2009 Conference Highlights

Conference Schedule
Keynote Speakers
Presentations -  Concurrent Sessions
Field Experiences
Friday Evening Entertainment
Greening the Conference
Download Conference Schedule

Join us for the Idaho Environmental Education Annual Conference. This year’s theme is “Idaho Learns Outside.” We hope you will make plans to participate. The Conference takes place on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel in Boise, Idaho. Continuing education credit from Idaho State University, Boise State University and University of Idaho is available.

Registration fees for IDEEA members are $85.00, $35.00 for full time students and $110.00 for non-members. For more information contact the Idaho Environmental Education Association: 208-232-5674 or email larry@idahoee.org

Friday, March 5

DEFINING ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY

Robert Steelquist

Robert Steelquist is a writer, naturalist and environmental educator based on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. He has worked in a variety of Federal and state natural resource agencies and has been Education and Outreach Coordinator at NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary for the last 14 years. In addition, he manages NOAA's Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grants program in Oregon and Washington. He has served on the boards of many organizations, including the Environmental Education Association of Washington.

What does environmental literacy look like? The "Head, Heart and Hands" activity helps us envision tomorrow's environmental citizen. Not only do today's students need specific knowledge ("head"), but they need goals and aspirations ("heart") and the necessary skills ("hands") to fulfill their roles as the next generation's stewards. This activity gets the conference going with an energetic and interactive small-group discussion that envisions Idaho's future leaders, community members, workforce, users and caretakers of natural resources.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Dr. Gregory Smith

Gregory Smith is a professor of teacher education in the Graduate School of Education and Counseling at Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR He has been writing and teaching about environmental sustainable education since the 1980s. His research and publishing efforts have focused on finding ways to strengthen the connections that young people experience with their communities and places.

Grounding Education in the Local: Place and community-based education is an approach to teaching and learning that starts with what students can directly experience about the human and natural worlds that surround them. It seeks to blur the boundaries between what happens in the classroom and what happens everywhere else in a young person’s life. It does this by taking students into the community, and bringing community’s adults and issues into the classroom. It furthermore strives to give people opportunities to become engaged in activities that have value beyond school, activities that can enhance their self-esteem, their competence, and their capacity to make their communities better for themselves and others. Finally, placed and community based education provides a vehicle for addressing the three-pronged themes of sustainability: environment, equity, and economy thanks to its emphasis on the human and more-than-human environments in which we live. Dr. Smith's talk will explore these issues and describe schools and classrooms where teachers are enacting this innovative but in fact ancient educational process.

FRIDAY EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

Open to the Public

Don’t miss Douglas Wood, singer, songwriter and author from Minnesota.

Douglas Wood has been called Minnesota’s “renaissance man” — author, artist, musician, naturalist, wilderness guide. As a writer of books for children and adults he has almost two million copies in print, including the classics Old Turtle and Grandad's Prayers of the Earth. Among his many honors and awards have been the Christopher Medal, ABBY Award, International Reading Association Book of the Year, Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Publishers Association Book of the Year, Parent's Choice Award, Barnes and Noble Star of the North, and Story Telling World Award.
 

It has been said that Douglas Wood “leads his readers and listeners on a journey of self-discovery helping them to understand themselves and the world around them.” And "his message resonates with the great truths of nature."

As a musician, Doug writes music featuring vocals, 6- and 12-string guitars, piano, fiddle, and banjo. He has four recordings currently available.
 

In performances and speaking engagements across the country, Doug continues to reach audiences of all ages with his superb blend of storytelling and musicianship, personal warmth and light-hearted humor, and the rare ability to lift the human spirit.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Outdoor Ed in Winter--Snow School at Craters of the Moon
Douglass Owen (National Park Service) & Lana Weber (Winter
Wildlands Alliance)
Learn how Craters of the Moon in partnership with the Winter Wildlands Alliance set up a Snow School Program for Idaho students to get them outside and learning about how life is able cope with and survive winter in the dynamic environment found at Craters of the Moon. We will share and demonstrate how we developed a program that grabs student’s attention and gets them excited about learning about winter ecology.

