If you have questions about workshops, please contact Tara Murgatroyd: tmurgatroyd@ymca.org
Workshop Thematic Strands
Building Foundations is all about preparing now for the future we imagine possible. This can be in regards to what students and teacher need, but also what we can be doing for the earth itself.
What are we doing now to get ready for the future we are hoping for?
Diversity Strand (D)
“Building foundations of diversity” If we want to serve a diverse audience and have a better representation of the population in the environmental education field how are we going to get there? What are we doing now that will help us move in that direction? How do we address diverse audiences (race/ethnicity, age, socioeconomic strata, special needs, sexual identity and religion) and work toward common goals? How do we increase diversity among educators to better serve these audiences? Together we can work to come up with strategies to make outdoor and environmental education more inclusive.
Natural History Strand (N)
“Building Foundations of knowledge” Learning more about the natural history of science and nature builds a foundation of knowledge that future learning can build and grow off of. Learn more about the environment around you, including the natural history, native plants and ecology.
Teaching Strand (T)
“Building foundations for more effective learning” Learn about and discuss teaching methods and strategies for the environmental education field, what works and what doesn’t. Work to comprehensive and relevant lesson plans for your students. Workshops topics could include methodology, science standards, English language learners, pedagogy, scaffolding and teaching techniques for the classroom or the trail.
Professional Development Strand (P)
“Building your own foundation” Investigate ways to enhance your career in Environmental Education. Work with other leaders in the Outdoor and Environmental Education fields to share ideas about how to grow yourself and your teams and share strategies that have been proven successful at your site.
Sustainability Strand (S)
“Building a sustainable foundation” Ensuring that we are working to create a sustainable future. Learn about sustainable living, communities and fostering sustainable behavior. Find ways to connect sustainability with students back at home.
Recreation Strand (R)
“Building a well rounded foundation” Take a break, have some fun! Learn fun games to incorporate into lessons to teach cooperation, team building and effective processing. Stretch your legs! Take a break and spend some time running around.
Workshops at this year’s conference! (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Workshops at Unusual Times
Astronomy Star Viewing (N) – Larry Kawano – Astrocamp – Friday night
View the night sky and get ideas
Bird Stroll (N) – Karyn “Kestrel” O’Hearn
We will stroll in the early morning looking for feathered friends and enjoying what ever else strikes our fancy. In the past we have enjoyed watching dolphins swim the coast. This is a time to take a break from workshops and naturalize. We will gain a greater sense of this place that is hosting us for the weekend.
Morning Stretch (R) – Patrick McLaughlin – Orange County Outdoor Science School
We will be doing yoga. A blend of postures and breathing exercises design to wake the mind, body, and spirit.
Exploring the Tidepools (N) – Jesse Wernick – YMCA Point Bonita
Optional Tidepooling/Wave Observation early Saturday morning (Low tide of minus 0.7′ @ 6:30AM. Meet directly across HWY 1 at 7:00AM.
Saturday, Session 1 – 9:45-11:00
101 10 Sensory Awareness Activities to Play With Kids (T) – Shannon Cueva – Shady Creek Outdoor School
Participants will learn games and techniques to help children increase their awareness and understanding of the natural world. During the workshop participants will do each activity and receive instruction on how facilitate them. A written description of each game will also be included.
102 BUFFY the Homesickness Slayer (P) – Robb “Big Brown Bat” Stolberg – Walden West Outdoor School
In this workshop I will share some of my experiences dealing with homesickness (mostly with 5th and 6th graders in a residential outdoor school setting). I will discuss some success stories, some strategies that tend to be effective, and some things to avoid.
103 California Education and the Environment Initiative Curriculum Update (T) – Cal/EPA Office of Education and the Environment
Help increase environmental literacy by combining use of the California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) Curriculum and your outdoor education materials! Come learn about the EEI Curriculum and discover opportunities for extending its lessons and resources outside the classroom. Copies of the final-draft curriculum units will be available for examination and educators will be encouraged to provide links and information that could be included in the EEI Curriculum as resources for teachers and students.
104 Explore Nature’s Garden (N) – Christine Kirk – Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
Through the millennia people have had special relationships with plants – we use them for everything from food to sources of inspiration. In this workshop we’ll experiment with plant-based dyes, learn a simple way to teach statistics to kids using plants, write a poem about a favorite plant found on the trail and practice some plant identification using classification techniques. Fabric scraps for dyeing will be provided but feel free to bring a white bandana or other small item to dye.
