About this Event
Join us for a field-based and hands-on workshop that brings the fascinating world of beavers into the classroom! Designed for K-6 teachers, this workshop will explore the vital role beavers play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
Through a hike to explore an active beaver meadow, interactive STEM activities, learning games, and a creative costume activity, educators will build their own understanding and leave with fun, practical tools to help students understand the importance of these remarkable animals.
Objectives:
- Understand the ecological role of beavers and their contributions to biodiversity, water management, and climate resilience.
- Integrate STEM concepts into classroom activities with a focus on engineering, biology, and environmental science.
- Encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity through an interactive design challenge and active learning games.
- Utilize a "Structure and Function" dress-up costume activity to make science concepts come alive in a kinesthetic way.
- Acquire ready-to-use lesson plans that incorporate STEM concepts and active learning strategies and book and resource suggestions to fit the needs of your classroom.
Whether you're teaching science, environmental studies, or simply want to inspire curiosity in your students, this workshop will provide exciting tools and activities that bring the incredible world of beavers to life!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (RAIN OR SHINE):
Friday, April 4th, Optional early arrival to alleviate the stress of morning travel.
4-5pm Arrive at NJSOC and settle into cabins
5- 6pm- BYO Dinner
6-7pm- Canoe Paddle on Lake Wapalanne to explore SOC's own beaver lodge!
7-8pm- Campfire, Stargazing & S’mores!
Saturday, April 5th, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8-9am- Overnighters will enjoy a NJSOC breakfast
9am- Arrivals for single day participants
9am-9:30 - Welcome & Introductions
9:30- 1pm- Outdoor activities: Round trip (3.5mile) hike to Steam Mill Beaver Meadow, "Ways of the Wild" Exploration and bag lunch
1-3:30pm - Indoor activities: STEM Design Challenge: Beaver Dam Building, Active Learning Games: The Beaver's Role in the Ecosystem, Climate Change and Conservation and Structure and Function Dress-Up Activity
3:30- 4pm- Reflection, Feedback and Departure
Instructor Bios:
Holly Romahn With over 30 years of teaching experience, Holly has taught students in grades K-4. Currently teaching 4th grade science and social studies, she has a strong interest and background in elementary aged STEM and nature education. Holly teaches at Hardyston Township Elementary School and also works as a seasonal naturalist at High Point State Park, helping visitors learn about the outdoors. Holly's goal is to engage students by making learning fun and hands-on.
Tanya Sulikowski is the Director of Education at the NJ School of Conservation. As a wildlife ecologist, Tanya spent a portion of her early career documenting beaver activity in the NJ Pinelands. She loves providing opportunities for educators to get into the field and get their hands dirty while exploring creative new ways to connect students to our natural world.
Workshop Details:
Registration fee for overnighters includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials. The fee for a single day includes lunch and all workshop materials.
Participating educators will receive a $150 stipend, made possible through grant funding, upon completion of the workshop.
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. [email protected]
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if canceled 7 or more days before the event. While we appreciate being notified if you are unable to attend an event, refunds are not given for cancellations within 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Layton, United States
USD 40.00 to USD 90.00
