Wild Wonderful Wyoming: Choices for the Future
This curriculum program will soon be online at the Wyoming Association for Environmental Education website and the University of Wyoming’s Science and Math Teaching Center. Wild Wonderful Wyoming comes from the Science and Math Teaching Center at the University of Wyoming. The focus is Wyoming and the Northern Rocky Mountain area. The elementary and secondary programs consist of nearly one hundred and fifty activities beginning with a section called Earth Systems. Following this section the activities fall into resource sections: Water Resources, Energy and Mineral Resources, Wildlife Resources, Forest Resources, and Agriculture Resources. Teacher workshops K-12 can be scheduled with the Science and Math Teaching Center at the University of Wyoming.
The following lists are resources intended for a diverse
audience including educators, parents, kids, and other community members. Our list is focused on Wyoming and the Rocky
Mountain region, but also includes national and international websites. As the information on the Internet is
dynamic, please keep in mind that these lists are in constant flux. Check back often to discover new links and
materials. For now, you can find links
sorted into general categories. With
funding, we hope to transform the resources and materials into a searchable
format, with room for on-line discussions of ‘best practices’ and
recommendations.
We are always working to improve our website and broaden our horizons. Have
you discovered a favorite link that is not in our list of resources or
literature? Send it to us, and if it is
applicable, we will add it to our website!
NOTE: Regarding
curriculum and lesson plans, the following are recommendations (only) from the North American
Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE),
which has developed Guidelines for Excellence that recommend that all materials
and activities have:
• Fair
and accurate information describing environmental problems, issues, and
conditions, and in reflecting the diversity of perspectives on them;
• Material
about the natural and built environments, ecological concepts, and attitudes
and values are presented in sufficient depth;
• An
emphasis on skill building including: creative and critical thinking;
• An
orientation towards civic responsibility;
• Instructional
techniques that create an effective learning environment including:
learner-centered instruction, multiple intelligences, and relevant topics; and
• Well
designed and easy to use materials.
(Taken from Environmental Education Materials:
Guidelines for Excellence, published in 1998 by the North American Association
for Environmental Education.
Energy curriculum and
activities
Advanced
Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC)
Sustainable Energy Education and Training (SEET)
Alliance to Save Energy
lesson plans developed by teachers for grades 9-12 in energy efficiency
California Energy Commission
http://energyquest.ca.gov/teachers_resources/index.html
(teachers and parents)
lesson plans and links to resources and events
Center for Energy Workforce
Development (CEWD)
Cool School Challenge
Creative Change Educational Solutions (renewable energy)
Dept of
Resources, Recycling and Recovery (Calrecycle) (California)
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Kids/
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/ReduceWaste/Schools/
Encana
Supports National Energy Education Development (NEED) workshops for
getting energy-related information into the curriclum.
Energy Conservation Curriculum (northwest U.S.)
Bonneville Power Administration energy curricula for grades 3-8. Emphasis is on Oregon, Washington, Montana,
and Idaho but has application to all educators interested in energy and
wildlife issues, and reaching beyond the borders.
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
K-12 energy curriculum and activities and programs for students and
professional development.
Future Channels
Wind; videos, lesson ideas, and other resources to connect math and
science to careers
Get Into Energy
Explore careers and opportunities in the energy field. Links
for parents, kids, and educators.
Kid Wind
Project
Wind lesson plans and hands-on activities and materials.
National Energy
Education Development Project (NEED)
The mission of the NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by
creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and
community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education
programs. NEED works with energy companies, agencies
and
organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation's schools with a
focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced
curriculum materials, signature program capabilities and turn-key program
management.
New Mexico
Solar Energy Association
http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/resources.htm
(solar education sources)
No Impact
Project
This curriculum uses No Impact Man - the book and the film - to help
middle and high school students explore the effects their everyday behavior has
on the environment, their health, and their well-being. Grades 6-12.
Related subjects to integrate: Civics,
Geography, Current Events, Language Arts.
