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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
ST. CHARLES, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites preschool teachers to an upcoming workshop that will provide free training on improving conservation education in their classrooms, home-school classes, or youth groups. The Discover Nature Schools workshop will take place on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Highway D in St. Charles. Space is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, March 28.
“The Discover Nature Schools program is an excellent way to get students of all ages into nature and to enrich their learning through outdoor experiences focused on Missouri plants, animals and natural systems,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Kim Cole.
This workshop will prepare early childhood educators to teach Nature Revealed, a hands-on unit for preschool students that is based on Missouri Early Learning Goals and the Project Construct framework. MDC will supply free teacher guides and additional resources to support the curriculum.
“Learning in nature benefits children in several ways, such as improving physical and mental health, raising standardized test scores, and reducing attention-deficit problems. Nature Revealed introduces young learners to nature and helps them develop a sense of wonder, respect, and appreciation for the outdoors,” said Cole.
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 grade 12 and are aligned with current Missouri Learning Standards in order to help teachers and students meet required learning expectations. 100% of school districts and approximately 40% of schools in the state participate in the program.
To register for the workshop, visit the Teacher Portal: https://goo.gl/wqLjGJ.
For questions about the workshop or more information about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, contact Cole at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov or 636-300-1953, ext. 4126 or visit https://mdc.mo.gov/education.
