Wonder Woods Mini Golf – Lisle, IL

June 29, 2024

Last week, we had the distinct pleasure of experiencing the new interactive Wonder Woods Mini Golf at the Morton Arboretum. This charming, unique 9-hole golfing adventure is accessible for all visitors and the perfect outing for players age 4 and up. Wonder Woods Mini Golf is an unexpected summer treat.

—Jenn


When: Now to September 2, 2024

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., last tee time 5:00 p.m.

**Please note that Wonder Woods Mini Golf will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2. The last available tee time will be 3:00 p.m.

Tickets

Members
Child (ages 4 through 17): $6
Adult (age 18 and older): $8

Guests
Child (ages 4 through 17): $8
Adult (age 18 and older): $10

For those who are not members, Wonder Woods Mini Golf tickets must be purchased in addition to Arboretum general admission. Children aged 2 and older require a general admission ticket to enter the Arboretum; infants under the age of 2 are admitted for free.

Location

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532

Brookfield Zoo Teaching Safari: Fall 2024

Attendees can earn 2 semester hours graduate credit (Dominican University) or 35 professional development hours.

The application window for the Fall Safari 2024 is opens May 20 and closes August 22. 

Seats are limited so apply early!

Arbor Day – 2024

Tuesday, April 26, 2024

Save the Date: Friday, April 26 ARBOR DAY

Dearest Tree Hugging Readers,

It is with TREE-mendous excitement that I am sharing Arbor Day literature and resources.

My love affair of trees dates back to my earliest childhood memories. Our family planted and cared for a variety of fruit trees. Apple, peach, pear, cherry, and plum trees provided shade on sunny days; fresh juicy snacks; and sweet confections that were canned or baked. As we grew, so did the trees.

When my daughter was younger, we became members of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Our summers were spent under the shade trees beside Meadow Lake. It was there that we played cards; drew pictures; ate picnic lunches, and escaped the noise of the world.

May this Arbor Day bring your family back to the forest.

—-Jenn 🌳

Literature for Young Sapling 🌱

Literature for Mature Trees 🌳

Resources

IDNR Education Workshops🔬🌳

March 16, 2024

Dearest Educators & Colleagues,

Are you in need of ISBE clock hours and fresh NGSS aligned lessons? If you responded “yes”, then click the link below.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has a plethora of workshops this Spring & Summer. Clear your schedule and take advantage of these affordable professional development opportunities.

—Jenn

Shedd Aquarium: Teacher Workshop

March 12, 2024

Teacher Workshop: Bringing Nature to the Classroom

K-5 Educators take a moment and register for this incredible professional development opportunity. Spend a Saturday morning at Shedd Aquarium and earn 3 ISBE clock hours. Click the registration link for additional details.

Biomechanics: Environments & Survival PD

The Chicago Field Museum is hosting an hour long virtual professional development opportunity for educators grades PreK through High School.

During the session, educators will “explore how wings, fins, claws, and jaws and more work in nature! How does the structure and function and function of an animal allow it to survive?”

When: Monday, January 22 at 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: $10.00

Clock Hours: 1 ISBE clock hour available

See you there.

   —Jenn

Shedd Aquarium Teacher Workshop: Science Fiction in Science Education

Educators Grades 3-8 take note: Shedd Aquarium is hosting an in-person workshop on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

“Join us for an impelling educator workshop that explores the fascinating intersection of science and science fiction. From “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to “Waterworld,” modern science fiction has long captivated our imaginations and sparked curiosity. As a genre, it allows us to speculate about our future while holding a mirror to present challenges.

By bringing sci-fi into the classroom, we encourage our students to engage with science critically and creatively.”

Cost: $35.00 per educator

Clock Hours: 3 ISBE clock hours available

Brookfield Zoo – 2024 Teacher Safari

As a Teaching Safari Alum, I strongly encourage educators to participate in the upcoming summer program.

Per the Brookfield Zoo website: “The Teaching Safari is a free professional learning for teachers that consists of four full-day, onsite sessions at Brookfield Zoo (two weekdays and two Saturdays) and two 60-minute virtual sessions. In addition to attending and participating in these classes, participants will engage in ongoing reflection on professional growth, and create and revise a lesson plan applying program content to practice. Content and strategies explored on the Teaching Safari are informed by Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and the Danielson Framework. Seats are limited; the application window for our Summer 2024 safari opens February 1.

Teaching Safari participants who complete all course requirements may elect to receive 35 free professional development hours or two (2) free graduate semester hours from Dominican University.* Participants who complete the Safari will also receive a Certificate of Completion from Brookfield Zoo and four (4) complimentary zoo passes for immediate family.”

*Click the link below for further details.

2024 Climate of H.O.P.E. Conference

Climate of H.O.P.E. Conference

(How Our Planet is Evolving)

March 1, 2024 at 8:00 – 2:30 pm


The 2024 Climate of HOPE Conference is designed to bring a combination of cutting edge climate research and engaging classroom-ready activities to Middle School & High School Illinois Science Teachers and Administrators.

The conference will explore the confluence of inquiry, climate science, and evolution as they relate to our rapidly changing planet. Open to all science educators to discuss the latest research and how we can bring it into our classrooms.

Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Frank Niepold – Senior Climate Education Coordinator at NOAA’s Climate Program Office
  • Dr. Amanda L. Townley – Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education
  • Dr. Karen Alley – Assistant Professor at University of Manitoba
  • Dr. Richard Alley – Professor of Geosciences at Penn State
  • Congressman Sean Casten 

Sponsors: National Science Foundation-funded US Ice Drilling Program (IDP), National Center for Science Education (NCSE), DuPage County Regional Office of Education (DROE), and the Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA)

5 Continuing Education hours are available through the DuPage ROE for attending this event.

Registration Fee: $30.00/Person

Location: Downers Grove North High School

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