NatureMapping Progressive Workshops
Teacher Preparation: 1-day workshop
This is a pre-requisite for teachers with little to no expertise in
biology and/or geography. The focus is awareness and observation skills
with some time outside recording observations in field journals and then
on data collection sheets. "Where are we?" is an introduction to a
variety of maps. Different types of habitats are described in general
terms. The variety and use of field guides are covered.
Data Collection and Monitoring: 2-day workshop
Mapping your location and classifying habitats will be covered in
detail. Participants will conduct REAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS, consolidate
their data onto the NatureMapping spreadsheet and submit their data
online. Search image skills will be introduced in this workshop.
How to ask your scientific Question: Project Design: 1-day workshop
An overview of different ways to collect meaningful data will be covered
after all participants discuss their ideas. Participants will complete
a matrix beginning with a question, design the project, and describe the
methods that will they use. An introduction to biomimcry will be
provided. For teachers, field observation skills that link to state
standards will be covered.
Project Facilitation & Technology
These workshops are conducted before and during research projects. The
use of technology (e.g., full-use of the NatureMapping spreadsheet, data
analysis and graphs; NatureTracker software data query; GPS, etc.) are
full-day workshops. A repeat of earlier workshops may be conducted with
specific focus for skills needed on the project. For example, animal
tracks covered in Data Collection and Monitoring may be expanded to
actual tracking wildlife in the field.
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