ENTICE Classes - Your first workshop is on us!

Temperatures below freezing and snow on the ground might mean warm hot chocolate by the fire for us, but what about the animals that call Illinois home? Have you thought about where the animals go in winter and how they survive the cold? Explore the amazing ways that animals survive in winter, what adaptations they have, and where they are hiding. Discover which animals stay and which ones go! This workshop is for grades PreK-12.

The American Beaver, mayor of its ecosystem, is a one-of-a-kind keystone species. Explore the life history, ecological importance, and reintroduction of the beaver in Illinois. Discover what makes a keystone species and why the beaver is considered one. Learn more about the importance of keystone species and why they matter.

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 citizen science into your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. Targeted for grades PreK-12.

Temperatures below freezing and snow on the ground might mean warm hot chocolate by the fire for us, but what about the animals that call Illinois home? Have you thought about where the animals go in winter and how they survive the cold? Explore the amazing ways that animals survive in winter, what adaptations they have, and where they are hiding. Discover which animals stay and which ones go! This workshop is for grades PreK-12.

The largest herbivore in Illinois is the White-tailed deer. Explore the life history and the challenges faced by this ungulate, hoofed mammal in Illinois. Join us as we explore the Chronic Wasting Disease curriculum, Prying into Prions: Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease. This educational unit for high school students can assist in studying prion diseases, including chronic wasting disease. Learn about transmissible spongiform encephalopathies by examining the role of proteins in organisms, the chemistry and properties of proteins,

What is biodiversity? Does Illinois have much biodiversity? Discover the fascinating ways that plants and animals have adapted to survive in Illinois' four major habitats. This workshop will explore the Museum's Biodiversity exhibit and collections to answer these questions and more about aquatic, woodland, wetland, and urban habitats and their inhabitants in this introduction to the natural resources of our state. This workshop is for grades 4th to 8th. Other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate.

Lynx, wildcat, Bobcat oh my! And found in Illinois, too! How do scientists study this elusive native feline and its growing population? Once listed as a threatened species, their numbers have rebounded and increased, allowing them to be delisted and recovered. Learn about bobcat ecology and behavior, and what lead to the bobcat flourishing. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying bobcats in Illinois, including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 6th-12th, but can be adapted for other grades.

What makes a bird a bird? This workshop offers an engaging introduction to the wild birds of Illinois. Participants will learn about Illinois birds, take a guided hike to observe birds and signs of their presence, and learn a variety of hands-on activities to bring back to their classrooms. The workshop will also demonstrate how the topic of Illinois wild birds can be used to support both the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and the Next Generation Science Standards. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades K to 5th, but can be adapted for other grades.

Explore early French Fur Trapping History in Illinois. This interdisciplinary teaching unit focuses on early exploration and settlement, the 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. It 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. The workshop is for teachers of students in grades 4th to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades.

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 citizen science into your classroom to help students explore what is going on in their backyard. This workshop is for grades PreK-12.

Take a closer look at birds and bring the biodiversity of Illinois birds into your classroom. See how birds use their physical characteristics to adapt to the environment and how each species has a unique niche in the ecosystem. Get hands-on field experience banding birds with the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders (LLABB). Discover why scientists track and band birds as we join LLABB for a walk on the prairie, identifying birds in their natural habitat. This workshop is for grades PreK-12.

Do toads pee when you pick them up? Can frogs turn into a prince when kissed? Hop on over to The Morton Arboretum to learn the answers to all your burning questions about Illinois' frogs and toads. Learn about these amazing creatures that hop and leap in your backyard. Discover the anuran life history, their relationships to other organisms, and adaptations for survival. This workshop is for grades PreK-4th grade but can be adapted for other grades. 

What do oak trees, squirrels, blue bells, fireflies, and morels have in common? They are all part of a healthy woodland ecosystem. Join us as we take a deep dive into the ecology of Illinois woodland habitats. Discover how plants, animals, and trees interact and depend on each other to create a healthy forest woodland ecosystem through classroom discussions and a 1-mile hike. This workshop is for grades 3rd to 8th, but can be adapted for other grades. 

Snakes, turtles, and lizards, oh my! They might not be cute and fuzzy like mammals, but reptiles are amazing creatures too. What makes a reptile a reptile? Explore the reptiles of Illinois, learning their life history and taxonomy. Join us on a hike to look for reptiles and their signs. Learn how to use the topic of Illinois reptiles to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. This workshop is for grades PreK-12.

What do bald cypress, bog goldenrod, dragonflies, bluegill, and mallard ducks have in common? They are all part of a healthy Weltland ecosystem. Discover the fascinating world hidden within Illinois' wetlands and explore the interesting organisms that live in them. We will discuss the life history, adaptations, and identification of wetland species. Get hands-on experience through wetland sampling and comparing the types of organisms found in the different habitats in the wetlands found at The Grove. This workshop is for grades 2nd to 9th, but can be adapted for other grades.

When does spring start? When do the flowers bloom? How does nature know when to start a different time of year? It's all about the phenology or timing. Learn about this concept and how you can bring it to your students in your classroom. Explore different ways to collect data with students of all ages and help them understand nature in new ways.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float down the Mississippi River on a barge? Well, now is your chance! Join us as ENTICE takes on the mighty Mississippi aboard the Living Lands and Waters floating river barge, tied up, of course. Discover what animals live in and around the mighty Mississippi River. Explore the fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates that call this river home during the summer months.

What is a fish, and what fishes do we have in Illinois? Explore the different types of fishes we have here in Illinois with a focus on game fishes and fisheries management at the Jake Wolf State Fish Hatchery. Learn about fish biology, habitats, and adaptations as we delve into the wet world they live in. We will explore fishes up close and personal by going on a behind-the-scenes tour at the hatchery.

Join NGRREC educators and researchers to explore Illinois' native herpetofauna, frogs, salamanders, turtles, and snakes. Participants will learn about current research on Bird-voiced Treefrogs, salamanders, timber rattlesnakes, and Blanding's turtles. You will get the chance to be in the field and participate in wetland sampling, frog call ID, and radio telemetry.

What makes a bird, a bird? Educators will get an introduction to common Illinois birds. Learn how to identify birds and how scientists investigate their behaviors. Join us for a hike to look for birds and signs of their presence. Discover ways to attract birds and take away plants to get started. Participate in activities that use birds as the phenomenon to support the Illinois Early Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. This workshop is for grades PreK to 5th grade, but can be adapted for other grades.

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.

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 down 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 lifecycle, 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.

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.