105 Factors that influence participation in Informal Science Education: A case study from Colorado (D) - Sarah Gobbs-Hill
Increasing diversity in Environmental Education is a constant goal of many organizations in this field. Find out how information gathered from community members in Colorado may apply to your organizations’ internal and outreach efforts towards increasing and embracing diversity. This lecture/discussion is aimed at highlighting best practices and brainstorming next steps for Environmental/Outdoor Education organizations diversity efforts.
106 Felt the Earth (N) – Coleen Ryan – Los Angeles Zoo
Join me in learning about basic felting techniques. We will be transforming raw wool into beautiful felt earth balls. Through this process we will explore the 3 layers of the earth, and what those layers are composed of. This is a hands on, tactile session ideal for anyone interested in learning about felting and how to incorporate science ideas into a fun craft.
107 Getting Out Early (T) – Gerard Gonzales – Kidspace Children’s Museum
Get in touch with your inner (early) child and learn why preschool is the best time for outdoor learning. The scholarship on the subject will be a springboard to active learning. Attendees will participate in a couple activities. This workshop is ideal for outdoor educators looking to connect to the early childhood audience and early childhood educators looking to facilitate outdoor learning. Numerous resources will be shared, including curriculum from Project Learning Tree and Growing Up WILD.
108 How Volunteers Can Make Your Program More Sustainable (S) – Travis Langen & Abigail Johnston – Catalina Environmental Leadership Program
Through discussion and a brief slide show, we aim to demonstrate how volunteer projects can make your camp operate more sustainability. We will show what types of projects we have found to be successful. Through discussion and demonstration, we aim to stress the point that the success of the outcome is directly related to your level of organization, both in the months leading up and while the projects are under way. Share strategies for making the volunteer experience equitable for both the camp and the volunteers. (Hopefully, if the camp is up for it) get out into the field and demonstrate how service work can be informative, engaging, social, and sustainable. Briefly highlight ways in which you can recruit volunteers groups. Share other lasting benefits to hosting volunteer groups; from staff recruiting to widening your program’s audience.
109 Jedi Management for Classroom or Trail (T) – Aaron “Red Tail” Clegg – Walden West Outdoor School
Can Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Yoda show us how to connect with our students? Aaron “Red Tail” Clegg will share anecdotes, techniques, and “Jedi Mind Tricks” for creating a structured and fun group experience to minimize discipline problems. You’ll also discover (and practice) how a one-on-one conversation with a student can catalyze powerful positive transformation in the student’s life with immediate results in your group. You’ll leave with tools you can start using right away. Please bring your own techniques and experiences to share! Combination lecture, discussion, and practice. (Geared toward grades 4-6 in an outdoor setting, but relevant to other settings and grade levels.)
110 More Than Dirty Laundry-An Active Exploration of the Attitudes and Knowledge Our Students Bring Home When They Leave Outdoor School(P) – Anna Padget – Rancho Alegre Outdoor School
Richard Louv captured our attention with his book “Last Child in the Woods—Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder.” We, as professional environmental educators, work tremendously hard to get kids “into” the “outdoors.” Yet, our world–the incredible wild natural spaces that house our schools–does not always accurately reflect the neighborhoods and homes of our students. If we want students to continue exploring when they leave, if we hope that they will grow up and become environmentally responsive citizens, we need to examine how a child’s personal ecology shapes and affects his/her environmental attitude. We have all received letters that proclaim, “You were my favorite naturalist because you were so cool and funny!” In this workshop, we will discuss how we can use our influence to not only help develop students’ interest in the outdoors, but how we can help these youth find that same sense in their home environments.
111 Natural History in Song! (N) – Nicole Campbell – Web of Life Field School
This workshop will explore the topics of natural history in California through the lense of song.
112 Running as a Sense of Place (R) – Marisa A. Coyne – San Mateo Outdoor Education
Running as a Sense of Place is an opportunity to engage with new or familiar environments through human-powered motion. We believe that when the body is assigned a task, and made to complete it, the mind can be truly free (truly receptive). Our workshop is designed to explore travel and distance (as felt in the body) and to celebrate the many benefits of slow, measured ground cover. We will participate, variably, in the urban, altered, and natural landscapes surrounding us and close with related discussion. Let’s run away together … and then run back to where we started.