Idaho goes WILD!
Jen Bruns, IDFG Clearwater Region Volunteer Coordinator, Lewiston, ID.
Idaho Fish and Game has many resources available to students and teachers to promote fish and wildlife education throughout Idaho. One of the IDFG sponsored tools used to reach young people in Idaho is Project WILD. Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The goal of Project WILD is to assist students of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment to result in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. Come learn how you can benefit from Project WILD and see a list of specialized programs that might be available near you. Examples of specialized WILDs include; Trout in the Classroom, WILD about Raptors, WILD about Salmon….and more!

Where Have All the Children Gone?
Vicky Runnoe, Conservation Education Supervisor, IDFG & other members of the ICNN Education Committee
Today’s children spend an average of 44.5 hours per week in front of some sort of electronic screen. Time spent playing outside has dropped to a mere 30 minutes per week. According to many researchers this lack of outside time is taking a tremendous toll on the physical, mental, and emotional health of our children. This presentation will discuss “nature deficit disorder” and the important role educators can play in helping children head back outdoors.

Learning with the Land: Place-based Education

Alana Jensen, Idaho National Laboratory ESER Program (S. M. Stoller)
The Idaho landscape is unsurpassed in all of North America. Known for its diversity in geology, biology, and ecology, it would be difficult to find a more attractive landscape for the study of science! Stoller Corporation’s Environmental Surveillance, Education and Research Program (ESER) and the Museum of Idaho have tailored courses for teachers and students in these spectacular and unique natural environments. Methods include (1) observation and study using field activities, (2) journaling activities, and (3) English, history, math and art in the outdoors.  Join us for some hands-on activities and fun!

Show Me the Money - Grant Writing Tips
Sally Hanft, EPA Region 10’s Environmental Education Grant Coordinator
Hanft will guide you through the steps to develop a successful grant application. Learn how to strengthen grant applications by hearing what reviewers say about proposals and learn valuable tips to write a fundable proposal. Also learn more about EPA's funding priorities and additional funding opportunities. She will also showcase EPA’s resources, including the Public Environmental Resource Center, Environmental Education Clearinghouse, and more.

Idaho Power Empowers Students: Student energy detectives explore efficiency using investigative techniques and tools
John Bernardo, Energy Educator, Idaho Power
In 2009 Idaho Power launched Students for Energy Efficiency. Teachers and teams of students received training in performing energy assessments of their schools, using specialized tools: Kill-A-Watt Meters, Ballast Discriminators and Lumen Light Meters. Using a crime scene approach, students conducted ESI (Energy Scene Investigations), including observations and data analysis. Students then presented their energy efficiency recommendations to school boards, PTAs and potential funding agencies. The program will be repeated in Fall 2010.

Dworshak Extreme Explorers – After-School Partnership to Connect Children with Nature
Megan Wandag, Information Education Specialist, Dworshak Fisheries Complex
Dworshak Extreme Explorers is an innovative, outdoor-themed, after-school club for 5th graders in Orofino, Idaho, created through a unique partnership between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation. The club was created to address a need in the community for after-school and outdoor activities for elementary-age students. I will describe how the partnership and club got started, why this partnership model has been critical to our success, and what we are doing to connect children with nature.
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Using the Arts to Connect Children and Nature
The IDCNN Arts Committee (Diane Ronayne, Diane Ronayne Creative; Josh Olson, Boise Dept of Arts and History; Meggan Laxalt Mackey, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Paul Shaffer, The Cabin Literary Center; Ruth Piispanen, Idaho Commission on the Arts; and
Mike Shipman, Blue Planet Photography)
The Idaho Children and Nature Network is working hard to help connect Idaho’s children to nature, from backyards to mountaintops. Very often, hiking, skiing or other physically-engaging activity gets kids outside. The arts, however, serve a unique role in encouraging our youth to connect with the outdoors. Activities such as art, writing, music, folk art, drama, and history can be used to creatively engage youth – especially, youth who are not necessarily inclined to be the “outdoorsy” type. Tap into your right-brains, and learn how to stimulate imaginations, encourage appreciation of the natural world, and use the arts to get kids outside!

