks) collected from the beach to create a replica of a Zen garden that was presented at the SF Civic Center Plaza in 2007. During the gardens tenure, San Francisco was the first U.S. city to ban petroleum based single use plastic bags. Ms. Lang will describe projects and the possibilities for large scale public environmental art. (Arts)
Judith Selby Lang
Working with school children and with elders in senior centers, Ms. Lang used over 6,000 recycled white plastic shopping bags (the sand) combined with black plastic detritus (the rocks) collected from the beach to create a replica of a Zen garden that was presented at the SF Civic Center Plaza in 2007. During the gardens tenure, San Francisco was the first U.S. city to ban petroleum based single use plastic bags. Ms. Lang will describe projects and the possibilities for large scale public environmental art. (Arts)
Integrating Earth Cards
(Teach It—Grades 3–4)
(Teach It—Grades 3–4)
Manzanita Room
Lynn Guenther, Julia Davenport, Patricia McQuade
This workshop models an innovative, content-based lesson plan to help 3rd and 4th grade students explore California ocean habitats and food webs. Learn how to engage students using fun learning tools -- nature trading cards -- that connect science, art, and language arts concepts and standards in a hands-on activity. Participants will take home the lesson plan and trading cards. (Ocean)
Lynn Guenther, Julia Davenport, Patricia McQuade
This workshop models an innovative, content-based lesson plan to help 3rd and 4th grade students explore California ocean habitats and food webs. Learn how to engage students using fun learning tools -- nature trading cards -- that connect science, art, and language arts concepts and standards in a hands-on activity. Participants will take home the lesson plan and trading cards. (Ocean)
Cancel-a-Car, Cool the Earth
(Learn It—Grades K–8)
(Learn It—Grades K–8)
Friends of Marin Room
Carleen Cullen
Cancel-a-Car™ is a new school-to-home global warming education program for grades K-8, currently running at 25 public schools in Marin County. Come learn practical tools for the entire family to take action, learn how to teach students about climate change & provide channels for students to bring this message home. (Climate Change)
Carleen Cullen
Cancel-a-Car™ is a new school-to-home global warming education program for grades K-8, currently running at 25 public schools in Marin County. Come learn practical tools for the entire family to take action, learn how to teach students about climate change & provide channels for students to bring this message home. (Climate Change)
12:00–01:00 WORKSHOPS
Bridge It! Classroom to Environment
(Change It—Grades K–6)
(Change It—Grades K–6)
Buckeye Room
Kristin Metz, Erica Beck Spencer, Peter Dow
Panelists representing the Boston Schoolyard Initiative, Boston Public Schools, and First Hand Learning, Inc. will share their methods and materials for building bridges between the classroom and the outdoors. Information will include partnerships for developing school-based outdoor learning facilities, curriculum enhancements to extend FOSS science activities into local environments, and practical ideas for initiating and sustaining an outdoor learning program at your school. Sample educational materials and information brochures will be distributed. (Youth)
Kristin Metz, Erica Beck Spencer, Peter Dow
Panelists representing the Boston Schoolyard Initiative, Boston Public Schools, and First Hand Learning, Inc. will share their methods and materials for building bridges between the classroom and the outdoors. Information will include partnerships for developing school-based outdoor learning facilities, curriculum enhancements to extend FOSS science activities into local environments, and practical ideas for initiating and sustaining an outdoor learning program at your school. Sample educational materials and information brochures will be distributed. (Youth)
Redwood Ed: A New Resource for Teaching about Forests
(Learn It—Grades 4–7)
(Learn It—Grades 4–7)
Maple Room
Mike Roa, environmental educator and author
Join us as we do activities and explore Redwood Ed—a free resource from CA State Parks. It includes over 60 standards-based lessons, provides information about the human and natural history of the coast redwoods, and describes how to conduct a field trip that is safe for kids and the environment. The effects of logging on carbon sequestration will be discussed. (Climate Change)
Mike Roa, environmental educator and author
Join us as we do activities and explore Redwood Ed—a free resource from CA State Parks. It includes over 60 standards-based lessons, provides information about the human and natural history of the coast redwoods, and describes how to conduct a field trip that is safe for kids and the environment. The effects of logging on carbon sequestration will be discussed. (Climate Change)
Tilden Tots
(Teach It—Preschool)
(Teach It—Preschool)
Manzanita Room
Linda Yamoto, East Bay Regional Parks
Tilden Tots is a nature exploration program designed for 3- and 4-year-olds and their guardians. The workshop will begin with a brief overview of early childhood development and the importance of working with this age group. We’ll outline the specifics of this program and experience some of the stories, songs, crafts, and snacks that are used to teach different nature topics. (Arts)
Linda Yamoto, East Bay Regional Parks
Tilden Tots is a nature exploration program designed for 3- and 4-year-olds and their guardians. The workshop will begin with a brief overview of early childhood development and the importance of working with this age group. We’ll outline the specifics of this program and experience some of the stories, songs, crafts, and snacks that are used to teach different nature topics. (Arts)
Ocean Literacy Campaign
(Change It—K–12)
(Change It—K–12)
Friends of Marin Room
Craig Strang, Associate Director, Lawrence Hall of Science.
