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Please register for workshops through the link shown with each workshop description. A nonrefundable registration fee is required. The fee is $10.00 per person plus a $1.00 convenience fee per registration unless stated otherwise in the workshop description. Should you have questions about workshop registration please email (dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov) or call (217-524-4126) the IDNR Division of Education. Should the IDNR cancel a workshop, registrants will be asked if they want to transfer their registration to another ENTICE workshop or receive a refund. Some restrictions apply. ENTICE workshops are available to teachers, home-schooling educators, nonformal educators and youth-group leaders in Illinois only. 2024-2025 Workshop Schedule | Spring 2024 | Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 |Spring 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Illinois Wetlands Join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four as we learn what wetlands are and explore the fascinating organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations and identification of wetland species and will put the skills to practice as we visit and sample several wetlands on the grounds, near Lake Michigan, comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you will receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Mosquitos and Ticks Mosquitos and ticks are often looked at as the scourge of summer. These fascinating creatures fill an important niche. Explore how they live, the various types, diseases they carry, and where they are found. Participants will be seeing how scientist sample and study them. Hands-on activities will be conducted, and you will receive supplemental educational resources. Educators of all grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Creating and Keeping Collections For more than 160 years the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been assembling and maintaining a variety of natural history specimens and collections. Teachers of grades PK-8 can learn about the collections of the Museum and what they can teach us about changes in Illinois ecosystems over time. We will discuss how the museum builds and maintains our collections, and provide guidelines for collecting natural materials and using living and preserved specimens in the classroom. Educators will be pinning dead invertebrates as part of this workshop. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
Summer 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Wildlife Studies for the Classroom Scientific research requires standardized techniques that can be used to collect, analyze and share data. You can learn about some of these techniques and how to implement a few of them with your students to study local wildlife and wildlife habitats. Targeted to grades three through eight, the information and activities will assist you in meeting several Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to attend but may need to adapt the information and resources. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Bats The only true flying mammals will be examined at this workshop for educators of grades one through four. Work with resource professionals as you learn about the life history of bats and their relationships to other species jn the environment. Experience hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. After a short drive, the class will visit Illinois Caverns to learn more about caves and bats. Take home many Illinois-specific supplemental materials. Professional Development Hours are available. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate.
Course Name: Adapt or Die In the game of life, what makes a winner? Survival! Walk, trot, fly, swim, or hop down to The Morton Arboretum and learn about the adaptations of plants and animals that ensure their survival. Collect data, analyze plants, observe animals, engage in fun activities, and even play a few games that bring the theme of adaptations to life in your classroom. Although targeted to teachers of grades second through fourth, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You'll take away several resources to use in your classroom! This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Professional Development Hours are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate.
Course Name: Illinois Amphibians This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild amphibians in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for amphibians and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of Illinois wild amphibians to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Early Childhood and Water Ecosystems Join other educators of grades prekindergarten through three as we learn about different types of wetland habitats and explore the fascinating organisms that live in them. We will discuss the importance of water and how animals are adapted to surviving in their aquatic habitats. Explore through some hands-on activities that can be taken back and used in your classroom. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available.
Course Name: Invasive Carp Invasive Carps are nonnative fishes that have invaded the waterways of Illinois and many other states. These species are responsible for enormous economic recreational and environmental impacts. At this workshop we will provide an introduction to their life history as well as data to quantify their effects. Containment methods being used in Illinois to keep the carp out of Lake Michigan will be discussed.
Course Name: Illinois Fish Explore the fish of Illinois with IDNR fisheries staff as we delve into the wet world they live in. Learn about fish biology, habitats, and adaptions. We will explore fish up close and personal by going hands-on with fish. One-day fishing license is required and will be issued as part of this workshop if a participant does not have one. No fishing experience is required as we will provide. Participants will be taught fishing basics, how to share with students, and how to learn about the environment while fishing. Come dressed for the weather and bring a hat, (we will provide soap and water to clean up afterward). Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Pollinators and the Prairie They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the IDNR Conservation grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Animal Architects The world is full of objects built by animals to help them survive. Attend this workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through three and learn about beaver dams, spider webs, mussel shells, bird nests and so many other amazing objects constructed by animals in our local environment. Challenge the engineering skills of your students to create similar structures by using the resources provided and activities presented at the workshop. All educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Illinois Dragonflies and Damselflies Join us for this workshop about the dragonflies and damselflies of Illinois! We will be working in the field and in the lab as we discuss the identification, life history and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. Although targeted to educators of grades six through 10, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted as appropriate. You?ll be provided with several resources to use with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Illinois Pollinators They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors? center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available.
