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: Wildlife Conservation | Butterflies| Collections | Reptiles & Amphibians
Wildlife Conservation
May 8, 2021
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.
Illinois Butterflies
May 15, 2021
9am-3pm
Program: ENTICE
Flutter in and join other educators of grades prekindergarten through four as we are introduced to the butterflies of Illinois! The emphasis of this workshop will be on butterfly conservation and the related work of staff members of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in the field and lab. Information on developing butterfly habitat on the school grounds and how to incorporate learning activities related to it will also be included. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. Supplemental educational resources will be provided. 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.
Creating and Keeping Collections
June 19, 2021
9am-3pm
Program: ENTICE
For more than 160 years the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been assembling and maintaining a variety of natural history specimens and collections. Learn about the collections of the Museum and why collections are important for both scientific and educational purposes. We will discuss how to build and maintain a collection, guidelines for collecting natural materials and how to use living and preserved collections in the classroom. Participate in numerous hands-on activities and take home many supplemental resources. Educators will be pinning dead invertebrates as part of this workshop. 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. This workshop is suitable for teachers of all grade levels.
Illinois Reptiles and Amphibians
June 26, 2021
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 take a hike to look for reptiles and amphibians. 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.
Do you ever wonder how a butterfly gets its colors? Or how turtles hibernate? Do you wonder how birds know where to migrate each year? For over 160 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role in the city of Chicago connecting children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research and in-depth education programs, inspiring the wonder in all of us.