The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education sponsors educator workshops through the ENTICE program. These workshops offer Continuing Professional Development Units for teachers.
Please register for workshops through the link shown with each workshop description. A nonrefundable registration fee is required. The fee is $10.00 per person per workshop unless stated otherwise in the workshop description. Should you have questions about workshop registration please email (dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov) or call (217-524-4126) the IDNR Division of Education. Should the IDNR cancel a workshop, registrants will receive a credit certificate toward registration at another workshop of the same type (on site or online). Some restrictions apply.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
ENTICE workshops provide natural resources information, instructional methods and supplemental educational materials. When incorporated into lessons with students, the materials provided encourage and promote stewardship of our state’s natural resources. ENTICE also offers participants the opportunity to network with other educators in a friendly, cooperative, learning environment.
Illinois ENTICE provides the following items for participants:
* free workshop/resource materials
* meals during the workshop
* opportunities to connect with natural resources and education professionals
* lesson plans and activities correlated to the Illinois Learning Standards for teachers, continuing professional development units
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Workshops are open to all educators and are designed for targeted grade levels. Maximum enrollment for each course is 30 participants.
Have questions? Contact the IDNR Division of Education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or 217-524-4126.
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Course Name: The Massasauga: Illinois Prairie Rattlesnake
Program: ENTICE
Location: Eldon Hazlet State Park, Carlyle
Date(s): April 27, 2010
Time(s): 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
Researchers from the Illinois Natural History Survey will enlighten us about their work with this endangered reptile at this workshop for educators of grades four through 12. We’ll learn about the massasauga’s life history and status and, weather-permitting, will visit some of its habitat in the park. You’ll receive numerous Illinois-specific resources. 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. REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010.
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Course Name: Pioneers and the Prairie
Program: ENTICE
Location: Boone County Conservation District, Belvidere
Date(s): May 1, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join us at this workshop for educators of grades four through eight as we discover what life was like for the pioneers on Illinois’ prairies. (Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register, but the activities and materials distributed at the workshop will target grades four through eight. You will need to adapt them to other grades.) We’ll feature hands-on activities and the new Illinois Prairies resources trunk from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). You’ll receive numerous supplemental items to enhance your curriculum. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program. REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010.
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Course Name: The Ohio River: History, Ecology, Commerce
Program: ENTICE
Location: Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis
Date(s): June 15, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Ohio River has been an incredible resource throughout Illinois’ history. Staff from Living Lands and Waters and the Illinois Natural History Survey will lead this workshop for educators of grades four through eight on a journey to discover how the river helped to determine the destiny of our state. (Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register, but the activities and materials distributed at the workshop will target grades four through eight. You will need to adapt them to other grades.) A boat trip on the river will be part of this workshop, weather and river conditions permitting. 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. REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010.
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Course Name: Online The Sangamon River: A Sense of Place
Program: ENTICE
Location: Online
Date(s): July 5-18, 2010
Time(s): various
Learn about the history of the Sangamon River and the people whose lives are connected to this watercourse. We’ll discuss the economic, cultural and ecological aspects of the river, too. Targeted to teachers of grades 6-10, you’ll receive resources that will help you to implement the topic into your classes. 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. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The registration fee for this workshop is $25.00.
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Course Name: Illinois Bats
Program: ENTICE
Location: Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
Date(s): July 7, 2010
Time(s): 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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.
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Course Name: Illinois Butterflies
Program: ENTICE
Location: Sugar Grove Nature Center, McLean
Date(s): July 19, 2010
Time(s): 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Flutter in and join other educators of grades kindergarten through six as we are introduced to the butterflies of Illinois! Butterfly life history, identification, conservation and adaptations will be discussed. Information on developing butterfly habitat will also be included. Learn about Monarch Watch and other butterfly conservation programs. We’ll go outside to observe and identify butterflies in native habitats. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
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Course Name: Illinois Beetles
Program: ENTICE
Location: The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago
Date(s): July 23, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The beetles are coming! Join us to study the amazing world of beetles in Illinois. We’ll look at their life history, habitats and importance. Identification skills will be introduced and practiced. We’ll observe beetles in the Field Museum’s collection and also search for beetles in a nearby prairie. Targeted to educators of grades four through six, hands-on activities and classroom-ready materials will be provided. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register for 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.