Learn about the nationwide effort called Ocean Literacy. COSEE, NOAA, National Geographic Society, College of Exploration, and hundreds of scientists and educators developed Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences K–12 and the Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence, Grades K–12 for teachers, informal/environmental educators, curriculum developers and standards committees. Come see how your programs align to these important documents. (Ocean)
Craig Strang, Associate Director, Lawrence Hall of Science.
Learn about the nationwide effort called Ocean Literacy. COSEE, NOAA, National Geographic Society, College of Exploration, and hundreds of scientists and educators developed Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences K–12 and the Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence, Grades K–12 for teachers, informal/environmental educators, curriculum developers and standards committees. Come see how your programs align to these important documents. (Ocean)
01:30–02:30 WORKSHOPS
Aquatic Invasions: A Curriculum for West Coast Aquatic Invasive Species Education
(Teach It—Grades 9–12)
(Teach It—Grades 9–12)
Buckeye Room
Annie Pierpoint, West Coast Ballast
This workshop is an introduction to Aquatic Invasions, a brand new “traveling trunk” including a peer-reviewed resource guide, lesson plans, activities, games, specimens, and other resources for 9th-12th grade. Since it is still in its draft form, teachers will have the opportunity to help shape the final product. Participants will meet some of the non-native invaders in the Bay and on the West Coast and learn about their biology, impacts, and management. (Ocean)
Annie Pierpoint, West Coast Ballast
This workshop is an introduction to Aquatic Invasions, a brand new “traveling trunk” including a peer-reviewed resource guide, lesson plans, activities, games, specimens, and other resources for 9th-12th grade. Since it is still in its draft form, teachers will have the opportunity to help shape the final product. Participants will meet some of the non-native invaders in the Bay and on the West Coast and learn about their biology, impacts, and management. (Ocean)
A Visit With John Muir, the “Scootcher of a Lifetime”
(Learn It—General Audience)
(Learn It—General Audience)
Maple Room
Frank Helling
If you don’t know what a “scootcher” is, come find out as Frank Helling brings the great naturalist to life in his living history interpretation as John Muir. After the performance Frank will answer questions for those interested in storytelling or performing living history. The presentation is suitable for all audiences and age groups. (Arts)
Frank Helling
If you don’t know what a “scootcher” is, come find out as Frank Helling brings the great naturalist to life in his living history interpretation as John Muir. After the performance Frank will answer questions for those interested in storytelling or performing living history. The presentation is suitable for all audiences and age groups. (Arts)
Project Wild Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife
(Teach It—Grades 9–12)
(Teach It—Grades 9–12)
Manzanita Room
Bobbie Winn and Betsy Magladry, California Dept of Fish & Game
This workshop will provide a curriculum guide and hands-on training in Project Wild Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife. This educator-friendly guide provides 35 field- tested activities to engage high school students in environmental based research and action that benefits their local communities and wildlife. The Activities Guide teaches content standards found in both science and social studies. (Climate Change)
Bobbie Winn and Betsy Magladry, California Dept of Fish & Game
This workshop will provide a curriculum guide and hands-on training in Project Wild Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife. This educator-friendly guide provides 35 field- tested activities to engage high school students in environmental based research and action that benefits their local communities and wildlife. The Activities Guide teaches content standards found in both science and social studies. (Climate Change)
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
(Teach It—Grades 5–12)
(Teach It—Grades 5–12)
Friends of Marin Room
Hilary Staples, San Domenico School
Imagine, tape that sticks like Gecko feet or self-cleaning paint inspired by the lotus flower! Come learn about biomimicry, an interdisciplinary science which looks to the adaptations of organisms to solve the environmental and design issues of our time. Participate in a classroom activity, brainstorming design ideas using a natural artifact. Additional classroom activities will be available such as a taxonomy project and a green-city design project. (Arts)
