MDC hosts Discover Nature Schools teacher training workshops in St. Charles this summer

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites teachers to attend upcoming Discover Nature Schools teacher training workshops. These workshops provide free training for teachers interested in improving conservation education in their Missouri classroom, home-school class, or youth group. Upcoming training classes will take place at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office at the August A. Busch Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy D, St. Charles, 63304.  Workshops are being offered on the following dates:

• July 18, Nature Unfolds, grades K-2, 9am to 4pm (register by July 16)
• July 19, Nature Unleashed, grades 3-5, 9am to 4pm (register by July 17)
• July 26, Nature Unbound, grades 9-12, 10am to 3pm (register by July 24)

“The Discover Nature Schools program is an excellent way to get students of all ages outside and to enrich their learning through outdoor experiences focused on Missouri plants, animals and natural systems,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Kim Cole.

These workshops will prepare educators to teach the hands-on, standards-based unit for their grade. Teacher guides and classroom sets of student guides and science notebooks are provided for free, and eligible schools can receive non-competitive grants for field experiences and classroom materials that support the curriculum units. Space is limited and participants must register to attend the workshop. 

“Learning in nature benefits children in several ways, including improving physical and mental health, raising standardized test scores and reducing attention-deficit problems,” Cole said.

MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program provides no-cost curriculum units to teachers and schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum units are available for preschool through 12th grade and are aligned with Missouri state standards to help teachers and students meet required learning expectations. 100% of school districts and approximately 40% of schools in the state participate in the Discover Nature Schools program.

To register for the workshops, visit the Teacher Portal at www.mdc.mo.gov/teachers and create an account.

For questions, contact Kim at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov or 636-300-1953, ext. 4126.

For more information about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/education.