Projects WILD/WILD Aquatic/Learning Tree On-line Course

This eight-week class is offered through Grant Wood AEA. There
is a required introductory session Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Grant Wood AEA 10 computer lab (4401 6th Street SW) in Cedar Rapids. The rest of the course will be completed on-line. Participants are required to spend 2 hours per week on-line completing assignments.

Participants will receive all three activity guides as well as Iowa supplements that provide additional background information and resources. All materials are correlated to National Education Standards.

Participants should be comfortable with navigating web pages. A majority of the course materials will be provided on a CD with>linked pdf files.Why are these materials great resources for teachers? They are research-based â“they have been field tested and assessed by hundreds of educators across the country. Studies in several states have shown students participating in environment-based learning exhibit greater academic achievement than those in control groups not using environment-based learning. WILD and PLT provide a ready source of tried and tested activities that can be used to incorporate local natural resources into the classroom. Activities demonstrate relationships between science, social-studies, language arts, math, and real issues/concepts. There are activities that fit all subject areas and grade levels. They utilize a variety of teaching/learning strategies.

How to Register.You must register on-line. Go to the Grant Wood AEA 10 website: http://www.aea10.k12.ia.us/profdev/assesscurricinstruct.html#_0847. 

Registration deadline is September 14, 2007. Registration fee includes materials and 1 license renewal credit for $50 or graduate credit from Drake University for $117.

For More Information:Contact:  Shannon Hafner, Aquatic Education Program, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2473 160th Road, Guthrie Center, IA 50115, (641) 747-2051, Shannon.Hafner@dnr.state.ia.us