Happy Holidays
Hopefully your classes are nice and warm, filled with creative thoughts and good cheer. In this issue of Education e-News, I have highlighted two great field trip destinations, some free resources, professional development opportunities and upcoming ICN classes related to food and Iowa heritage.
Enjoy the holiday season!
Angi Reid
Education & Interpretation Manager
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
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| U of I Museum of Natural History |
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Located in Iowa City, the museum is filled with great exhibits about Iowa. Activities at the museum include:
- Guided walks through Iowa Hall, where students learn about the geological, Native American and pioneer history of the state.
- Scavenger Hunts in both Mammal Hall and the Hageboeck Hall of Birds
- Archaeological investigation into the Tarkio Valley Sloth Project in Iowa
After your tour, enjoy a picnic on the front lawn of the museum or walk a short distance to the Old Capitol Museum which is also free of charge. Working together these two museums can host field trips of 100 students. For more information or to schedule a tour contact Sarah Horgen at: sarah-horgen@uiowa.edu or call 319-335-0606.
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| Resources & Professional Development Credits |
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 FREE DVD RESOURCE
"A Culture of Conservation," video series developed by the ISU Extension offers an insightful look into soil, water, land stewardship and their relation to agriculture. These DVDs are great resources for 5-12 grade classrooms. To view these videos or to order a set visit: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDITS
Effigy Mounds Teacher Workshop
Each summer Effigy Mounds National Monument near Marquette, Iowa invites teachers to spend 1-4 summer Saturdays with them learning about Iowa History. Through group tours and presentations learn about Native American culture, pioneer history, life on the Mississippi River and much more! Cost is $20 per Saturday with college credits offered through Morningside College. For more information visit:
ICEC Winter Solstice Iowa Conservation Education Council's (ICEC) main event, Winter Solstice Educator's Workshop is scheduled for January 15-17, 2010. Join the fun and learn how you can integrate conservation and environmental education into your curriculum. Professional development hours are available through Great Prairie AEA. |
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Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center |
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 Looking for an outdoor adventure, make sure to check out Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center in Toddville, Iowa. Named after the domed shape hut used by Native Americans for thousands of years, Wickiup offers a variety of programs for pre-k through high school. Some of the programs they offer include: Programs are available year round, so get your students outside and play in the snow. To learn more or to make a reservation call 319.892.6485 or visit www.mycountyparks.com. Cost for programming at Wickiup is $1 per student for the first hour and $2 per student for up to four hours, with in-school programming available for an additional charge. |
| ICN Courses Available |
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Lauar Ingalls Wilder: Pioneer Life
Month of January
Grades 3-6
Presented by: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library
Iowa's President: Life and Times of Herbert Hoover
Various dates throughout the month of February
Grades 4-6
Presented by: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library
To Be A Seed
April 7
Grades K-2
Presented by: Blank Park Zoo
Stories and More: Food
May 13
Grades PreK-1
Presented by: IPTV
These sessions are free of charge! Make sure to check out IPTV K-12 Connections for more opportunies. |
"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
-- From A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh |
 Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Through the network of sites, programs and events, the Heritage Area's mission is to interpret farm life, agribusiness and rural communities - past and present. |
Travel back in time for FREE at the 