Thinking Outside the Classroom
July 12, 2013Hocking Hills: Free Family Activity Sept. 29 for Leave No Child Inside Day
September 3, 2013I hope you can join us at Camp Kern for the 38th annual 101 Alternatives to the Chalkboard” educators’ conference on the first weekend of October(October 4, 5, 6). Our theme this year is: Back to Our Beginnings, the Roots of Environmental Education. The cost is $82, the cost for Saturday only is $42, discounts and scholarships are available.
Hope to see you in October.
Thanks
Dave
Dave Moran
Outdoor Education Director
YMCA CAMP KERN
5291 St Rt 350 Oregonia, OH 45054
Keynote Presentations and Events
Carter and Connelly
Curt Carter and Tom Connelley are energetic and insightful songwriters tackling social and environmental concerns through their music. Curt and Tom make sure everyone has fun in the process telling humorous anecdotes along with original readings to complement the songs. Without preaching, they allow the listener to find the beauty and harmony of the natural world within one’s self!
Check out their web site at: http://www.carterandconnelley.com/
Friday Pre-conference training presented by Cathy Knoop
Populations and the Planet, A Population Connection Training Workshop
With a world population of seven billion and growing, the need to understand how people use resources is more important than ever. In this hands-on pre-conference workshop, participants will engage in activities that build skills in several content areas while discussing carrying capacity, sustainability, resource use and lifestyles around the globe.
Presented strategies will include problem-solving, interactive games, as well as graphing and analyzing data. Participants will receive 50 lessons on a user-friendly CD-ROM. This workshop will provide techniques that support the new state science standards, provide content that is explored with inquiry based learning, and share age appropriate activities.
No charge for attending, but there is a fee if you are taking the class for Ashland College Credit. For more information, contact Cathy Knoop: cathy.h.knoop@gmail.com
Matthew Sorrick, Director at the Center for Science Education, Hiram College offers a keynote address Saturday after lunch. The topic:Constructing EE Experiences: How Developmentally Appropriate Practice Impacts Our Planning
This keynote address will use research to identify developmental stages of children and adults as a basis for designing meaningful environmental education programs. The planning process must be constructivist and that requires an understanding of childhood development. Matthew will also offer a small group follow-up session afterwards.
Small Group Sessions
A variety of fun, informational sessions focused on how to actively involve young people (and adults) in meaningful connections with nature are offered. A description and schedule of each session is in this packet (further down the page). Participants can start signing up for specific sessions beginning September 12th. Simply email or phone in which sessions you would like to attend. Please do this by October 3rd. You will be contacted if any of the sessions are already full or canceled.
Children’s Programming (FREE)
While you are enjoying small group sessions, the Camp Kern staff will provide fun, outdoor experiences for your children (ages 5 to 13). This is available 9am’”3pm Saturday only (call for reservations by October 1st please). Activities may include a Fossil Hike, Pond Study, and nature games. Children are also welcome to attend the Saturday evening program. We will not have any family overnight accommodations. If you are interested in bringing someone who is under 18 years of age to the conference, please check with Dave Moran first.
Paul Knoop Bird Hike
This is a must do event for aspiring naturalists and veteran birders alike! Join Paul Knoop Saturday morning for a pre-breakfast bird watching hike. Paul brings years of field experience and a heartfelt passion about the environment together on this beautiful hike.
Big Foot/Grassman Annual Hunt
Once again we will be looking for the elusive Bigfoot. Our 1st. year was finding the life size bust of Bigfoot. Our second year was finding the wanted posters of our friend. Wondering about this years hunt? You will have to come to the 101 to find out.
Book Store
Wendy Jacoby from Aullwood Nature Center will have a wide selection of books, field guides, gifts, and more available for sale. Great stuff at great prices! Wendy will have her store open Friday during check-in and all day Saturday until dinner.
Small Group Session Descriptions so far – (this list is subject to changes and additions)
Oh Deer!
Alli Shaw Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Learn about Ohio’s white-tailed deer natural history, population history and reasons for management through hands-on activities for learners of all ages. Handouts provided.
Trashology Activity Board
Marti Kolb Ohio EPA, Program Administrator
Trashology is a chapter from Windows on Waste (WOW), an elementary, interdisciplinary, environmental studies activity guidebook about solid waste and environmental issues.
Students classify solid waste products. Participants of this workshop will be able to create and complete a table top, interactive board which allows students to sort, classify, and interpret waste characterization. Boards and supplies will be provided as well as a hands-on sorting activity for use in classrooms and other outreach events.
Ohio Youth Scientist Curriculum
Marne A. Titchenell Wildlife Program Specialist Ohio State University Extension School of Environment and Natural Resources
The Youth Scientist curriculum is a hands-on, natural resources and invasive species curriculum that engages students both inside the classroom and outdoors with the skills and understanding of scientific methods and research while involving them in the process. Participants in the class will have the opportunity to learn about the curriculum in a participatory way as well as learn how to access materials and resources that are available to them to help incorporate this into their teaching plans. This project is sponsored through a grant with the Ohio Environmental Education Fund and is geared towards grades 6-8 based on academic standards. This session takes place both indoors and outdoors.
