STEAM into Monarch Butterfly Conservation

STEAM into Monarch Butterfly Conservation

In 2022, the migratory monarch butterfly was classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We can all do something to help!

This fun, informative and mostly outdoor workshop will provide educators with the background knowledge and tools to challenge students to find an interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) approach to help solve an authentic problem.

For two days, educators will work collaboratively to solve a “Content Driven Design Challenge” that will result in the hands-on design and installation of a pollinator garden at the NJ School of Conservation (see the detailed schedule below). Experience gained through this workshop will empower educators to implement The Challenge at home or at school.

This workshop will include STEAM activities aligned with NJ Student Learning Standards, including the NJ Climate Change Education Standards.

Other workshop benefits include:

• Building a network with like-minded educators and experts in education and natural history from across New Jersey that will extend beyond the workshop.
• Forming deeper connections to nature and educational practices.
• Practice in citizen science using the iNaturalist and SEEK Apps
• Experience in the creation of green spaces for wildlife at your home or school communities- from small scale flower pots to larger pollinator gardens.
• Classroom resources to take home.
• A free flat of native plants to get your green space started.
• The opportunity to stay and play at the NJ School of Conservation in Stokes State Forest – the oldest and most beautiful environmental education center in New Jersey.

Workshop Facilitators:

Dena Corbin- Founder and Program Designer, Natural Ground 1

Megan Edson- Township of Ocean Intermediate School

Erik Mollenhauer– Founder, Monarch Teacher Network

Holly Romahn- Hardyston Township Elementary School

Tanya Sulikowski- Director of Education, NJ School of Conservation

Bruce Taterka- Mendham High School

Vince Walencik – NJ Technology and Engineering Educators Association

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Workshop Schedule :

In order to alleviate the stress of morning travel, participants are invited to arrive on Tuesday evening. Wednesday morning arrival is also welcome if more convenient.

Tuesday August 1, 2023

– 5-6pm- Check In

– 6-7pm- Potluck Dinner

– 7- 8pm- Guided Evening Paddle on Lake Wapalanne

– 9p-?- Optional Nighttime Moth Survey and Soundscape Activity

Wednesday August 2, 2023

9-10am- Educators check-in and get settled in cabins. Continental breakfast. Hands-On Monarch Butterfly Feeding Session.

10- 11am- Introductions, Orientation and Workshop Overview

11am-12pm- The Monarch Butterfly Content Driven Design Challenge

12-12:45pm- Catered lunch

12:45- 1:45pm- iNaturalist & SEEK Apps to Engage Budding Naturalists

1:45-2pm- Break

2- 5pm – Monarch Butterfly Cultural and Natural History

5- 5:15 pm- Bathroom Break

5:15- 5:45pm- Introduction to Pollinator Gardens

5:45-6:15pm- Cabin Break

6:15- 8pm – Dinner (Build Your Own Butterfly Pizza – A Bonus Design Challenge!)

8- 9pm – Campfire/Evening Activity- Monarch Storytelling

Thursday August 3, 2023

7- 8am- Morning iNaturalist walk or fitness hike (optional)

8- 9am- Catered breakfast

9:15-11:15am -Native Plant Pollinator Garden Design and Installation

11:30- 12pm- iNaturalist Data Crunching

12-12:30pm – Catered lunch

12:45-2:30pm- Monarch Butterfly Cultural and Natural History Part 2

2:45-3:45pm- Content Driven Design Challenge – Teacher Collaboration

4- 4:30pm – Wrap Up, Evaluations and Depart

Please note: The workshop fee includes cabin-style lodging at the NJ School of Conservation for two nights, food and workshop materials including a Native Plant Pollinator Garden Starter Kit courtesy of NJDEP Fish and Wildlife – ENSP. Scholarships may be available.

Contact the NJ School of Conservation’s Director of Education, Tanya Sulikowski, with any questions. [email protected].