Virtual Winter Learning Series 2021
Over the month of January 2021, ICEC provided a series of self-guided readings, modules, webinars, speakers and panel discussions to lay a foundation for understanding and further conversation and dialogue around making Iowa’s conservation education community more inclusive and welcoming to all.
Some sessions and resources remain available for on-demand access below.
Throughout February 2021, additional webinar sessions explored various teaching resources and tactics, and are now available on-demand.
Thank you to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the North American Association for Environmental Education for supporting this learning series.
If you are able, ICEC appreciates freewill donations to help cover the additional costs of speaker fees, tech support, and administrative time.
On-Demand Access
These activities have been completed, reviewed, and recommended by members of the workshop planning team.
4 hour eeLearn module from NAAEE – highly recommended for all, including educators, manager, and board members. You will need to create an NAAEE account, if you do not already have one, to complete this learning module. This also allows to tracks your progress through the module (stop and start where you left off) and awards you a certificate. Please email us if you have difficulty creating an account.
60-90 minutes, self-guided module series, designed for K-12 Educators provided by the Kirwani Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University
STEM and Equity Webinar – South Central Iowa STEM Hub
This conversation revolves around equity issues in underrepresented communities, socio-economically challenged families, and rural areas. YouTube video approximately 1 hour long.
Luther College CEPE Panel: Race and Environmentalism
The student-led Environmental Concerns Organization at Luther College, in collaboration with the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, will be hosting a panel discussion on the intersections of race and environmentalism on Wednesday, January 13. Panelists will share their stories concerning how environmental issues particularly impact BIPOC populations, in our regional communities, and globally. We hope that in doing so, we can bring awareness to the unique challenges that marginalized communities face in the era of the climate crisis, and engage in meaningful conversation about how we can help to close the gap of disproportionate impacts.
A training provided by the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center, Pronouns 101 will provide an overview of pronoun usage and gender identity, with an added focus on fostering and creating safe and accepting workplaces and educational environments.
Panel Discussion on Equity and Inclusion with School of the Wild
Kirkwood Elementary in Coralville (has the 3rd highest percentage of Black citizens in Iowa) has participated in the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild for the past 20 years. Kirkwood Elementary is one of the most diverse and economically challenged (with 80% of students qualifying for Free/Reduced Lunch) schools in the Iowa City Community School District. Hear from Kirkwood teachers and administrators about their experiences in leading their students in this week-long, immersive environmental education program.
Additional Webinars – Teaching Resources and Tactics
Please contact Barb Gigar with any questions about the below sessions.
This overview of professional learning resources provides experiences and rationale about outdoor science instruction designed to inspire instructors to improve their teaching. The student’s activities inspire wonder and curiosity about the natural world, support their innate tendencies for exploration, and guide them to make explanations based on evidence.
Session will explore teaching resources for educators and parents, step through some of the activities, and discuss classroom applications and school to home connections that work for all students.
Follow-up to BEETLES resources – participants will discuss investigable questions and investigations that can be done in backyards or on school grounds to develop science skills and understanding.
Learning through Citizen Science
This session will look at citizen science opportunities and discussion of how citizen science can be used to bundle standards, provide rigorous and relevant content, and engage students. Discussion of a variety of options that are open to students, regardless of locale, equipment, etc.