113 SLACKLINE! For groups and students (R) – Ryan Kelly – Foothill Horizons Outdoor School
SLACKLINE! (aka tight rope walking) Test your balance and your mind! Have fun falling! Learn to facilitate a safe slackline experience for groups. Get a handle on basic rigging techniques. Come and join us for an introduction into using the slackline as a team challenge!
114 Squirrels, Squirrels, Squirrels! (N) – William Flynn – Pathfinder Ranch
I am going to teach a full class on squirrels. I want to use a specific animal to really teach people how to study animals, not just giving out lists of facts. I want teachers to be able to pass on to students how to approach animal ecology so they can use the methods I teach when dealing with any animal. After learning how to study one animal, it will be easy to apply my method to any other animal.
115 Teaching Beyond Conscious Consumption (S) – Heather Rice & Lissa Eidelman – Catalina Environmental Leadership Program
Who loves to shop? Who loves new stuff? We do and so do our students. With every dollar we spend, we may degrade our environment or support sustainable environmental practices. Get your students excited about conscious consumerism with hands-on teaching activities that highlight biodegradable, energy-wise, resource-wise, and toxin-free consumption. Peruse our eco-shopping station and conscious consumer shopping guides. Also, learn to make your own personal care products. Each participant will make and take home their own natural chapstick, body spray, or deodorant.
116 Teambuilding with Rhythm (R) – Burton Lang and Debi Hite – Camp Whittier United Boys and Girls Club
With simple instruments that anyone can build or buy, we will create a rhythmic tapestry unique for each group. Simple games become elaborate group challenges with the fun element of drumming added. Learn how easy it is to bring out your inner drummer.
*117 & 217 Yucca Cordage Making, Basket Weaving, Soapstone Making (N) – Jacque Nunez & Teeter Romero – Journeys to the Past
Jacque Nunez, “Educator of the Year for the State of California 2009 in Indian Education will share her many stories and songs while teaching you how to weave a basket, make a soapstone bead and make yucca string. These activities can enrich your programs. Its hands on fun and culturally significant. $ Fee Workshop.
Saturday, Session 2 – 11:15-12:30
201 Are You an Effective Naturalist? (P) – Dean Thompson – KEEP Ocean
Is the term Naturalist in your job title? Do you teach natural history? What does that mean and what are the responsibilities associated with such a prestigious title as “Naturalist”? Come test your knowledge base of Natural History, how to improve it and become an even more effective naturalist and educator. We will finish our workshop with a “naturalist swap-meet” to share successful ideas, resources and techniques for teaching about the natural world.
202 Beginning Campfire Guitar (R) – Joshua Lippmann
Come learn how to play guitar! All skill levels welcome. We will be focusing mostly on basic folk chords and campfire songs, but more advanced students are welcome to come as well, and we can work on our songwriting and music theory! Bring your guitar!
203 Bundling Sage for Meditation, Gifts and Purification (D) – Gerry Cox – Long Beach Unified School District
Following a sage smudge purification and a Tslagi Native Dance “warm-up” activity, we will learn of bundling sage for smudging from this historically sacred plant of purification. Participants will create and instill these bundles with their intentions, meditations, prayers or blessings, to hold for themselves, or to pass on to others. Treatment of the plant includes discussions of wild-crafting, gathering, drying and tying. This is a hands-on activity, and participants are encouraged to bring local sage of their gathering efforts (up to a half-bushel), as well as any special natural string or yarn that you’d like to use in the process. Please dry any sage that you are bringing for 7-10 days.
204 Cabin Leader Forum (P) – Kathleen Utter – San Mateo Outdoor Education
This is a forum for Cabin Leader Coordinators and Principals to get together and discuss ways of improving our high school cabin leader programs. We can share ideas on recruitment, training, and challenges that we have. Please come prepared to share ideas!
205 Creative Coaching (P) – Kim Taylor – Yosemite Institute
Looking for more exciting, engaging ways to coach your educators to facilitate thematic connections, smooth transitions, transference, and thoughtfully crafted debriefs? Join Yosemite Institute Mentor Teacher Kim Taylor for a fun-filled session practicing some creative techniques.
206 Each One Share One: A Closer Look at Student Empowerment through Peer Teaching (D) – Corey White – North Cascades Institute
Each One Teach One, Professor Hike, Peer Teaching – there are many ways to refer to the activity in which student participants teach each other. Come build up your repertoire through this group discussion and sharing about how to utilize this uniquely empowering activity. Participants will be asked to listen and share their Each One Teach One experiences, including helpful hints, ideas and thoughts on educational setting and how to maximize learning. Additional topics will include risk management, time management and teacher/counselor/chaperone supervision.