North Carolina Solar Center
Oil Consumption
Poster
Oil consumption poster and links to energy resources for
educators. Free poster for teachers.
Oregon
Department of Energy (Oregon)
Rahus Institute (California)
Research and educational organization with a
focus on resource efficiency. The primary goal of The Rahus Institute is to
accelerate the implementation of resource efficient technologies and practices
through research, development, demonstration, education and policy change.
Focus on solar energy: Teaching Solar materials.
Solar Energy International (Colorado)
State Energy
Conservation Office (Texas)
Texas State
Energy Conservation Office (SECO)
Upper Cape Tech
(Massachusetts)
U.S. Department of Energy
energy efficiency and renewable
energy: Energy Education & Workforce Development: K-12 Lesson Plans & Activities
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/schools_teaching_materials.asp
(wind)
http://www.solardecathlon.gov/curriculum.html
(solar)
http://www.fossil.energy.gov/education/energylessons/index.html
(fossil energy)
U.S. Energy Information Administration (USEIA)
Statistics and analysis on energy sources and uses (national
and international). Good information
source for lesson plans on energy. Check out energy resources by state: http://www.eia.gov/state/
U.S. EPA
U.S. Green Building Council
ideas on how to utilize the built environment as
the context of learning; provides curricula for K-12 and postsecondary levels.
Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Educator
Program (KEEP)
Energy-related resources for educators, parents, kids.
Opportunities for professional development, student involvement, networking.
Youth Energy
Summit (YES!) (Minnesota)
Uses hands-on, experiential learning projects to address energy
opportunities and issues in rural Minnesota communities. Teams of teenagers
from across southwest and west-central Minnesota work to increase energy
efficiency and promote renewable energy.
Science; environment; environmental
education
American
Chemical Society (ACS)
Classroom resources (activities, lessons, materials) and
professional development opportunities.
The Archimedes
Initiative
Resources for promoting science literacy
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM); Climate Research Facility
Bat
Conservation International
Brain Pop
(online science activities)
http://www.brainpop.com/educators/home/
Classroom Earth
Resources, lesson plans, and other ideas for incorporating environmental
topics into K-12 curriculum.
Professional development opportunities; success stories.
Earth Day Network
http://edu.earthday.org/teach/curricula
Education.com
general science activities for K-12
EEK (Environmental Education for Kids)
(Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources)
electronic magazine for kids in grades 4-8
Envirolink (online
environmental community)
Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
http://epa.gov/climatechange/students/resources/tips.html
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/education/quest/index.htm
(waste)
Facing the Future
Global issues critical thinking; Curriculum; Professional
development
Green Teacher
This is a collaborative effort of teachers all around North
America. They publish resources to help educators, both inside and
outside of schools, to promote global and environmental awareness among young
people from K-12. Lesson plans address all different learning styles, and they are
usually hands-on, creative, and impactful. Available in Spanish and French.
Food and Water
Watch
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (science)
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/
(kids)
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/resources/SPT--Home.php
(educators)
This is a terrific site for educators and kids with links to
videos, curriculum, interactions with scientists and more.
Intel STEM
http://educate.intel.com/en/designdiscovery
(free curriculum for ages 11-15)
resources for science, technology, engineering, and math
Lawrence Hall
of Science, University of California, Berkeley
http://lawrencehallofscience.org/programs_for_schools/curriculum
NASA and NOAA
Sci Jinks
National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (climate)
National
Geographic - Kids
National
Geographic
National
Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/
(kids)
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/parents/index.htm
(parents and teachers)
Environmental education activities and resources for
teachers, parents, and kids
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)
http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gsd/outreach/education/climgraph/
(climate)
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/welcome.html
(oceans)
National Parks Conservation Association
(NPCA)
Mission: To protect and
enhance America's National Parks for present and future generations.