This is a double session lasting until 4:00.Ohio Youth Scientist Curriculum (continued)
What IS Your Environmental Ethic?
Michael Stewart
Since we try to help students develop an ethic toward the land and its use, we must first develop our own land/environmental ethic. During this workshop session, we will journal and look at exercises that will help us to examine and, perhaps, begin to develop our own land/environmental ethic. Bring a journal and writing or drawing materials. Before hand, consider how you view the land, wildlife, plants, and other parts of the environment.
Wild foods 101, Come back to your roots.
Tonia Molla and Kathy Wright
We will explore where some of our natural foods come from, exchange recipes if you got ‘˜em or pick some up if you need ‘˜em. Samples? Why of course! We will discuss Great granny’s cooking measurements and how some foods were and still can be stored and preserved. Bring them taste buds and be ready to have some fun.
A River of Opportunity, a Little Miami Canoe Trip
Dave Moran Outdoor Educator YMCA Camp Kern
We will take the broad view as we paddle through the history of Ohio’s first Scenic River. What does the designation mean and what might its future hold. An emphasis will be placed on the river’s tradition of environmental stewardship and education. This will be a double session.
104 Years of Getting Kids Outdoors
Dave Moran Outdoor Educator YMCA Camp Kern
A tour of Camp Kern’s century long history of fighting nature deficit disorder. We will take an historic perspective as we hike down trails and through time. Participant will be encouraged to share their perspectives on the past and future of outdoor education.
Getting to the Root of Things
Paul Knoop Retired naturalist, Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
The basis for all environmental appreciation is the development of ones senses as they explore the world they live in. Sharpen your senses with a walk through the natural environments of Camp Kern.
Ask a Question, Find an Answer
Cathy Knoop Business Development Coordinator, Camp Oty’Okwa; Trainer ‘“ Population Connection
During this session, experience exploration, set ‘“ up a long term study, and play with activities that help children learn about the world they live in. With questioning, exploration, data gathering, and discussion, you can have fun while exploring with your students. What/who lives in this habitat; do plants make their own food; when is the sun’s shadow the longest ‘“ the shortest? Let’s learn by doing!!
A Fireside Chat with Aldo Leopold’¦..Lighting the Land Ethic Torch’¦
Curt Carter Co-Founder and Director for Land for Learning Institute. Illinois State Coordinator for the Leopold Education Project
Join us as we walk back in time through the writings of Aldo Leopold. Learn how to weave his blue ribbon quotes into an inspiring self-guided nature hike. See how you can invite Aldo to your campfire ring or classroom for a casual discussion sparked by his timeless essays. Take an in-depth look at how Leopold blends the arts with science throughout his essays. Learn how to turn his inspirational message into teaching tools to inspire others!
Applying Design Principles to EE
Matthew Sorrick Director, Center for Science Education, Hiram College
As a follow-up to the keynote address, this workshop session involves diving in to the design principles and developing EE programs that align with developmental stages of our audience members that we teach. Bring your creative ideas to this work session and construct programs that are effective and developmentally appropriate.
Conference Schedule
Friday 9:00 to 5:30 Preconference
Populations and the Planet, A Population Connection Training Workshop with Cathy Knoop
Friday
6 – 7pm Registration and Cabin Check-in
7:15pm Keynote with Curt Carter
Saturday
7 am Paul Knoop Bird Hike
8 am Breakfast
8:40 Whole group gathering
8:45 ‘“ 10:20 Small Group Session I
10:30 ‘“ 11:55 Small Group Session II
Noon Lunch
12:45 Keynote: Constructing EE Experiences
by Matthew Sorrick
1:30 to 3:00 Small Group Session III
3:15 to 4:45 Small Group Session IV
4:45 rest time
5:30 pm Dinner
7 – 9 pm An Evening with Carter and Connelley
9:15pm to ? Campfire, Open Stage Songs, Storytelling, and S’mores. Jim Viles as ringmaster
Sunday
7:00 The Allison Shaw Bird Hike
Light breakfast snack available
9:05 – 10:35 Small Group Session V
10:45 Brunch and Goodbyes
Conference Information:
Cost:
$82 includes all sessions, food, and lodging
$42 for Saturday only (lunch and dinner included)
Discounts:
If you have been to a 101 Conference anytime this millennium (since 2000) and you bring someone who has not, then you get one third off of your registration fee! We also have some discounts and scholarships available. Call for more details.
Accommodations:
This year we will be staying in Main Camp cabins with nearby showers and restrooms. Other groups will also be at camp. Please be sure to bring a sleeping bag or bedding. Also bring toiletries, towels, and clothes that will allow you to be outside and comfortable in any kind of weather. Nearby hotel accommodations are available.
College Credit: Ashland College Credit will be offered again this year at the 101 Conference.
Attend the Friday pre-conference workshop and continue with the conference to obtain 1 semester hour credit. Participants will develop and submit one of the Population Connections activities to be used in their classroom. Registration for this hour credit will be upon arrival Friday. Contact Cathy Knoop with questions:cathy.h.knoop@gmail.com
A second hour of credit is available for attending the entire conference and submitting a write-up on the sessions attended. Contact Michael Stewart atmjbat@att.net with questions and to register.
