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Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
KIRKSVILLE Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites preschool teachers and early childhood educators interested in improving conservation education in their classrooms and home-schools to attend an upcoming free training class in Kirksville.
This Discover Nature Schools workshop will focus on the Nature Revealed curriculum designed for early childhood educators. The course will take place 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on April 21 at the MDC Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore St. in Kirksville.
“MDC’s Nature Revealed workshop is a wonderful way for preschool teachers, home daycare providers, and homeschool parents to obtain an engaging curriculum to stimulate student curiosity with seasonal activities,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Karen Armstrong. “The activities are designed to take advantage of local outdoor resources, so students are studying and observing species found in their backyards.”
The Nature Revealed Workshop is part of MDC's Discover Nature Schools program that helps prepare educators to teach hands-on courses for their grades. Teacher guides are provided at the workshop for FREE, along with additional resources to support the curriculum.
Nature Revealed provides a diverse collection of learning experiences that help young students discover the relationship between nature and everyday living. Both teachers and parents can use the activities to stimulate children’s sense of wonder in nature.
“Students will learn important lessons including how to recognize poison ivy and to leave a place cleaner than they found it,” said Armstrong. “The book also has fun activities like puzzles that illustrate the connection between plant and animal products, animal tracks, and the different types of energy. These lessons focus on observing and respecting nature, which can help Missouri students become conservationists for life.”
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 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.
Nature Revealed is a curriculum guide filled with activities for preschool-aged children. The teacher’s guide is based on the Project Construct framework. This course is MOPD-approved, and attendees can receive ChildCare Aware Clock hours for their time in the workshop.
Space is limited to 20 participants for this workshop and attendees must preregister by calling Karen Armstrong at (660) 785-2420, ext. 6506.
For teachers interested but unable to attend this workshop, inquire about hosting a local workshop with Armstrong at the phone number above, or Karen.Armstrong@mdc.mo.gov.
