Education

Teacher Programs

Fall 2011 Programs

New! Soil Studies: A Local Look at the Underground
October 15 & 22, 2011 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $150 ($120 for Educator Members)

Grade level: 6-12
CPDU credit: 15, CPS Lane credit: 1, Graduate credit: 1
An additional fee for graduate credit ($100 per credit though Aurora University and $140 per credit through National Louis University) will be collected on the first day of the workshop.

Soil studies examine the complex ecological network of organisms that are essential for plant life. Join soil scientists in the field and as well in the lab at the new Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center featuring cutting-edge research labs and LEED-certified architecture. In this workshop, we will explore the many soil organisms and their role in decomposition, nutrient turnover and their vital role to plants. This workshop will prepare you to explain issues of scientific inquiry and interconnections of abiotic elements and biotic organisms.

Cycles of Life: A Workshop for Preschool Teachers - CANCELLED
November 5, 2011 at Erikson Institute
November 12, 2011 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $150 ($120 for Educator Members)

Grade level: PreK-2
CPDU credit: 15, Lane credit: 1, Graduate credit: 1
An additional fee for graduate credit ($100 per credit though Aurora University and $140 per credit through National Louis University) will be collected on the first day of the workshop.

The cycle of life is an amazing yet difficult concept to understand, especially for young children. In this workshop, learn how to help children come to an emotional understanding of caring for other living things and the natural process of loss. Through hands-on activities, singing and movement learn how to use the plant life cycle as a way to help children experience empathy, nurturing and change. This workshop is appropriate for anyone working with preschool to second graders.

New! Island Life: Evolution of Island Plants & Animals
December 3, 2011 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
December 10, 2011 at the Brookfield Zoo
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $150 ($120 for Educator Members)

Grade level: K-12
CPDU credit: 15, CPS Lane credit: 1, Graduate credit: 1
An additional fee for graduate credit ($100 per credit though Aurora University and $140 per credit through National Louis University) will be collected on the first day of the workshop.

Learn about the evolution of amazing plants and animals that live no where else on earth but their island homes and how we can protect them. Discover how invasive species have affected these islands. We’ll explore the green houses of the Chicago Botanic Garden and meet some special Brookfield Zoo animals. This workshop will prepare you to explain issues of interdependence and evolution.