National Wildlife Federation (Get Outside)
For families: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There.aspx
For educators: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Educators.aspx
Connecting Today’s Kids with Nature: A Policy Action Plan
This guide outlines policy solutions
for parents and policymakers, including connecting kids to nature through
environmental education, advocating for better community design for natural
play areas, and encouraging parents and kids to engage in a daily Green Hour.
No Impact
Project
Middle school and high school environmental education
curriculum. To use
entertainment, education and group action to engage new people in the quest for
ways of living that connect individual happiness with service to community and
habitat.
Project Lead the Way (middle and high school STEM and engineering)
Science Buddies
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/teacher_resources.shtml?From=Tab
(teachers)
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/parent_resources.shtml?From=Tab
(parents)
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/student_resources.shtml?From=Tab
(students)
Science resources for teachers, parents, and students
Science Fair
Central (Discovery Education)
Science Kids (science and technology on-line)
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/lessonplans.html
(lesson plans)
Cool science and technology on the internet for kids around
the world
Science Daily (latest
science research news)
Science News
for Kids
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/mysnk/for-educators/
Science News for Kids was
launched in 2003 by Society
for Science & the Public (SSP) as a youth
edition and companion to SSP’s Science
News magazine. SSP advances the popular understanding
of science through publications and educational programs. Free monthly
newsletter and links to science resources and competitions.
Science With Me
elementary
activities and lesson plans
Sierra Club
http://www.sierraclub.org/education/newsletter/
(kids)
Steve Spangler
(stevespangler.com)
Easy, hands-on science activities and experiments – videos,
materials, books.
United States Fish & Wildlfe
Service (USFWS)
Fish &
Wildlife News: Children and Nature
This special edition of Fish & Wildlife News
provides a glimpse of what FWS employees from coast to coast are doing to
reconnect children with nature with the Let’s Go Outside initiative.
United States
Geological Survey (USGS)
http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/ask-a-geologist/index.html
(ask a geologist)
United States
Global Change Research Program
Wild Wonderful
Wyoming
Wyoming
Association for Environmental Education (WAEE)
World Wildlife
Fund
climate
Sustainability, Children and
Nature, Agriculture/Gardening, Community/School Involvement
Arbor Day Foundation
Programs, classroom activities, contests, news about getting
involved with tree planting.
Best Green
Blogs
“Best Green Blogs is the directory
of green and sustainable themed blogs. Whether people are discussing cleantech in the UK, global
warming issues in Italy or sustainable
agriculture in China, you are apt to
find it here. We feature eco-themed
blogs from around the world along with detailed info about each blog as well as
the most recent postings from each site. We provide a green blog map so you can find
writers in your area; as well as a sideblog with other green
flotsam from around the internet.”
Biodiversity
Gardening
gardening with the intention of increasing native
biodiversity; kids and bugs
Center for
Sustainable Economy (CSE)
CSE works to
speed the transition to a sustainable society through rigorous analysis of
policy, programs, and projects, by developing creative solutions for government
agencies, businesses, non-profits, and educators, and by providing expert
support for legislative, administrative, and legal campaigns.
Cheyenne
Botanic Garden
(Cheyenne, WY)
Paul Smith Children’s Garden
Outdoor and
indoor activities; Platinum LEED building; solar & wind power
Children and
Nature Network
http://www.childrenandnature.org/movement/naturalteachers/
Clearing (online
journal of community-based environmental education)
Creative Change
Combining all educational disciplines and audiences with a common theme
of sustainability and social equity. Wholistic education that understands
the need to retell the story of our history and humanity from the perspective
of environmental sustainability and conscientious social behavior.
CREEC Network (California Regional EE
Community)
EE curriculum and
libraries
Earth Day Network
Ecological Footprint (Center for Sustainable Economy)
Ecological footprint quiz estimates the amount of land and
ocean area required to sustain your consumption patterns and absorb your wastes
on an annual basis. After answering 27
easy questions, you will be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to
other’s and learn how to reduce your impact on earth.
