Professional Development

Illinois Virtual School Online Professional Development Opportunities

IDNR Monthly Update

May 2013

1. ENTICE 2013-2014 Workshop Registration is Open!

Beetles, raptors, butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators and ecology are just some of the topics that will be represented at ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) workshops from the IDNR for the 2013-2014 school year. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com for details and to register. More information will be posted soon. ENTICE workshops provide educators with the chance to work with experts in the field, take part in hands-on activities and receive supplemental resources. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Experience ENTICE!

2. Illinois Trees: An Identification and Activity Book

Teachers, the Illinois Trees: An Identification and Activity Book publication from the IDNR has been reprinted. Order your copies at http://dnr.state.il.us/teachkids while supplies last!

3. IDNR Division of Education YouTube Page

The IDNR Division of Education now has its own YouTube page featuring several educational videos! Go to YouTube and search for “IDNREducation” (no spaces). Videos are being added regularly so check back often!

4. New Video Podcasts

New video podcasts on Developing a Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat, the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program and the Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program have been added to the IDNR Division of Education Podcast Web page and iTunes. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/education/podcasts.htm or search for them through the iTunes Store. They are accessible through YouTube, too.

5. Register Now for Upcoming ENTICE Professional Development Workshops

The following ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) educator workshops from the IDNR are scheduled for April through June. Go to https://www.enticeworkshops.com for more details and to register. Continuing Professional Development Units are available at all ENTICE workshops.

Illinois Prairies, Morris, June 8, 2013
Imagining the vast prairies of Illinois’ past is difficult, but you can experience one of the best examples remaining in our state if you join us for this workshop at the Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area near Morris. Designed for educators of grades kindergarten through eight, you’ll learn about prairie ecology as well as the history of the prairie in Illinois, and we'll take a discovery walk in the prairie. Illinois-specific educational resources will be provided. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.

Illinois Bats, Urbana, June 19, 2013
The only true flying mammals will be examined at this workshop for educators of grades four through eight. Work with resource professionals as you learn about the life history of bats and their relationships to other species in the environment. We’ll attempt to capture and band bats during the evening, too. Experience hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. Take home many Illinois-specific supplemental materials. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Tree Homes, Lisle, June 22, 2013
From the camouflage of a walking stick insect to the nest of a great horned owl, animals of all shapes and sizes rely on the natural habitat created by trees for their daily needs. Learn about some of these amazing tree dwellers and how they use trees in a variety of ways as we explore the woodlands, wetlands and prairie at The Morton Arboretum. Although targeted to teachers of grades kindergarten through six, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

6. Reserve IDNR Resources Trunks and Field Trip Packs for Spring

Now is a great time to make your spring reservations for the IDNR’s popular resources trunks and Field Trip Packs. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/teach.htm to access links to all of the resources trunks (Aquatic Illinois; Illinois Birds; Illinois Fossils; Illinois Insects and Spiders; Illinois’ Invasive Species; Illinois Prairies; Illinois’ State Symbols; Illinois Trees; Illinois Wild Mammals; and People and Animals from Illinois’ Past) and the Field Trip Pack. Each Web page has the content list, appropriate grade levels and contact information for the lending sites. These hands-on units contain field guides, posters, books, equipment, specimens and many other items. Reserve a trunk or pack today!

7. IDNR Division of Education List Server

Educators throughout Illinois can obtain instant notification about new products, scheduled workshops and many other events and items from the IDNR through the IDNR Division of Education's electronic list server. By participating in the list server, you will receive email messages when new educational materials are available from the IDNR. You'll also be made aware of upcoming workshops and special opportunities. To join the list, send an email to subscribe-dnr-education@lists.illinois.gov. You do not need to write any text in the message or the subject line. You may leave the list at any time by sending an email to unsubscribe-dnr-education@lists.illinois.gov. You do not need to write any text in the message or the subject line. There is no charge to participate. Messages are usually titled "Items of Possible Interest" in the subject line.

8. IDNR Education offers Field Trip Tips for Educators Visit

Visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/fieldtrip to access information that will help you and your students have a successful outdoor experience at an Illinois state park. You can find the state park nearest to you and a list of its amenities. By clicking on the category names in the “Lesson Topics” feature, you can link to the IDNR lesson plans and materials that will help you teach about the habitats, organisms and/or history of each park. Lessons for pre-trip, on site and post-trip are available in downloadable PDF format. Field trip etiquette and planning are also discussed. After deciding on your destination, why not apply for an Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant? You’ll find a link to that information on this Web site, too.

9. Illinois’ Natural Resources Trading Cards

Illinois’ Natural Resources Trading Cards are informational cards that contain an image on one side and facts on the other side. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, invertebrates, plants, fungi, microorganisms, rocks, minerals and fossils are represented. A poster accompanies each card set to depict all of the cards in the set and provide suggestions for use. Sets #2 - 5 are available. To request cards, please send a note on school letterhead to IDNR Education, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702. Please specify the set number(s) you are requesting. Teachers are allowed one pack of cards and one poster for each of the sets.

10. Biodiversity of Illinois CD-ROMs

The Biodiversity of Illinois, Volume I: Aquatic Habitats, Biodiversity of Illinois, Volume II: Woodland Habitats and Biodiversity of Illinois, Volume III: Prairie and Edge Habitats CD-ROMs are field guides to more than 1,000 species and provide a wealth of information for educators and students to use. Order your copies by written request on school letterhead and mail to IDNR Education, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702.