Home / Education / ENC invites local educators to learn, implement hands-on science education with two workshops

ENC invites local educators to learn, implement hands-on science education with two workshops

by Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern

As ENC Naturalist Fiorella Gardella says, not all learning happens “behind a book.” At the ENC, most of it happens outdoors.

On January 23, Citizen Science for Educators — Gardella’s brainchild and the ENC’s first-ever program of its kind–finally comes to fruition, bringing together teachers and soon-to-be teachers to learn about citizen science projects and inspire them to bring hands-on science learning back to their own classrooms.

“To have kids learn that they can contribute to real life science-that is exciting to me,” says Gardella.

Under her guidance, participants will record data as they familiarize themselves with spotting different varieties of butterflies, hummingbirds and even plants. Instructors can partner with middle and high school aged ENC volunteers to practice teaching their new skills after going through training.

Admission is free. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops and cameras, if possible.

For even more ideas and inspiration about making the outdoors their classroom, teachers can join the ENC”s third “Teachers’ Night Out!” event on February 2. Alison Thalman of the National Science Teachers Association and Helen de la Maza of the California Regional Environmental Education Community will share suggestions and free resources for teachers interested in bringing the New Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to their schools. Cindy Berglund of Rain Barrels Intl. will also speak of importance of rain barrels to our community and environment.
Local educators can network and collaborate before winding down with wine and a light dinner.