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Phenology in the Classroom

For: Teachers, 4-H Leaders and MN Master Naturalists

Dates and locations (choose one, all workshops run 9 am to 3:30 pm):

• Saturday, March 12, 2022, Duluth (NE MN)

At Pike Lake Elementary School, 5682 Martin Road Duluth MN. 55811

• Saturday, March 19, 2022, Northfield (SE MN)

At Prairie Creek Community School, 27695 Denmark Ave, Northfield MN 55057

• Friday, March 25, 2022, Detroit Lakes (NW MN)

At Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, 35704 270 St, Rochert, MN 56578

Instructors:    John Latimer (Naturalist and KAXE Radio Host)

Stephan Carlson (U of MN, Department of Forest Resources)

KAXE Radio Staff           

Background:

Today’s youth are exposed to more screen-time verses outdoor-time than any other period of human history. Engaging them to become keen observers in nature, build ownership to the natural world around them and create lifelong discoveries for what is “natural, wild and free” is the intended outcome of “Phenology in the Classroom”. Phenology is the study of observable changes in plants, animals and nature seen throughout the year. It is the blooming of flowers, the return of birds, ice out and that first mosquito bite.

Learn what you need to engage students in the Phenology in the Classroom Program:

This workshop gets you ready to work with youth on phenology observations throughout the year. We will demonstrate how to use Nature Notebook, a citizen science website students can use to structure and record their observations. We will also demonstrate how students can deepen their understanding by developing their stories into scripts and producing short (90-second) radio segments. Student work can be submitted for broadcast (via radio and website) by KAXE, as part of John Latimer’s “Phenology Talkback” show. Radio host John weaves together student-generated content to tell the ever-changing story of phenology across Minnesota. For examples of how students already contribute to Phenology Talkback, see: https://www.kaxe.org/tags/phenology-talkback. This workshop shows you the ropes so your students can report on what matters to them and broadcast their phenology stories to radio listeners.https://www.kaxe.org/podcast/phenology

After taking this workshop, you will be able to teach lessons on nature observation skills, the use of Nature’s Notebook, and podcast-style communications. We will also demonstrate the ways these topics connect to classroom lessons and State Standards for math, science, English, art and social studies. The role for Master Naturalists is to volunteer with schools where extra help and facilitation is needed.

Implementation:

• Commitments for Teachers and 4-H Leaders: Facilitate weekly observations made by youth; oversee school program and lessons; work with targeted classrooms; meet State Standards; deliver appropriate content; provide leadership for student production of radio segments; supervise volunteers and students in the field; and work with John Latimer and KAXE to submit weekly reports.
• Role for Master Naturalists: Serve as content experts on nature and get kids excited about nature and the outdoors. Follow school protocols for volunteers. Help identify plants and animals; recommend points of interest or where to observe; support the development of a “phenology trail”; and advise on phenophase interpretation and communication. As volunteers, Master Naturalists must have paid school staff present at all times when with minors, both inside and outside the classroom. Some schools require background checks.  

Cost: No charge, bring your own lunch, hot water and coffee will be available.

Registration: https://forms.gle/Jfb4xBHmg2d6aJTc6

What to bring to the workshop: Laptop or iPhone with Natures Notebook downloaded on,  https://www.usanpn.org/natures_notebook  dress for the outdoors, a lunch, desire to discover, share and learn. After you have register, we will send you directions, the schedule, updates and a link to a pre-workshop video on phenology.