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ENTICE Classes - Your first workshop is on us!
Welcome to ENTICE! We are excited that you want to take a workshop with us. This opportunity is for educators who have never been to an ENTICE workshop or have not attended one since 2020. Receive six hours of professional development at no cost to you. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided. Professional Development Hours are available for all classes. Sponsored by the IDNR, these workshops are part of the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program. Register for your free workshop today!
If you have any problems or questions, please reach to us at dnr.entice@illinois.gov.
What do geology and herpetology have in common? Join us as we discover the geology and herpetology of the Chicago Region. This workshop will emphasize how geological forces have shaped the ecology of local reptiles and amphibians. Explore the connection between the shape of the land effect the different species of reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chicago area. The focus will be on current species and include how we can follow changes in species through fossil remains. Up to 1.5 miles of easy to strenuous hiking is involved.
Dive into the deep, dark, mysterious world of caves! Many different species call the caverns of Illinois. How do they live? How do they survive? Explore this mysterious world with hands-on cave exploration. Part of this class will be a visit to Illinois Caverns to learn more about caves and the animals that live there.
Rusty snaketail, prince baskettail, and eastern amberwing all have one thing in common: being an Illinois dragonfly! Take part in field work and lab studies as we discuss the identification, life history, and behaviors of these fascinating invertebrates, both as aquatic nymphs and as adults. This workshop is for grades 6 to 10 but can be adapted for other grades.
When people think of conservation, they typically imagine wild spaces away from urban centers, but cities can also present exciting opportunities for the conservation of rare species. The largest nesting colony of endangered Black Crowned Night Herons in Illinois can be found at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, where scientists have been studying and protecting these birds for more than ten years. In this workshop, teachers will learn about
the ecology of Black Crowned Night Herons and how the concept of OneHealth connects with conservation efforts for this species. They will come away with strategies for teaching about adaptations and ecosystems and ways to help their students develop skills in making observations and collecting data. Although targeted to teachers of third through fifth, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate.
Nature is all around us, even in the most urban of settings. Sometimes a weed growing in the cracks of a sidewalk, or birds nesting in the eaves of a building are better teachers than we realize. Kindergarten through 12th grade educators will learn how to utilize the nature and natural phenomena right outside our classrooms to look for patterns, investigate plant and animal needs and preferences, and explore the amazing adaptations of the organisms in our schoolyards and neighborhoods.
Discover how a nature-based engineering solution is transforming Lake Michigan's shoreline and how you can bring this real-world science into your teaching setting. This hands-on workshop for 5th to12th-grade educators will explore the intersection of coastal engineering and aquatic ecosystems through field experiences, research insights, and classroom-ready activities.
They buzz, flutter, crawl, and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and the human food supply. Learn about the importance of pollination, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face in the modern world.
Discover the special place oak trees have in the history of Illinois and local ecosystems. Used by surveyors in the early 1800s, witness, or bearing trees, were sought out as landmarks for creating the earliest state land surveys and plat maps. Some of these trees are still standing today and can be used as a lens to bridge the gap between science and social studies. Through a variety of activities, learn the role these trees played in the urbanization of Illinois, why they are still important today, and how oak trees are critical to local ecosystems. Then complete a STEM-based learning project to catalog potential
witness trees and conduct a tree survey. Take ideas back to the classroom to get your students engaged in similar data collection projects at school. Major portions of this program will be outdoors, and participants should dress for the weather.
Explore early French Fur Trapping History at Illinois at Isle a la Cache. This interdisciplinary teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight focuses on early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography of early Illinois and compares trapping from the past to the present. Both Illinois science and social studies standards are covered. The activities and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history and science instruction and includes the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. Also highlighted is the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate.
Flap your wings to the Morton Arboretum and explore animal structures and adaptations using a variety of activities with the theme of birds. Participants will explore several examples of different birds' feathers, participate in an interactive lab that examines beak adaptations, a hands-on exploration of bird's feet, and so much more! Participants will walk away with indoor and outdoor activities relatable to bird adaptations. Although targeted to teachers of grades fifth through eighth grade, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate.
They buzz, flutter, and crawl and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems. Educators of grades kindergarten through eight are invited to register for this workshop to learn about the importance of pollinators, the identification of Illinois pollinators, and the challenges they face today. Educators will take a walk through the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's demonstration prairie to think about the ways that native ecosystems support these valuable pollinators. Correlations between the information presented and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards will be addressed. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for their students, as appropriate.
What are fungi and how do they live? Explore the complex lives of fungi of Illinois. Found all over Illinois, they are diverse and fascinating. Explore the different types of fungi in Illinois, the life cycle, importance in the environment, and a few of the animals that live among them. If weather permits, we will take a fungus walk to see what we can find!
What is weather and climate, and how does it relate to climate change? How are Illinois species being affected? Learn more about the science behind climate, weather, and climate change. Explore which species will be the losers and the winners with what is happening. Explore ways to help students understand this challenging and complicated topic that is in the headlines. Learn some ways you can incorporate some citizen science in your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12.
Explore the biological tapestry of the Lake Michigan dune ecosystem and understand what biological session is about. How does something take root on the sand and become stable? How do animals survive in this area? How does change happen over time? Learn more about biological session what is happening on the beach at Lake Michigan. This area is the only dune and swale topography in Illinois.
Birds are all around us and provide a gateway to learning about the natural world. This workshop for educators of 5th-12th grade provides an introduction to bird biology, identification, and conservation. Dress for spending time in the forest and prairie at Tawny Oaks Field Station.
Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We?ll take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. We'll be incorporating several topics. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through three, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate.
Explore early French Fur Trapping History of Illinois. This interdisciplinary teaching unit for educators of grades four through eight focuses on early exploration and settlement, riparian and geography of early Illinois and compares trapping from the past to the present. Both Illinois science and social studies standards are covered. The activities and lessons are designed to supplement Illinois history and science instruction and includes the uses of wildlife by Indigenous peoples and the trappers who came from Europe. Also highlighted is the conservation movement and how it affects views and uses of wildlife today. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate.
The world is full of objects built by animals to help them survive. Attend this workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten through five and learn about beaver dams, spider webs, bird nests and so many other amazing objects constructed by animals in our local environment. Challenge the engineering skills of your students to create similar structures by using the resources provided and activities presented at the workshop. All educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate.
Discover how to bring the fascinating world of Illinois mammals into your early childhood classroom! This hands-on workshop, designed specifically for early childhood educators, will explore ways to connect young learners with local wildlife through observation, play, and exploration. Participants will learn about common mammals found in Illinois, their tracks and signs, and seasonal behaviors. We'll spend time outdoors investigating habitats and modeling activities you can easily replicate with your students.
