Workshop Focuses on Wildlife, Water, and Words

Educators who have participated in a Project WILD, Project WET, or Project Learning Tree workshop may already be aware of some of the innovative tools available for teaching science and environmental education to students of all ages. But there is one workshop that ties all three "Projects" together with a special focus on literature. This month, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Idaho Forest Products Commission, and the University of Idaho are sponsoring "Focus on Literature" - a new workshop that will help teachers link science and environmental education with reading and writing in their classrooms. "Focus on Literature" will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, September 21 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 22 at the Portneuf District Library, 5210 Stuart Ave. in Chubbuck. "Focus on Literature" is ideal for any type of educator-school teachers (K-12), Head Start instructors, 4-H leaders, scoutmasters, docents, interpreters for nature centers or zoos. The registration fee for this workshop is $25. As an option, participants can attend the workshop for college credit at an additional cost of $50. An outside assignment will be required for those who are taking the workshop for credit. Workshop participants will learn about Idaho's wildlife, habitats, and water resources as well as the value, use, and management of those resources. Participants also will take home a variety of educational materials, including their choice of activity guides from one of the programs, Project WILD, Project WET, and Project Learning Tree, as well as posters, books, and a host of other materials, tools, and project ideas perfect for any classroom setting. All activities found in the guides have been correlated to Idaho State Education standards. To register for this workshop, please contact Jennifer Jackson with the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or register via Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.