Hilary Staples, San Domenico School
Imagine, tape that sticks like Gecko feet or self-cleaning paint inspired by the lotus flower! Come learn about biomimicry, an interdisciplinary science which looks to the adaptations of organisms to solve the environmental and design issues of our time. Participate in a classroom activity, brainstorming design ideas using a natural artifact. Additional classroom activities will be available such as a taxonomy project and a green-city design project. (Arts)
3:00–4:00 WORKSHOPS
The Great Society
(Teach It—Grades 6–12)
(Teach It—Grades 6–12)
Buckeye Room
Rikki Shackelford, Alondra Blandon, Lawrence Hall of Science
This workshop is intended for informal and formal 6-12 grade educators who would like to strengthen communication and build community within their classroom. Attendees will learn about the difference between environmental issues and environmental problems, and how to present these concepts to their students in fun and creative ways. We will model interactive communication techniques and address California’s Environmental Education Initiative Principles and Concepts. (Youth)
Rikki Shackelford, Alondra Blandon, Lawrence Hall of Science
This workshop is intended for informal and formal 6-12 grade educators who would like to strengthen communication and build community within their classroom. Attendees will learn about the difference between environmental issues and environmental problems, and how to present these concepts to their students in fun and creative ways. We will model interactive communication techniques and address California’s Environmental Education Initiative Principles and Concepts. (Youth)
PEAK Student Energy Actions
(Teach It—Grades 4–7)
(Teach It—Grades 4–7)
Maple Room
Nicole Reasksecker and Leah Anderson, PEAK
Educators! Get students excited about circuits and motors! Learn how to make science more engaging! Teach students the science of energy and empower students to become smart energy managers in their homes, schools and communities. PEAK Student Energy Actions is a hands-on, standards based science curriculum for 4th– 7th graders that contains a strong service-learning component. Come learn more! Meet our energy saving superhero, Bulbman! (Climate Change)
Nicole Reasksecker and Leah Anderson, PEAK
Educators! Get students excited about circuits and motors! Learn how to make science more engaging! Teach students the science of energy and empower students to become smart energy managers in their homes, schools and communities. PEAK Student Energy Actions is a hands-on, standards based science curriculum for 4th– 7th graders that contains a strong service-learning component. Come learn more! Meet our energy saving superhero, Bulbman! (Climate Change)
Wise Up about Water!
(Teach It—Grades 4–5)
(Teach It—Grades 4–5)
Manzanita Room
Helena Carmena, Beth Moore, Jill Bible, CA Academy of Sciences
Join us for a hands-on workshop that tackles water issues of CA and the world. We will provide you with lessons on where our water comes from, why sea level rise is occurring, and what is happening to our fish populations around the globe. These activities address various CA Science Content Standards from grades 4 and 5 but the lessons can be adapted for any age! (Youth)
Helena Carmena, Beth Moore, Jill Bible, CA Academy of Sciences
Join us for a hands-on workshop that tackles water issues of CA and the world. We will provide you with lessons on where our water comes from, why sea level rise is occurring, and what is happening to our fish populations around the globe. These activities address various CA Science Content Standards from grades 4 and 5 but the lessons can be adapted for any age! (Youth)
Biological Oceanography of Northern California
(Learn It—Grades 9–16)
(Learn It—Grades 9–16)
Friends of Marin Room
Jesse Wernick, Point Bonita YMCA
This workshop is for anyone interested in Oceanography and Biological Oceanography of Northern California. This is a high school to college level workshop about Oceanography (waves, tides and currents) and Biological Oceanography (Upwelling, Primary Productivity and Zonation). We’ll be looking at images on overheads with a few hands-on models to gain a better understanding of the Ocean! (Ocean)
Jesse Wernick, Point Bonita YMCA
This workshop is for anyone interested in Oceanography and Biological Oceanography of Northern California. This is a high school to college level workshop about Oceanography (waves, tides and currents) and Biological Oceanography (Upwelling, Primary Productivity and Zonation). We’ll be looking at images on overheads with a few hands-on models to gain a better understanding of the Ocean! (Ocean)