EE-linked
(NAAEE)
Collection of networks for environmental
educators. It is the place to find and share materials and resources; the
powerful new tool for engaging with the broad universe of environmental
educators. Browse or Search for resources for program design, professional
development, teaching tools, lesson plans, national and international events,
jobs, and more. Ask questions, offer solutions, grow your skills and build your
networks.
Environmental
Literacy Council (ELC)
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/teachers-index.php
(lesson plans)
scientists, economists and educators striving to connect
teachers and students to science-based information on environmental issues
4-H and
National Military Family Association
4-H clubs
provide "a slice of home" for military youth worldwide through
quality educational experiences using research-based curricula for youth ages 5
-19. Military youth can become involved in 4-H and continue their 4-H work
wherever they move when their parents are transferred or deployed. More
recently, community programs to support National Guard, Reserve and Accessions
Command families have been added.
Garden Forever (gardenforever.com)
Articles and links to gardening tips and ideas,
horticulture, and materials.
Good Dirt Radio
“Reports inspiring and educational stories about people helping to
solve environmental challenges affecting life on Earth. We share positive
environmental ideas and actions that individuals, families, businesses, and
communities can embrace.” Links to other environmental education sites.
Green Education
Foundation (GEF)
PreK-12 standards based curriculum, professional
development, green challenges and programs; interactive community
Green River
Valley Cowbelles/Cattlewomen
To help educate the public about the value of beef, what the ranch
industry is all about, how the ranching industry supports the environment and
economy along with encouraging people to use and support the beef and
ranching industry in the Green River Valley.
Information for educators on beef, ranching, nutrition.
Grassroots
Environmental Education (environmental toxins and human health)
Kids Farm
Kids Farm is about animals and people that live and work on a ranch in
Colorado. It is a place for young children to learn about farm and wild
animals, animal sounds, what grows, farm equipment and a wildlife rehab
center. We also have spelling, puzzles, horses, cows, chickens, sheep,
goats, elk, kids rodeo, and guest pets. It is also a tool for teachers
who teach farm units.
Kids Gardening
http://www.kidsgardening.org/resource-directory
http://www.kidsgardening.org/school-gardening
(school gardens)
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Teachfree
downloadable K-12 curriculum on beef and nutrition
National Environmental Education Foundation
(NEEFUSA)
http://www.classroomearth.org/
(classroom earth)
Natural
Resource Defense Council (NRDC)
Mission: To
safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems
on which all life depends.
Organic
Consumers Association
http://www.organicconsumers.org/farm.cfm
http://www.organicconsumers.org/environment.cfm
Population
Education
Resources for educators and parents; recommended children’s
literature; professional development opportunities.
PROUT (PROgressive Utilization Theory)
SEEK (Sharing
Environmental Education Knowledge) (Minnesota)
http://www.seek.state.mn.us/
Serenata Flowers
(serenataflowers.com)
Kid's guide
to botany, gardening, horticulture and hydroponics
This site
was suggested by Mrs. Hernandez’s class from Northern California!
Smithsonian
Institution
Education links for lesson plans, field tips, professional
development, web-based learning resources and connections to scientist pages.
Sustainable Agriculture Research &
Education
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Courses-and-Curricula
Sustainability.com
current issues
Sustainability.org (think tank)
Sustainable
Travel International (stewardship)
What we can do as travelers for promoting sustainability
The Trust for
Public Land
e-newsletters
U.S. Forest
Service (USDA)
Rocky Mountain region; links to articles and information on watershed
management and programs
World Changing
A nonprofit media
organization dedicated to solutions-based journalism about the planetary
future.
Wyoming Ag in
the Classroom
http://www.wyomingagclassroom.org/lessons.asp
Lesson plans, teacher training, events and links to
activities.
WY Future Farmers of America
WY Stockgrowers of America
Outdoor and hands-on experiences
and programs
CENTRAL/NORTHEASTERN/EASTERN
WYOMING
Audubon Center at Garden Creek (Casper, WY)
101 Garden Creek Road; 307-473-1987;
Wanda Peters, Center Manager
Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation (Thermopolis,
WY)
Preserving Natural
& Cultural Resources of Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin; programs, news, events,
and meetings.