207 Gardening with Children; the Three Sisters (T) – Tonya and Rich Mandl – LAUSD and Rhymin’ Reason
Learn basic tips and resources for gardening with kids, specifically using traditional Native American Three Sisters Gardening companion planting with corn, beans, and squash. Read the Three Sisters Story, and enjoy eating the harvest. Free books and materials.
208 The Impact of EE Programs on Participant’s Affinity for Nature (P) – Jeff Jacobs & Justin Schmillen – Cal Poly State University
Come find out what is happening at Environmental Education Programs. This workshop will share the findings from a project that has examined the impact of EE programs on the participant’s Affinity for Nature. The workshop will shed light on the importance and ability of EE programs to help foster a life long Affinity for Nature – with an emphasis on California’s Coastal Marine Environment.
209 Incorporating Students with Special Needs into Outdoor Education (D) – Anna Zielinski – Pathfinder Ranch
Participants will discuss the ups and downs of working with special needs students in this field. We will brainstorm positive strategies for incorporating students with exceptionalities into field classes. Participants will be given resources to research various disabilities. We will also role play scenarios to simulate connecting with these students.
210 Keeping the Magic Alive! (T) – Steve Van Zandt – San Mateo Outdoor Education
From stories of inspiration and magic to teaching ideas that you can use tomorrow, this workshop is designed to renew your love for the art of teaching. We will look at outdoor ed. guiding principles each with hands on examples to explain, planning a flow using “Into, Through and Beyond”, ways to infuse a theme, “Framing” ,“Kinesthetic Focusers” and an understanding of the classics. Join Steve Van Zandt, Principal of San Mateo Outdoor Ed. (& member of the Banana Slug String Band) for a thought provoking and active session. Handouts Provided. (This workshop includes past workshops but always with new ideas)
211 Marine Biology & Oceanography 101-Waves, Tides, Currents & Upwelling (N) – Jesse Wernick – YMCA Point Bonita
Through overhead transparencies, Hands on Models and Group Activities we will learn about Marine Biology & Oceanography-Waves, Tides, Currents & Upwelling and more.
212 Nature Improv Comedy for Kids (R) – Sama Wareh – Inside the Outdoors
In this workshop, Educators will learn a fun way to break the ice with students while promoting environmental messages at the same time. Come and learn some easy recipes to fast improv and ways to incorporate them any age group. This is a fun, quick, and contagious game for campfires, Group intros, and small group settings.
213 No Child Left Awake (T) – Ben Geilhufe – San Mateo Outdoor Education
In this hands on workshop we will discuss various techniques that will put even the rowdiest cabin to sleep. We’ll learn about the importance of voice tone and personal energy. Come prepared with ideas for stories, songs, or visualizations and a willingness to participate! If you have an instrument, bring it along.
214 Ocean Odyssey (T) – Vanessa Teater – San Mateo Outdoor Education
Ocean Odyssey takes students (and you) on a journey to the coast…before you even get there. Learn how to front load information to students through skits, songs, and guided exploration, thereby giving you more freedom once you’re out in the environment. Use these ideas for your own program or for your own fun…it’s a chance to brainstorm and share experiences and ideas.
215 The Quest (T) – Jymn “Scooby” Meier – Walden West Outdoor School
This workshop is designed to give those working in a residential outdoor school a framework to infuse team building into their lesson plans. Participants will hear inspirational stories and develop strategies to use a set of tools to implement their own program.
216 Stewardship Initiative Teams (S) – Bill Hunt & Mike Dawson – Klamath Outdoor Science Schools
Why advertise or spend money to market your program? Learn about a program that connects all EE programs directly into the school curriculum and community. Experience the success that can happen by breaking the boundaries that have kept strong and sustainable partnerships from being formed. Be part of a team that turns competition into cooperation for finding students, materials, equipment and funding.
Saturday, Session 3 – 3:00-4:15
301 The Art and Craft of Recycling and Re-using (S) – Jessica Gee – YMCA Camp Campbell
Check out the following art projects made from sustainable materials and then choose one to make: recycled paper, paper-bead jewelry, jewelry boxes, gift boxes, paper lanterns, re-usable lunch bags, plastic bag baskets, and more.