Fall 2024 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Illinois Pollinators They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and human food supply. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Educators will take a walk to a pollinator garden on the visitors? center grounds. You will participate in activities and take home many resources to add to your curriculum. Professional Development Hours are available.
Course Name: Pollinator Gardens Pollinator populations are in decline, but you and your students can take actions to help them. By planting a native pollinator garden at your school, you can provide food and shelter for pollinators and a place of learning for students of all ages. We will discuss what makes a successful pollinator garden and how to maintain it. Connections to learning standards will also be provided. We will show you how to apply for an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant to help fund your project, too. ?This workshop is targeted to educators of grades prekindergarten through 12. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Course Name: Birds and Butterflies Soar on down to The Morton Arboretum this summer and gather ideas, resources, and activities for your classroom. This workshop will help educators bring the classroom outdoors and connect with green spaces in their community. Participants will identify birds, track butterflies, investigate the role of both in different habitats, and learn to utilize the natural world to bring science curriculum to life. Although targeted to teachers of pre-K through second grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. Your curriculum will ?take flight? with the resources you take home!
Course Name: Illinois Urban Wildlife Wildlife is all around us, in large urban areas or small towns! Educators of grades prekindergarten through four are invited to participate as we learn where to look for urban wildlife, what you can expect to find, how to identify species, and how to improve urban wildlife habitat at your school. Natural resources professionals and educators will instruct about these topics and more, including how species adapt to the urban environment, how humans affect urban wildlife, and how to use urban wildlife topics as the foundation for locally relevant, place-based teaching. Receive supplemental educational materials to enhance your teaching.
Course Name: Aquatic Biodiversity Join us for this workshop that will have you sampling and observing the components of four aquatic habitats at Red Oak Nature Center: river; lake; stream; and spring. We will discuss what the results show and talk about how to incorporate this type of activity into your curriculum to support Next Generation Science Standards. Although targeted to teachers of grades five through eight, teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Course Name: Wildlife Basics-Birds This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through 12 will provide an introduction to and educational resources about the wild birds in our state. We will focus on the life history of these species, and we will go on a hike to look for birds and their signs. We will show you how to use the topic of ?Illinois wild birds? to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Professional Development Hours are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
Course Name: Introducing Young Children to the Nature of Fall Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We'll take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). We'll be incorporating several topics. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through three, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You'll take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about fall nature. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR.
Course Name: Illinois Reptiles and Amphibians Illinois is home to a variety of slimy and scaly animals which inhabit all types of sensitive ecosystems. Educators of grades prekindergarten through eight will learn about their unique life histories, features and behaviors, and will take a hike around the Nature Museum to look for examples in our urban habitat. We will observe living and preserved specimens, provide you with resources and activities, and discuss regulations regarding keeping these animals in the classroom. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
Course Name: Prying into Prions Prying into Prions: Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease is a supplemental, educational unit for high school students that assists in studying prion diseases, including chronic wasting disease. Explore and learn about transmissible spongiform encephalopathies by examining the role of proteins in organisms, the chemistry and properties of proteins, the genetic processes that create proteins, and how proteins can become pathogenic. Study how chronic wasting disease affects Illinois? white-tailed deer herd and what control measures are being taken.
Course Name: Wild Illinois History Wild Illinois History is a self-contained teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight. The online interactive student activity and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history instruction by focusing on information regarding early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography in what was to become Illinois and the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. The activity also highlights the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Supplemental resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Winter 2025 | Top of Page |
Course Name: Wait List Registration Do not register in this workshop block unless instructed to do so by IDNR Education personnel.
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