School as Teacher
Scott Hopkins, US Green Building Council
What direction does your classroom face? What do you throw away? Where did the building materials come from and what are they made of? School buildings and grounds provide educators and students opportunities to learn about sustainability, whether the examples are good or bad. This session will present and discuss examples that can lead to lessons in math, science, technology and environmental education.

Fundraising Fun!
Laurel York Odell
Yes, fundraising can be fun and profitable! The key, find the best fit for your organization. Whether it’s major donors, galas, fun runs or social media, activities need consistency and alignment with your organization’s values for maximum success. Laurel York Odell, MA, Philanthropy & Development will share myths and tips about fundraising that will help you put the fun and $$ into your fundraising program.

The Writer’s Path
Douglas Wood, Singer, song writer
The path begins with a young boy who was the poorest reader in his class and hated school. It winds through the woods and waters of the North and into a life-long love affair with books. In an inspiring presentation for teachers, students, and aspiring writers of all ages and types, Doug empowers participants to pursue their own dreams and goals. He also deals with the “problem” of getting inspired and what sometimes comes next, with a unique solution that might leave you feeling … inspired

Make EVERYDAY an "Outside Day"
Dick Jordan, Science Department Chair, Timberline High School, Boise and Dr. Louis Nadelson, Department of Education, Boise State University
Mr. Jordan and his students from Timberline's TREE (Teens Restoring Earth's Environment) Club and AP Environmental Science class will be discussing their Outside Day program (www.outsideday.org) that was first launched on March 4th, 2009. Concern over the rise in nature deficit disorder and with the help of the Idaho Children & Nature Network & a grant from the National Park Service, high school students hosted an all day outdoor event for sixth graders within the Timberline quad each of the last two years. In addition, Mr. Jordan  and Dr. Nadelson will discuss the findings from the journal article they co-authored on the success of the program and plans to take the program nationally.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

Following our on-site conference happenings, Saturday afternoon presents a perfect time for exploring education sites in and around Boise. Participation in our three field trips is limited, so be sure to sign up early.

All trips run from 12:00-4:00PM on Saturday, March 6. Each trip has a fee of $25.00 to cover a box lunch and transportation. Please note that teachers seeking continuing education credit for the Conference must go on a field trip. We will provide transportation for the trips. These are outdoor/indoor experiences, so please dress appropriately.  We reserve the right to cancel trips if they have low enrollment.

Three Cheers for Trees!
We all have trees in our lives—in the yard, on the street, in parks, and in Idaho’s vast forests. In addition to their beauty, trees provide services that we often take for granted. Join Boise Community Forestry staff to explore the “urban forest” and how trees help with air and water quality, temperature regulation, energy conservation, property values, crime rates, climate change and more. Peek “behind the scenes” of community forestry, learn to quantify the value of tree services, and how to be good tree stewards. You’ll leave with hands-on activities to do with your students next week!

Boise WaterShed Education Center and BLM Riparian curriculum
Explore the world of water education by touring the Boise WaterShed Education Center and participating in hands-on field science activities from The Bureau of Land Management's new riparian curriculum. The Boise WaterShed is Idaho's only water education center that promotes water stewardship through high-tech, hands-on exhibits. Located at Boise City's Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Gold LEED-certified building also features a library, a theater, and amazing artwork. After the tour, we'll head outdoors to participate in selected activities from the BLM "Holding Onto the Green Zone Action Guide." The curriculum introduces students to riparian areas - what they are, how they function, and why they are important to the community. Participants will receive a curriculum guide with ideas for implementing these activities outdoors at your school or facility.


Outside Learning Without a Bus!!
Join Timberline High School teacher Dick Jordan and Jennie Rylee from the Foothills Learning Center (FLC) as we explore how to create outside learning experiences without having to take a field trip. Experience the FLC's "Chunk and Trunk", an environmental ed program we hand off to teachers, as we lead you through a natural world lesson within walking distance of White Pine Elementary School. Then members of Timberline's TREE (Teens Restoring Earth's Environment) Club will lead you in a fun activity involving GPS and tree identification. Follow that with an active game you can use with your students and a short discussion about how to implement these programs in your community, and your trip is complete.