Name: Wild Classrooms: Teacher Training
Start: 2026-06-15T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-06-18T12:00:00-05:00
Location: South Park

Wild Classrooms is a hands‑on outdoor professional development workshop series for K-6 educators, hosted by University of Illinois Extension and Ag in the Classroom at South Park in Quincy.
Each two‑hour workshop focuses on a different nature‑based topic and provides practical ideas educators can use in classrooms and youth programs. Workshops may be attended individually or as part of the full four‑day series. Educators earn 2 hours of professional development credit for each workshop attended (up to 8 hours total). Cost: $10 per session or $35 for all sessions.
Educators also have the option to bring their children. While educators participate in the workshop, children will take part in educational games, hands-on-activities, and park play. All activities take place outdoors.
Workshop Dates & Topics (10:00 a.m. – Noon):
June 15 – Woolly Worms - Explore the fascinating life cycle of woolly worms through hands-on activities designed for elementary classrooms. Make & Take: Participants will create interactive models representing each stage of the woolly worm life cycle and develop a take-home teaching kit to use with their own students. This session emphasizes life cycles, insect adaptations, and engaging ways to incorporate science into hands-on learning.
June 16 – Trees - Discover ways to bring trees and outdoor exploration into your classroom using activities inspired by Project Learning Tree and Nature's Notebook, a community science program where students observe local phenological/seasonal events. Participants will exploring lessons that connect trees to life science, math, and sensory learning. Activities may include examining tree cookies to study growth rings and age, comparing evergreen and deciduous trees, and how to use schoolyard plants in your teaching.
June 17 – Birds - Investigate how bird adaptations help different species survive and thrive. Participants will engage in a bird beak lab, bird feet investigations, and discussions connecting bird biology to agriculture, poultry science, and egg anatomy. Teachers will also explore how to use eBird, a community science program, with students to find out what birds are around their schoolyard.
June 18 – Ripple Effects - Experience the Mississippi River firsthand during a guided kayak session exploring the history, formation, and modern uses of the river system. Participants will come away with classroom-ready activities and teaching strategies connected to the Mississippi River and watershed education. Due to the nature of the activity, participation will be limited to 10 attendees. Kayaks and PFDs provided. Paddling only for adult participants.