302 Dive into Effective Leadership of Group Team Building Games – Pamela “Shark” Neeb Wade & Jeffery Chambers – Monterey Bay Aquarium
This workshop will be all about having fun and playing games! You will gain techniques to help your students succeed and work together more effectively while having a great time! During this workshop you will learn how to choose the right activities, scaffold games to your audience and facilitate the activity debrief with your group. Be prepared to play, be silly and meet new friends while participating in cooperative learning activities.
303 Documentary Screening: Dwindling Drops in the Sand, Investigating Syria’s Water Crisis (S) – Sama Wareh – Inside the Outdoors
As part of her Master’s thesis, Sama Wareh produced a documentary entitled, “Dwindling Drops in the Sand”, which describes her journey to her family roots in Syria and explains how overpopulation and pollution, worsened by global warming contribute to Syria’s current water crisis. Sama will discuss the making of the film and the need for more environmental consciousness as well as the importance of environmental education not only in Syria but in any country for that matter.
304 Food . . . it’s What’s for Dinner (T) – Claire Moore – Sempervrens Outdoor School
This workshop is designed for anyone looking to help kids better understand and appreciate the link between the food we eat and our environment. In this workshop, we will run through a series of activities (as many as we have time for) that touch on issues such as nutrition, the importance of wild predators in agricultural pest control, and the global food crisis. All activities will be active or hands-on and try to appeal to as many learning styles as possible. Workshop attendees are encouraged to provide constructive feedback and brainstorm ways that these activities might be modified for your particular program needs and the age groups with which you work. Be prepared to run (only if you are able; if not, that’s okay too!), think, and (who knows?) maybe even eat!
305 Fun with String! (R) – Allison Baldwin & Anna Zielinski – Pathfinder Ranch
String manipulation is a fine art, as well as a relaxing and therapeutic activity. The presenters are experienced knitters and crocheters and can provide yarn, needles and hooks. Participants will learn how to begin and end projects, how to read a pattern, and how to use the necessary equipment. They will be able to bring home a small project.
306 Getting Touchy-Feely with Triceratops (T) – Chris “Milly” Milford – Astrocamp & Arcturus Creations
Getting Touchy-Feely with Triceratops is about using a new technique to investigate dinosaur tracks and digging fossils. Presented at the fall conference this workshop had participants build a fossilized footprint using common materials and then investigate what those footsteps mean in looking into the lives of the dinosaurs and what tracks mean in nature. Participants should plan to get dirty, build some real rock, dig in real rock, and discover some dinosaur fossils. Also participants should be ready to get down and dirty with the dinos. This workshop would be useful in comparing current track studies with track studies that paleontologists use. There are already materials posted to my website for this workshop at www.arcturuscreations.org including full instructions and a PowerPoint you can download and use in your own projects.
307 If You Build It They Will Come (P) – Sasquatch – Shady Creek Outdoor School
This workshop will help participants recognize what makes them unique, and then take ownership of these abilities and talents and apply them to every day life. Come learn how to enhance your valuable attributes to make a positive impact on the world. Time is of the essence so stand tall and be yourself. We will become stronger men, women, naturalists, and humans together! This workshop will not be unplugged.
308 Incorporating Cross-Content Standards into Outdoor Science – Melody Foelsch – Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
Come learn fun and easy ways to incorporate Language Arts, math, social studies, and Visual/Performing Arts into outdoor science education. Make science curriculum more meaningful, holistic, and fun for students by combining content standards into fun activities and thematic instruction. Participate in hand-on activities and get materials to bring back. Both classroom teachers and educational programs alike can learn to beef up their content standards covered and improve student learning!
309 Raising Money to Expand Foundations for the Underserved (D) - Tim Ward – Via Verde Nature Education
Does your school need more money for scholarships? Do you want to start a program just for under-served youth? Join the Grants Manager from Vida Verde, a program that offers 100% free outdoor ed. trips for under-served, inner-city students for a presentation and discussion. Come and gain perspective on the options for fundraising for non-profit and school-based programs. Learn the basic strategies for grant-writing, asking for donations, and keeping those funds coming in. At Vida Verde we dream of a day when the inner-city youth become the next generation of naturalists.
310 Sand-castling! A Lesson in Erosion (N) – Jenna Amberg-Johnson – San Mateo Outdoor Education
There are many great lessons that come out of building sand castles. Besides being incredibly fun and besides the fact that it may be your students first time ever making a sand castle, it is a wonderful opportunity to teach about how sand is created and how erosion happens. After a brief erosion “lesson” we will be making an epic group sand castle through which erosion will be a constant presence. If you’ve ever made a cool sand castle by yourself, think about how amazing a sand castle could be with ten people working on it!!! Come have fun in the sand!
