Teaching Science Concepts through Outdoor Studies
A wealth of more than 150 labs, projects and ideas utilizing organisms common to most environments (flies, ants, dandelions, beetles, spiders, grasses, etc.) is presented in each of this workshop. Teachers experience techniques to develop their own inquiry activities to incorporate the study of natural science and utilization of the scientific method into their science curriculum. They learn how organisms can be used to study science concepts and themes throughout the school year. The labs demonstrate the inquiry approach and meet the national science standards as students are exposed to the wonder and excitement of the world found in the school yards, backyards, parks, lakes, and streams immediately surrounding them.

Strategies for Teaching Science
Designed for science teachers, grades 5-12, this workshop actively involves teachers in numer-ous hands-on activities which help develop the basic processes of inquiry, concept compre-hension, integration and assessment. The strategies presented encompass Life, Earth, and Physical Science concepts. Science reading and writing activities are presented and numerous resource books are shared to enhance science programs at a broad range of learning levels. The programs that evolve give all students the opportunity to experience real science--seeing themselves as scientists--carrying out exploration of the unknown. Knowledge of some of the best practices of work being done with standards and benchmarks in schools across the country is shared.

Using Children’s Literature To Teach Science Concepts
The purpose of the workshop is to present strategies for K-6 teachers to help their students learn basic science concepts. The focus is on the recognition and comprehension of Life, Earth and Physical Science concepts found in the everyday lives and environments of people and reflected in much of children’s literature. Science is seen as connected to real life and not merely the acquisition of isolated facts. Activities are presented that build on the natural curiosity of students and are enhanced by utilization of the inquiry process. Teachers will work through processes to develop inquiry activities for their own students. Strategies are presented for implementing and assessing objectives and benchmarks of State and National Standards.


Presenters Bill and Mary Klein have presented literature and science programs throughout the United States and bring a broad knowledge base and enthusiasm for their program which is contagious.