Projects WILD & WILD Aquatic

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Projects WILD and Aquatic WILD

Projects WILD and WILD Aquatic resources

Taking STEM Outside: WILD Project-based Learning in Your Schoolyard

Project WILD and Aquatic WILD are time-proven effective activity guides that support teaching in and learning about the environment. Learn about wildlife and nature with hands-on experiences you can share with your students. Easily add any Project WILD or Aquatic WILD activity to your curriculum. Each lesson is tested in real classrooms to ensure effectiveness and excellent student participation.

Upcoming Workshops
Educators will be introduced to a variety of nationally developed resources that support authentic learning (Project-based Learning Model, Field Investigations: Using Outdoor Environments to Foster Student Learning of Scientific Processes, Schoolyard Biodiversity Investigation Educator Guide, Fostering Outdoor Observation Skills, Landscape Investigation Guidelines) as well Project WILD and Aquatic WILD.

Training will include using a project-based learning model and field investigations to create relevant learning opportunities for students that support STEM-based learning. Trainers will work with educators to incorporate activities from the resources into inquiry based learning and to conduct real field investigations with their students. Educators will be encouraged to develop site based projects to study and/or improve their local natural resources. This can include service learning opportunities like development of outdoor learning areas or habitats.

Participants are encouraged to bring information about their school site or a nearby natural area for use with workshop activities. Teaching partners/groups are encouraged to facilitate planning/implementation of projects.

For more information, contact Barb Gigar at Barb.Gigar@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-494-3891.

Contact Information

Training Specialist
Barb Gigar
barb.gigar@dnr.iowa.gov
515-494-3891

WILD Resources

WILD About Remote Learning

Correlation of Next Generation Science Standards:
with Project WILD Activities
with Aquatic WILD Activities

Suggested Activities:

Early Grades (K-4)
K-4 by Activity
K-4 by Social Studies Standard
K-4 by Science Standard

Middle Grades (5-8)
5-8 by Activity
5-8 by Science Standard
5-8 by Social Studies Standard

Secondary (9-12)
9-12 by Activity
9-12 by Social Studies Standard
9-12 by Science Standard

Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children

Growing Up WILD builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Provide an early foundation for your students with this collection of activities written by educators and wildlife professionals and reviewed by early childhood education experts.

Activities have been correlated to national standards for early childhood education – NAEYC Criteria for Curriculum, Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence. Additional correlations have been drafted to Iowa Early Childhood program and curriculum standards – Quality Preschool Program Standards, Iowa Early Learning Standards, and the Iowa Core Curriculum.

Growing Up WILD received the 2009 Family Choice Award and the 2011 Renewable Natural Resource Foundation Excellence in Journalism Award.

Correlations to Iowa Standards
Alignment to Iowa Early Learning Standards
Alignment to Iowa Learning Standards
Alignment to Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards
Alignment to Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards

Upcoming Workshops

Growing Up WILD: Reconnecting Children with Nature ONLINE

Wiggling worms and giggling children — that’s what you can expect with this wildlife education session! You’ll examine ways to build and nurture a child’s sense of wonder about nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors. Activities use age-appropriate practices and concepts to build on children’s sense of wonder. Early learning activities focus on: math, science, language, literacy, health living, play, and creativity.

Participants are required to complete online pre-workshop activities and attend the virtual workshop on May 19, 2021 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Cost is $45 and includes the Growing Up WILD activity guide. Participants receive 4 (clock) hours credit for childcare license renewal approved by Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).

Sign up today!