311 Songleading in Class and at Campfire (P) – Seth Weinberg – Rancho Alegre Outdoor School
The workshop will begin with a presentation on song leading techniques, continue on with in class practice and sharing amongst participants and end with participants leading songs to the class and anybody we can rope in around campus.
312 Understanding the Environmental Impacts of Mountain Biking (S) – Mike Vandeman, Ph.D.
I will review all of the available science on the impacts of mountain biking on people and the environment, and ensure that everyone understands the issues and able to transmit them to others.
313 What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You: Promoting Inclusion and Empowerment in Environmental Education (D) - Mira Manickam and Amy Osborne- Headlands Institute
Participants will brainstorm and discuss ways that their (and their institution’s) practices may be culturally specific to a demographic group (often one that has traditionally participated in environmental movements). Prompts will include role-plays and relevant lessons (incisively and creatively presented) from relevant social discourse and linguistic theory. For example, we will examine the cultural traditions from which most “environmental ed” songs arise. How do our job descriptions exclude or intimidate individuals from fields outside of environmental ed. How does the language we use reflect certain cultural literacies while failing to acknowledge others? Presenters will draw on the attendees’ experience to share and develop concrete action strategies, as well as present methods of their own that have been effective in creating a sense of inclusion and ownership for students of diverse backgrounds.
*314 & 414 How Do You Start a New Field Science Education Program (P) – Henry Ortiz – Santa Monica Mountains Institute – A campus of NatureBridge
After 20 years, NatureBridge (formerly Yosemite National Institutes) has established a new campus in the Southern California region. What have we learned from the process? How have we linked the classroom to the outdoors in our program? Join us on a tour of our new site at Circle X Ranch, in the Santa Monica Mountains and experience a short program highlighting one of the lessons presented to students during their stay at our camp. Participants will hike (3 miles round trip) to an area often used by our educators and have an opportunity to experience and discuss some of the pedogogical techniques used with students.
Saturday, Session 4 – 4:30-5:45
401 Be a Super Hero at Your Outdoor School (P) – Yeti – Shady Creek Outdoor School
Are you tired of children looking up to Hollywood zeros? You can be more than a role model; you can be a SUPER HERO!
402 Environmental Education and the Classroom (T) – Shelly Munoz and Cheryl Frye – Triangle Solutions
Through observation, inference and experimentation, students develop social and personal perspectives regarding environmental quality, renewable resources, risks and benefits of human induced hazards. Through a social action project, students acquire the skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world. The social action process includes collecting scientific data, production of a multimedia visual and community service component. Students collaborate to determine an environmental issue that affects their immediate community. Research consists of interviews with community members, Internet searches, educational journals and the scientific process. Mathematics and writing are easily integrated into most projects.
403 Geocache Crash (Course) (R) – Benjamin Deeb – Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
Most kids today spend more time playing with their iPods, Xboxes, and laptops than they do outside. It’s time to show them that technology isn’t only useful in the house. With geocaching, it’s easy. Geocaching combines fun high-tech GPS gadgets with exciting outdoor exploration. In this workshop you’ll learn to set up a geocaching course in a single afternoon with only a GPS unit, small containers, and a few pieces of paper. We’ll discuss variations on basic courses, including scavenger hunts and prize courses. Participants with their own GPS units are encouraged to bring them.
404 Geology 2.1; The geologic History of CA and rock ID (N) – Reed Schneider – Sierra Outdoor School
Got sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic? Understand tectonics? Ready to take it to the next level? This workshop will take the basics and use them to explain how California was formed. We will also dive into a pile of hand samples and see how you do at sorting some actual rocks (new rocks this year.) We will discuss what each type is and why, and send you on your way with a better understanding of how to id rocks in the field.
405 Golden Nuggets (T) – Robb “Big Brown Bat” – Walden West Outdoor School
406 Identifying and Addressing Hate Speech (D) – Kai West/Maryam Moody – Headlands Institute
This workshop begins with participants sharing words that hurt. Participants will be asked to put shared words into groups. The facilitators will create a matrix with participants, asking participants to identify who is being hurt by those words and who is benefiting, as well as learning which form of oppression is being practiced. Participants will be given a list of hate speech words and meanings/histories attached to words. Participants will then break into groups and share stories/experiences of addressing hate speech.
