The Nature Museum offers a variety of professional development ranging from content-based graduate credit courses to science inquiry and pedagogy workshops.
All workshops are designed to help teachers deepen their science content knowledge and address STEM learning, NGSS, and Common Core Standards.
For questions, please email teacherprograms@naturemuseum.org.
Jump To: Illinois Schoolyard Habitat | Illinois Biodiversity 101 | Piping Plovers | Illinois Reptiles & Amphibians | Illinois Butterflies| Wildlife Conservation
IDNR Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant
October 20 or 25, 2021
4-5pm
Apply for the IDNR Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant with support from the Nature Museum! Join us for virtual office hours around integrating your students into the planning of your Schoolyard Habitat and learning how to apply for the grant. Click here for FAQs on this grant which is due by November 16, 2021.
If awarded the grant through IDNR, join us for a professional development workshop in the spring to meet with our horticulturist, learn how to use your garden as a learning space all year round, and make an order for your plants through the Nature Museum’s Plants for Pollinators sale.
Illinois Biodiversity 101
October 23, 2021
9am-5pm
Program: ENTICE
What is biodiversity? Does Illinois have much biodiversity? How are plants and animals adapted for survival in the four major habitat types in the state? Can some species live in all of these habitats? We’ll answer these questions and provide much more information about aquatic, woodland, wetland and urban habitats and their inhabitants in this introduction to the natural resources of our state. Numerous supplemental educational items will be provided. Although targeted to educators of grades kindergarten through three, educators of other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours 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.
Piping Plovers: A Natural Phenomenon
November 13, 2021
8:45-10:45am
Join us for a virtual professional development workshop to dive into the natural phenomenon of the nesting pair of endangered piping plovers at Montrose Beach, a shoreline habitat on Lake Michigan. With the help of the “Monty and Rose” documentary and its filmmaker, Bob Dolgan, you will be inspired to engage in locally-relevant science topics with your 6th through 12th grade students.
You will gain a richer understanding of Great Lakes biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics by exploring what happens when these complex interactions are disrupted by humans. With the support of the Nature Museum educators and resources from the Center for Great Lakes Literacy, you’ll make an action plan during this workshop to incorporate these core science topics into your own teaching context.
The Center for Great Lakes Literacy is providing a $250 stipend for full participation in this virtual workshop. Full participation includes 45 minutes of pre-homework, attendance, an integration action plan, and an evaluation. Earn up to 4 PD Credits from University of Illinois (PDHs) or Purdue University Northwest (PGPs). This workshop is designed for educators that engage learners in grades 6th through 12th during in- and out-of-school time.
NGSS connections: LS2.A, LS2.C, LS4.D
Illinois Reptiles and Amphibians
March 26, 2022
9am-3pm
Program: ENTICE
The slimy and scaly creatures of Illinois will be featured in this workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through eight. We will learn about their life history and will examine some live amphibians and reptiles. We will provide you with resources and activities. Regulations regarding keeping these animals in the classroom will also be discussed. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. This workshop is part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Illinois Butterflies
September 10, 2022
9am-3pm
Program: ENTICE
Flutter in and join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four 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. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. Professional Development Hours 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.
Wildlife Conservation
November 5, 2022
9am-3pm
Program: ENTICE
Join us for this exploration of wildlife conservation practices in the state. We will discuss what wildlife conservation is, how it is implemented and how it has changed over time. We will look at how changes in the environment can affect wildlife conservation and how people and legislation affect wildlife conservation, too. Correlations between the information presented and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. Although targeted to teachers of grades three through middle school, teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for and attend this workshop but may need to adapt the information for their students, as appropriate. Supplemental educational resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours 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.