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Course Name: Native Americans and Nature in Illinois
Program: ENTICE
Location: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
Date(s): July 24, 2010
Time(s): 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Learn about Native American peoples and how they used natural resources in this workshop. Targeted to educators of grades four through six, hands-on activities and classroom-ready materials will be provided. Workshop materials are relevant to Native American history throughout the state. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, 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.
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Course Name: Illinois Butterflies and Dragonflies
Program: ENTICE
Location: Ballard Nature Center, Altamont
Date(s): August 4, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Flutter in and join other educators of grades kindergarten through six as we are introduced to the butterflies and dragonflies of Illinois! Topics to be covered include life history, identification, conservation and adaptation. We’ll visit the prairie and wetland to observe and identify these creatures in their native habitats. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
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Course Name: Incorporating Nature into Fine Arts
Program: ENTICE
Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Date(s): August 28, 2010
Time(s): 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Once you draw it, you know it! Help your students learn observational skills and practice connecting form and function through art. This professional development workshop will provide K-12 art teachers with tools and skills to create and enhance interdisciplinary nature education activities for their classrooms. Participants will enjoy a tour of the Steve Tobin exhibit, Steelroots, and create a watercolor mini-painting from examples of leaves, seed pods and roots. Then participants will create a simple take-home design working with the elements in your painting. Ample opportunities to share ideas with colleagues will be provided. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
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Course Name: Prairie Plants: Identification, Anatomy, Landscaping
Program: ENTICE
Location: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington
Date(s): September 11, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us at this workshop for educators of grades kindergarten through 12 as we explore the prairie flora at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. You’ll learn how to identify prairie plants and use them in schoolyard and home landscaping. Our experts from the Illinois Natural History Survey will also enlighten us on the historic uses of these plants by Native Americans and pioneers. You’ll take home many resources to use in the classroom. 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.
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Course Name: Aquatic Illinois
Program: ENTICE
Location: National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Grafton
Date(s): September 13, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Staff members of the RiverWatch Discovery Program will lead this hands-on workshop for educators of grades five through 12. We’ll spend part of the day leaning about Illinois aquatics in general as well as introducing you to some of the activities and resources included in the Aquatic Illinois resources trunk from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The rest of the day will be a “sip” of the RiverWatch Discovery Program, as you sample a local stream and evaluate its water quality. You’ll take home many resources to use in the classroom. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. Sponsored by the IDNR, this workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program.
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Course Name: Lake Michigan Fishes
Program: ENTICE
Location: Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
Date(s): September 25, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Something fishy is going to happen at this workshop for educators of grades four through six!You’ll learn about native and exotic fishes of Lake Michigan, their characteristics, adaptations and habitats. We'll also look at the affect nonnative species have had on the ecology of Lake Michigan. You’ll receive many supplemental educational materials to use in your classroom. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, 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.
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Course Name: Creating and Keeping Collections
Program: ENTICE
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Date(s): October 2, 2010
Time(s): 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For over 150 years the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum have been assembling and maintaining a variety of natural history specimens and collections. Learn about the Museum’s collections and why collections are important for both scientific and educational purposes. We’ll discuss how to build and maintain a collection, guidelines for collecting natural materials, and how to use collections in the classroom. Participate in numerous hands-on activities and take home many supplemental resources. 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. This workshop is suitable for teachers of all grade levels.
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Course Name: Pages from the Prairies
Program: ENTICE
Location: Fermilab, Batavia
Date(s): October 16, 2010
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Use Illinois’ tallgrass prairie legacy as a bridge to link disciplines in your PreK through grade eight classroom! Learn to foster a connection between the biology of the prairie and the traditionally unassociated disciplines of literature and the arts. Participants will enjoy a lively combination of hands-on outdoor and classroom-based activities, as well as art and movement extensions based on a selection of scientifically-accurate children’s fiction and authentic “prairie pioneer” journals. Participants receive the manual of all workshop activities correlated to Illinois Learning Goals and Standards, reading lists, a selection of books and other resources. 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.
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Course Name: The Cache River Wetlands
Program: ENTICE
Location: Cache River Visitors Center, Cypress
Date(s): October 22, 2010
Time(s): 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join staff from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Cache River Wetlands as they teach us about the interrelationships of organisms in this beautiful natural treasure. Targeted to educators of grades four through 10, this workshop will include discussions of species adaptations, relationships of wetland organisms to each other and the physical environment, biotic and abiotic factors affecting populations and much more. We’ll visit the wetlands, too. Supplemental educational materials and activities will be provided. Continuing Professional Development Units are available. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the IDNR. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to resister for the workshop but will need to adapt the activities as appropriate.