407 Learn to Juggle and Spin Poi! (R) – Anthea “Ringtail” Shore – Sempervrens Outdoor School
Enrich yourself, your campfire performances and wow your students on trail by learning to juggle and spin poi! I will provide materials for you to make your own juggling balls and poi set. We will then go over the basics of juggling and poi spinning. Beginners only please.
408 ¡Make the Connection: Developing and Delivering a Culturally Relevant Environmental Education Program! (D)- Bonnie Holman & Sonya Padron – Multicultural Education for Resource Issues Threatening Oceans
Multicultural Education for Resource Issues Threatening Oceans (MERITO) has been presenting its Watershed Academy After-school Program to multi-lingual 5-8th graders on California’s central coast since 2002. MERITO educators will share some of the techniques, strategies, methodologies and ideologies they use to engage English language learners and multicultural audiences in the sciences.
409 The Odyssey Within (P) – Shangu – Pathfinder Ranch
This workshop will be a combination of guided imagery, poetry, personality quiz, sensory awareness, group discussions, and self-hypnosis. The focus is to create a better understanding of the self. Some of these activities can be used with grade school students, but it is aimed primarily at high school and college students or staff enrichment. In a lyric sense, untangle the knots of psychic energy that hinder us from understanding ourselves.
410 The Plentyo Fish Game: A Lesson in Ocean Resource Management (S) – Heather Richard – The Headlands Institute
The workshop teaches a game designed to demonstrate Garrett Hardin’s “Tragedy of the Commons”. Participants will have to work together as fishing employees and biologists to figure out the maximum sustainable yield of a fish population, all the while dealing with competition from other boats, natural fluctuations in population, and increased fishing technology. Participants will be either in the role of fishing employee or biologist. Biologists will record the changes in fish population while fishing employees relay-race against each other to get fish and earn money during the time sensitive fishing season. The debrief will include information on current sustainable fishing practices and how we can all be better supporters of sustainable fishing.
411 Proving That You Are the Best (P) – Ian “Ibis” Glendhill – Rancho Alegre Outdoor School
This crash course on the science of interpretation will give Environmental Educators the tools to show that we are effective. You will gain the ability to collect data that can be used to write grants, attract schools, and show that you or your outdoor school is the best.
412 Songs, Smiles, and Science (T) – Matthew Lyles – San Mateo Outdoor Education
Come sings songs, laugh, and learn. Experience the songs and skits we sing at San Mateo Outdoor Education and learn the music of the Banana Slug String Band and others. At this workshop we’ll teach new songs, give you the means to take them home to your own programs and have fun.
413 Teaching Sustainability: Organic Produce and Organic Gardens in Outdoor Schools (S) – Richard “Spruce” Hodges – Exploring New Horizons
This workshop will provide a forum for educators to discuss ways of presenting garden education and the ecological impact of agriculture to students. The workshop will start as a discussion on why it is important and how best to go about teaching students about organic agriculture. After discussing these topics and hearing from experiences within our group, the workshop will move into the best ways to educate students in the garden. Tried and true garden activities will be presented to participants. After exploring these activities participants are free to share their experiences with educational gardens and activities therein. Finally, we will go over the best ways to provide organic produce for our students at our own respective schools.
Sunday, Session 5 – 9:00-10:30
501 Adventure Charlie’s Ukulele Funtime (Ukulele 101) (T) – Charles Vogelheim – Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
The ukulele is ever increasing in popularity and is an excellent tool in bringing music into educational programs that will encourage students to retain information and desire to share and perform it with others. This is a hands-on workshop aimed to teach those with little or no musical experience how to play a very cheap, portable, simple, and easy instrument for use in educational programs. Ukuleles have 2 less strings than a guitar and easier-on-the-fingertips nylon strings, yet all the musical potential of a guitar. I will provide you with simple beginner playing techniques from which you can easily continue to develop your skill on your own. I will also provide you with chord charts and with the chords and lyrics that will allow you to play several songs that can be used in a variety of outdoor educational programs. I promise that you will be strummin’ and singin’ along to some good-time ditties by the end of this session.
IMPORTANT NOTE: BYOU (Bring Your Own Uke) – Ukes can be found at nearly any music store that sells guitars or purchased online ($20-$60). Most souvenir ukes bought in Hawaii are playable, despite ridiculous appearances.
