Education

Teacher Programs

Summer 2012 Programs

Ecosystem Studies Summer Institute
Garden Camp for Teachers III
June 25 – 27 & September 15 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Monday – Wednesday & Saturday
June 28 – 29 at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Thursday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$285 nonmember
Garden members receive a 20 percent discount
Grade level: K – 12
CPDU credit: 45, Lane credit: 3, Graduate credit: 3
An additional fee for graduate credit ($100 per credit through Aurora University and $140 per credit through National Louis University) will be collected on the first day of the workshop.

The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are excited to offer this weeklong summer institute that focuses on the native and urban ecosystems of Illinois. Explore the interactions of native and invasive organisms in prairie, woodland, wetland, and urban ecosystems and how to incorporate the topics of biodiversity, adaptation, and interdependence in your classroom.

2012 School Gardening Conference
Learning, Moving, and Growing:
Healthy Lifestyles through School Gardening
Saturday
June 30 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$115 nonmember, Early bird before June 1
$125 nonmember, June 1 or later
Garden members receive a 20 percent discount

Grade level: PreK-12
CPDU credit: 6

School gardens offer students so many ways to learn about healthy eating, get physical activity, and understand that we are part of the environment. Join us for a day of inspiration as we showcase school garden projects that are improving our lives. Lunch and continental breakfast are included. For more information, download the Program At a Glance.

In addition to the conference, a one-day workshop will be held at the Chicago Botanic Garden on July 14, 2012 for teachers who would like to earn one graduate credit through Aurora University ($100 per credit) or one CPS Lane credit. Space is limited so call (847) 835-8253 or email to confirm your interest in receiving credit and to save a spot.

Botany Basics Summer Institute
Garden Camp for Teachers I
July 9 – 11 at the Garfield Park Conservatory
Monday – Wednesday
July 12 – 13 & October 6 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Thursday – Friday & Saturday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$285 nonmember
Garden members receive a 20 percent discount
Grade level: K-12
CPDU credit: 45, Lane credit: 3, Graduate credit: 3
An additional fee for graduate credit ($100 per credit through Aurora University and $140 per credit through National Louis University) will be collected on the first day of the workshop.

The Garden and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance join forces to present this popular weeklong, hands-on institute focused on plant fundamentals and the plant life cycle. Learn how plants function, adapt, and interact with their environment; then incorporate plant-related activities into subjects across the curriculum.

Small Hands in the Garden: A Workshop for Early Intervention Providers
August 8 at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Wednesday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$85
Grade level: Birth-PreK
CPDU credit: 7, Early Intervention credit: 6, Lane credit: NA, Graduate credit: NA

Join us for a fun-filled day open to anyone who works with infants and toddlers. This workshop will focus on the importance of introducing nature to our youngest explorers. Participating in hands-on learning "stations" will inspire you to incorporate nature into your daily routine. This class is designed for persons who work with infants to three-year-olds, and is adaptable for those who work with pre-K children.

Earth Partnership for Schools: Native Garden Summer Institute
July 23 – 27 and December 8 at Lost Valley Visitor Center, McHenry County Conservation District
Monday – Friday & Saturday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$100 per teacher
Grade level: K-12
CPDU credit: 45, Lane credit: 3, Graduate credit: 3

Need funding to green your school? K-12 teacher teams of 4 or 5, from Title 1 schools in Dupage, Lake, McHenry & Cook counties, are eligible for grant funding to support your professional development. We are seeking teachers with creative minds, willing hands and a team-building focus. Schools will receive funding for planting a native garden at your school if you apply right away. Please call us if your team and school fit the requirements of our grant opportunity and would like to submit an application. This is an application process and you must contact the EPS Chicago representatives if interested.

Requirements: If you are a Title 1 School, with a reduced/free lunch program with a high percentage of minority groups, (including a diverse population and young women) and are willing to step up your teaching skills to include STEM learning enhancements, you should apply for this today. Accepted schools will pay $100 per teacher. This includes curriculum, meals and supplies for the week. Upon completion, schools will receive $250 for their school grounds project and a $100 stipend per teacher based on a participation in the final evaluation. For registration information and questions regarding the EPS and Eco-Schools 2011 training please contact our Chicago Partner representatives:

Cook County, Becky Ammann at (847) 835-8253
McHenry County, Mary Kozub at (815) 678-4532
Lake County, Melissa Alderson at (847) 968-3326
DuPage County, Debbi Gayon at (630) 850-8116