|
Professional Development for Teachers
We conduct workshops for teachers as part of our mission to accomplish the
conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. Workshops are usually 3-5 hours in duration with educators participating in a variety of
indoor and outdoor activities. Teachers are able to obtain CPDU’s for workshop
attendance. In addition, educators receive various materials which help them
develop units of study which correlate to the state learning standards. These
workshops are hosted by local partners who can provide facilities such as
classrooms and natural areas. Partners include county forest preserves, village
park districts, local school districts, and nature centers throughout the metro
area. Examples of workshops include: Project WET (Water Education for Teachers),
WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands, Endangered Species, Watchable Wildlife, etc.
Student Field Studies
We provide assistance with
instructing school students (preferably grades 5-12) involved with a variety of
outdoor field studies. The field studies are designed to enhance existing curriculums of local schools and
correlated to the state learning standards.
Students are provided with hands-on experiences in the use of equipment and
techniques routinely used by environmental scientists. Many school districts are
able to use nearby sites eliminating the need for all-day field trips which
require expenses for buses and substitute teachers. Examples of field studies
include: macroinvertebrate sampling to determine water quality, site assessments
to analyze habitat quality and wildlife use, migratory bird identification, and
surveys of plant communities.
Discovery Trunks
The Chicago Field Office has developed a variety
of "Discovery Trunks" that are available for loan to educators. Topics
include: "Wetlands," "Tallgrass Prairies," "Migratory
Birds," "Endangered Species," "Watchable Wildlife," and
"Water Quality".
Interested educators may also consider
developing their own discovery trunks. Discovery trunk
checklists
(including appropriate costs of items) are
available from our office.
Informational Materials
The Chicago Field Office has a wide variety of
brochures, pamphlets, and posters available to the public. These publications
cover topics such as: migratory birds, endangered species, wetlands,
invasive/nuisance species, landscaping for wildlife, and other issues of
interest. If you are interested in obtaining copies of these materials, please
write or call the office. Other Service publications can also be viewed at http://library.fws.gov
Guest Speakers
The Chicago Field Office provides guest speakers
for a variety of occasions. Presentation topics include, but are not limited to: wetlands/watersheds,
migratory birds, endangered species/biodiversity, wildlife/habitat restoration,
Service policies and programs, and natural resource careers. These are not "canned"
programs, we will work with you to customize the presentation.
Special Events
The Chicago Field Office participates in various
special events throughout the metro area.
Calendar of Special Events:
Duck
Stamps- Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for
K-12 students- entry deadline March 15.
Illinois
Envirothon- Competition for high school students - April.
International Migratory Bird Day-
Usually takes place on the 2nd Saturday in May.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman-
Sponsored by
the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources - June.
Stewardship Days-
Sponsored by the Chicago
Park District - July.
Nature Week -
Sponsored by the City of
Chicago's Department of the
Environment - September.
|