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Course Name: Online Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat Development
Program: ENTICE
Location: Online
Date(s): February 14-27, 2011
Time(s): various
How’s your habitat? Join us to learn how you and your students can take action to improve wildlife habitat on your school grounds. Educators of grades kindergarten through 12 will learn basic habitat design, development and maintenance techniques. Become aware of grant opportunities and obtain supplemental materials to help you get started with your own schoolyard habitat development. 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. The registration fee for this workshop is $25.00.
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Course Name: Online Frogs and Toads
Program: ENTICE
Location: Online
Date(s): March 14-27, 2011
Time(s): various
Hop over to your computer and join us for this workshop about Illinois’ frogs and toads. Designed for educators of grades kindergarten through six, you’ll learn about these amazing creatures and receive many Illinois-specific resources. Anuran life history, identification, relationships to other organisms and adaptations will be among the topics covered. Teachers of other grades are welcome to register for the workshop but will need to adapt the information, 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. The registration fee for this workshop is $25.00.
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Course Name: Illinois Aquatic Invasive Species
Program: ENTICE
Location: Atwood Environmental Center, Rockford
Date(s): March 18, 2011
Time(s): 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What are aquatic invasive species? Why are they often devastative to native species? How do they get here? What are some examples from Illinois? These and many other questions will be answered at this workshop for educators of grades four through eight. You’ll take home Illinois-specific resources to implement into your curriculum and will participate in numerous hands-on activities. Teachers of other grades are welcome to register for the workshop but will need to adapt the information, 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.
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Course Name: The Greater Prairie-chicken
Program: ENTICE
Location: Prairie Ridge State Natural Area, Newton
Date(s): March 25-26, 2011
Time(s): March 25: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. March 26: See note below.
The greater prairie-chicken was once represented with millions of individuals in Illinois. Now there are approximately 200 birds remaining in two southeastern Illinois counties. Participants in this workshop will learn about the life history and management of the prairie-chicken in Illinois and will observe the mating activities of the birds from blinds on the booming grounds. Activities will be targeted to teachers of grades four through 10. PLEASE NOTE: The March 26 segment of this workshop will begin well before sunrise as we gather at the site office then walk in the dark to the blinds. We will remain in the blinds until approximately 8:30 a.m., and the workshop will conclude by 9:30 a.m. Only 15 participants will be allowed. Once 15 people have registered, a waiting list will be maintained. 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.
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Course Name: Prairie School Gardening
Program: ENTICE
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Date(s): April 30, 2011
Time(s): 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
How’s your habitat? Join us to learn how you and your students can take action to improve wildlife habitat on your school grounds by incorporating a native prairie. Educators of grades six through 12 will learn basic prairie habitat design, development and maintenance techniques. Become aware of grant opportunities and obtain supplemental materials to help you get started with your own schoolyard prairie habitat development. 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.
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Course Name: Archaeology and Native Americans in Illinois
Program: ENTICE
Location: Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford
Date(s): May 14, 2011
Time(s): 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join other educators as we explore the Burpee Museum of Natural History, participate in many hands-on activities, visit the mounds in Beattie Park and listen to Dr. Michael Wiant of Dickson Mounds Museum, while learning how archaeology helps us to discover facets of the lives of Native American peoples of Illinois. You’ll receive a wealth of resources to help you implement the topic into your curriculum. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop but will need to adapt the activities, 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.
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Course Name: Illinois Butterflies
Program: ENTICE
Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
Date(s): May 21, 2011
Time(s): 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Educators of grades kindergarten through six are invited to register for this workshop. Butterfly life history, identification, conservation and adaptations will be discussed. Discussion about developing butterfly habitat and raising butterflies in the classroom is also included. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop but will need to adapt the activities, 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.
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Course Name: Identifying Trees and Making Leaf Collections
Program: ENTICE
Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Date(s): June 18, 2011
Time(s): 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Do you ask your students to make a leaf collection? Do you know the proper way to preserve leaves? Are you confident identifying the leaves submitted? Attend this workshop, and you’ll work with experts to learn how to identify and preserve tree leaves. We’ll practice the skills on a trip to the woods. You’ll take home many resources to support your teaching. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, 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.
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