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Science Teachers’ Network Meeting

Science Teachers’ Network Meeting. November 12, 2008 Earth Science and Outdoor Opportunities in Jackson. Overview of Agenda. Introductions SB-CEUs Meeting Norms Review from Space Week—class competitions Virgin Galactic. Lloyd Hilger—Hanover Horton. ikeepbookmarks.com 4 free accounts

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Science Teachers’ Network Meeting

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  1. Science Teachers’ Network Meeting November 12, 2008 Earth Science and Outdoor Opportunities in Jackson

  2. Overview of Agenda • Introductions • SB-CEUs • Meeting Norms • Review from Space Week—class competitions • Virgin Galactic

  3. Lloyd Hilger—Hanover Horton • ikeepbookmarks.com • 4 free accounts • JCSCIELEM, JCLIFE, JCEARTH, AND JCPHSCI • password is SciEh • eMSS mentoring • Lloyd.Hilger@HanoverHorton.org

  4. Children, Nature, Environmental Education and Resources Libby Warner—retiree JCC Marthawarner@comcast.net

  5. American children and families are increasingly losing touch with nature. Playtime outside has given way to television, computers, electronic devices, etc, “I like to play indoors better ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are” (14 yr old, San Francisco.) Schools under pressure to increase test scores have eliminated hands-on nature study from their curriculum. Parents view outdoors as dangerous due to news reports of accidents, gangs, kidnappings, wild animals, etc. Today’s youth are losing the contact with the natural environment that is potentially beneficial to their health and well being

  6. Nature Deficit Disorder • Increased rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • Lack of creativity and curiosity • Ignorance of local flora and fauna • Loss of respect for nature and the living world • Diminished sense of community • Diminished use of the senses • Increased rates of physical and emotional illnesses (obesity, depression, etc.)

  7. the remedy… • Get 'em Outside

  8. Benefits of outdoor experiences • Diminishment in levels of ADHD • Fewer incidences of anxiety and depression • Improved self esteem and pride in accomplishments • A sense of connectedness with the community and environment • Increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning • Better performance on standardized measures of academic achievement “Time in nature is not leisure time, it’s an essential investment in our children’s health and well being”

  9. No Child Left Inside Coalition • Broad-based organization that includes environmental, educational, business, public health, outdoor recreation groups , representing more than 40 million Americans. • The Coalition’s focus is to gain passage of the federal No Child Left Inside Act(approved by the House of Representatives, 9/08) which authorizes increased spending for: • environmental education and outdoor learning activities • funding for teacher training • provides incentives for states to develop environmental literacy plans • A letter from the NCLI Coalition has been sent to President-Elect Obama urging him to support the No Child Left Inside Act. • The Michigan No Child Left Inside Coalition is being organized. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is heading this up.

  10. Dahlem Environmental Education Center • 300 acre natural area located near Jackson on S. Jackson Rd., with 5 miles of trails running through mixed communities • Outdoor laboratory for school field trips • Public programs and workshops • School outreach programs • Summer day camp • People For Wildlife Program, Gary Siegrist, coordinator • Upper Grand River Adopt-A-Stream Program

  11. Other Local Resources • Jackson Audubon Society – Offers events and regular meetings and provides the Audubon Adventures Program to local schools. • Haehnle Sanctuary, a Michigan Audubon sanctuary located 6 miles northeast of Jackson. Each fall thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather as they prepare for migration. • Falling Waters Trail – 10.5 mile hiking and biking trail running between Jackson and Concord. Nature interpretive information and bird boxes are planned

  12. More Resources • Michigan Nature Association • Grass Lake and Cement City Sanctuaries • 164 nature sanctuaries in 54 counties in Michigan • Grand River Environmental Action Team • Kalamazoo Nature Center • National Environmental Education Foundation Current State of Children’s Health • Richard Louv’s website

  13. Ed Peterson and Peggy Cox—Cascades Elementary • Michigan Green Schools Act • Apply through the Jackson County Math and Science Center • 10 of 20 points in order to have “Green Status” • Revive the Pride • Cascades Park Initiative • Cascades Elementary:  (517) 841-3900

  14. Questions? • Inquiry Activity—House of Cards • Inquiry in Instruction Workshop • November Announcements • Math and Science Center Calendar • PD Survey / Needs Assessment

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