MDC hosts Discover Nature Schools teacher training workshops in Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites teachers to attend upcoming Discover Nature Schools teacher training workshops. These workshops provide free training for teachers interested in improving conservation education in their Missouri classrooms, home-school classes, or youth groups. These two upcoming workshops will take place at the MDC Hannibal Office, 8965 Hwy 36:

• Dec. 1, 6 - 9 p.m., Nature Unfolds, grades K - 2 (register by Nov. 28)

• Dec. 7, 1 - 4 p.m., Nature Unleashed, grades 3 - 5 (register by Dec 5)

“As a part of our Discover Nature Schools program, these training opportunities help teachers enrich curriculum with experience-based learning in nature,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Kathi Moore.

These workshops will prepare educators to teach the hands-on, grade level expectations-based unit for their grade. Teacher’s guides and classroom sets of student guides and science notebooks are provided for free, and eligible schools can receive non-competitive grants for field experiences and classroom materials that support the curriculum units. Space is limited and participants must make reservations to ensure enough supplies for each training session.

“Learning in nature benefits children by improving physical and mental health, improving standardized test scores, reducing attention-deficit problems and teaching problem-solving and other higher-order thinking skills,” said Moore.

MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program provides no-cost curriculum units to teachers and schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum units are available for preschool through 12th grade and are aligned with Missouri state standards in order to help teachers and students meet required learning expectations.

For questions, or to register for a workshop, contact Moore at kathi.moore@mdc.mo.gov, or 573-248-2530.

For more information about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, visit http://on.mo.gov/2fyFhQe.