502 Be a Conservation Volunteer in Costa Rica (P) – Stephen “Hoppy” Hopkins
Enhance ones career in environmental education and expand your horizons with a volunteer adventure to Costa Rica.
Broadening your resume and/or life experiences? AEOE members can contribute their energy and enthusiasm to support a sustainable eco-tourism project in rural Costa Rica.
503 Body Listening as a Teaching Tool (T) – Mindy Wiper – Yosemite Institute
I would like to share and discuss how to speak non-verbally with students. I use body language as a diagnostic tool to see what my students need out of my teaching tool kit. I would like to share my findings as well as teach some basic body language awareness games that teach us about how we connect to our world by using body language.
504 Building Foundations for Sustainability: Engaging Students in Human Ecology and Sustainability Education (S) – Helen de la Maza – Population Education
Participate in innovative, hands-on activities that examine the connections between human population growth, resource consumption, and sustainable ecosystems and communities. The presenter will engage participants in memorable games and simulations for use with students in any setting. The concepts and learner outcomes in these activities support the California Content Standards. Participants will receive a user-friendly CD-Rom with 50 activities!
505 Climate Change: From Awareness to Action (P) – Susan Silber
Are you wanting to introduce climate change themes to your students, but not sure how? This hands-on workshop will first engage participants in a discussion about meaningful ways to introduce climate change to all types of groups and environments, from indoor classrooms to outdoor science schools. Then you’ll learn some great activities that empower students to take action to combat climate change, and take home resources and ideas, from organizations that you and teachers that you work with can connect with to Internet websites.
506 Evaluate your EE Program (P) – Tracey Weiss – Exploring New Horizon Outdoor School
As educators we see the impact that EE has upon its students – but how can we be sure that our program is effective? Come to this workshop to learn about why evaluating your program is important, and how to begin to establish and evaluation program. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of evaluation instruments, and the opportunity to craft an initial plan during this workshop.
507 Meaningful Activities for Closure (T) – Meg “Granite” O’Neill – Yosemite Institute
Do you ever struggle to bring your students’ experience to a meaningful conclusion? Are you seeking ways to help link what they’ve learned back to their lives at home? In this workshop, we will learn several activities designed for use with a residential environmental education program trail group. These activities are meant to help students feel closure with their hiking group and with the program at the end of their experience. We will also discuss ways to link the outdoor school experience back to the students’ lives at home. Come prepared with your own ideas to share!
508 Natural Challenges (R) – Ben Hoffman & Ryan Kelly – Foothill Horizons Outdoor School
Ready to take your initiatives to the next level? This workshop will give you more tools to facilitate and debrief challenges effectively. “Building foundations” of cooperation, teamwork, and inclusiveness within your group will provide many benefits. There will be an emphasis on the importance of a thoughtful debrief. We will discuss a variety of ways to integrate initiatives to state standards and the core parts of your lesson. Join us for laughs, challenges, cooperation, and maybe a few tears.
509 Project Learning Tree- Municipal Solid Waste (S) – Carrie Bryant – Pathfinder Ranch
Come see what Project Learning Tree is all about! Activities will be presented from the Municipal Solid Waste Secondary Module. Participants will play with worms, sing songs, participate in games, share ideas, and get dirty while learning about waste and sustainability! Participants will receive a participation certificate and materials.
510 Science Tricks for Outdoor Education (T) – Frank Padilla Jr – Yaquimagic Presents
This session will provide examples on how science tricks can be used to stimulate scientific inquiry. Participants will engage in hands-on activities using simple science principles that can be used in an indoor or outdoor setting.
511 Southern California Indian Instruments (N) – Robert Przeklasa – Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
This program will show how to utilize Mexican Elderberry wood to create musical instruments. Participants will learn how to create traditional rim-blown flutes. These are easy to make but very difficult to play. They will also learn how to make clapper sticks which were used to beat-keeping in CA instead of drums. Finally, local gourds will be utilized to create rattles which were also used to time-keeping. Interactions with the federal government and their effects on culture will be discussed with evaporated milk can rattles.
512 Wearing 2 Hats, Advocacy and EE (P) – Sean Hill – Sierra Nevada Journeys
Let’s have a discussion about the role of advocacy in Environmental Education. How do you wear these hats, either personally or within your organization? This session is absolutely interactive! We will also be discussing the most current federal and state legislation that relates to our field, including No Child Left Inside and the National Environmental Education Act. Learn how to become more involved with advocacy through AEOE.
