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MDC hosting Discover Nature Schools preschool teacher workshop in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. –The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites preschool teachers interested in improving conservation education in their classrooms and home-schools to attend an upcoming free training class on Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MDC Central Regional Office, 3500 East Gans Road in Columbia. Space is limited and reservations are required by Aug. 25.
"The Discover Nature Schools program is an excellent way to get students of all ages outside and to enrich their learning through outdoor experiences focused on Missouri plants, animals and natural systems," said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Kim Cole.
The workshop is part of MDC's Discover Nature Schools program to help prepare educators to teach hands-on courses for their grades. Teacher guides are provided for free, along with additional resources to support the curriculum.
"Learning in nature benefits children in several ways, including improving physical and mental health, improving test scores, reducing attention-deficit problems, teaching problem-solving, and other thinking skills," said Cole.
MDC's Discover Nature Schools program provides no-cost curriculum materials to teachers and schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum materials are available for preschool through twelfth grade and are aligned with Missouri state standards in order to help teachers and students meet required learning expectations. Approximately 98% of school districts and 40% of schools in the state participate in the program.
For questions or to register for the workshop, contact Kim Cole at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7900 ext. 3964.
For more information about MDC's Discover Nature Schools program, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/9019%20 .