2007-2008 Program Offerings

Our programs are unique and customized to the size, grade-level, available time, and make-up of your group. They are also practical, field-based, and experiential. Penn State Faculty and staff conduct these programs, and Pennsylvania's Environment and Ecology standards guide our program planning.

FOR EDUCATORS:

Watershed Education
This session will strengthen teacher's knowledge and understanding about watersheds, the water cycle, groundwater, water-flow, water quality and hydrology, as well as, better prepare teacher's to teach to the Environment and Ecology standards. We will perform hands-on water quality assessments in a local stream and learn how to identify indicator species and begin to understand what they are telling us about water quality. This session is perfect for school in-service days or weekends, and educators will receive PDE Act 48 credits for the number of hours in training.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
This session will introduce learners to the variety of activities developed by educators and IPM specialists specifically to teach youth about the evolving relationship between humans and insects. In this session we will explore: the benefits and harmful effects of pests, how pest management effects the environment, and the various integrated pest management practices used in society.

Whitetail Deer and Forest Ecology
This program focuses on the impact of whitetail deer in the forests of Pennsylvania. Through numerous inquiry-based activities we'll explore deer and forest biology.

Natural Resources Careers
This program addresses students in grades 6-12 with career exploration information and activities. Participants will meet natural resources professionals from various fields, including wildlife sciences, forestry, fisheries, and watershed sciences.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
This session will introduce learners to the variety of activities developed by educators and IPM specialists specifically to teach youth about the evolving relationship between humans and insects. In this session we will explore: the benefits and harmful effects of pests, how pest management effects the environment, and the various integrated pest management practices used in society.

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
The goal of this session is to provide learners with an integrated knowledge of natural resources and our dependence on them. We will explore: where our natural resources come from, how they are used, the difference between resources that are renewable and those that are not, how resources are distributed and the role of recycling and waste management in our society.

Forestry and Technology
This session is perfect for older youth (grades 7-12) and is focused on the new technologies in forestry and how forest scientists today use GIS data systems and computer modeling to better understand forest conservation and ecology.

Safety in the Outdoors
The main focus of this session is to provide learners with some basic tools they can use to remain safe while enjoying the outdoors. Participants will learn to use common sense and other basic knowledge to ensure that they have a good yet safe time in the outdoors. In this program navigation, food, water, heat, cold, insects, animals, and even plants will be discussed in terms of their possible threats to those who venture into the great outdoors.