Casper Planetarium (Casper, WY)
Programs
meet several WY standards at different grade levels. NCSD classes attend free; outside schools: $1
per person per program. Summer astrology
camps, public evening shows.
Central Wyoming
Astronomical Society (CWAS) (Casper, WY)
Free public meetings an star viewings
Fremont County Pioneer Museum (Lander, WY)
Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural
Center (Thermopolis Hot Springs, WY)
An educational
resource for teaching and researching the history of Hot Springs County; to
collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts that tell and interpret the stories of
the region's people; and to provide cultural activities that enrich the
experiences of community and visitors. Cola mining exhibit and coal/gas
artifacts.
Lander Children’s
Museum (Lander, WY)
Lights on in
Lander (Lander, WY)
To offer expanded learning opportunities that facilitate academic
excellence and positive youth development in a safe and structured environment
for all students and their families.
Museum of the
American West (Lander, WY)
National Bighorn Sheep Center (Dubois, WY)
National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Association is dedicated to
educating the public about the biology and habitat needs of the Rocky Mountain
Bighorn Sheep and to encouraging the active stewardship of wildlife and wild
lands.
National
Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) (Casper, WY)
Seeks to promote
public understanding of both America’s western Native Cultures and historic
westward expansion while highlighting BLM's role as active stewards
of public lands. Hands-on exhibits,
tours, education trunks, lesson plans, pre/post visit activities.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
(Lander, WY)
outdoor skills and
leadership
http://www.nols.edu/resources/
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
(Lander, WY)
outdoor skills and
leadership
http://www.nols.edu/resources/
Science Kids (Sheridan, WY)
The Science Zone (Casper, WY)
Provides
high-interest, hands-on learning experiences to the public of all ages, thereby
making involvement in science a regular and fun part of our patrons’ lives.
Provides resources to local educators; reaches out to under-privileged youth
through partnerships and after-school programs.
Tate Geological
Museum (Casper, WY – Casper College)
The Tate
Geological Museum was founded in 1980 through a gift from Marion and Inez
Tate. It was originally designated as the Tate Earth Science Center and
Mineralogical Museum. Because ‘geological' encompasses earth science,
mineralogy and paleontology, the name was changed to the Tate Geological Museum
in 2001. Tate houses a collection of over 3000 fossil and mineral specimens,
and has hands-on exhibits for visitors.
Werner Wildlife Museum (Casper College, Casper, WY)
The Werner Wildlife
Museum is a resource center as well as a multiuse classroom. Although the focus
is on Wyoming Wildlife, it is suitable as a resource and classroom area for all
disciplines including education, art, environmental science, and other biological
related fields. The museum can supports students of all ages and serves the
community as a place of continuing education. It is free and open to the
public. Mission: To provide
opportunity to students, residents, and visiting public for quality educational
experiences and to promote a culture of awareness and appreciation for the
natural world.
Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Sites
(Thermopolis, WY)
Named #1 dinosaur museum in the USA by America’s Best and
Top Ten. The Wyoming
Dinosaur Center complex includes a world-class museum, dinosaur dig sites, a
preparation laboratory and an incredible gift shop. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center
was chosen as one of Life Book "Dream Destinations - 100 of the World's
Best Vacations."
WESTERN WYOMING
Bear River State Park (Evanston, WY)
Visitor/Nature
Center; meeting room; picnic areas and a small herd of bison and elk (kept for
public viewing in cooperation with the WY Game & Fish Department); trails.
Buffalo Bill
Historical Center – Draper Museum (BBHC) (Cody, WY)
Greater Yellowstone natural history; field trips, lending
materials: trunks and learning kits
The Murie Center (Moose, WY)
The Murie Center, in partnership with Grand
Teton National Park, engages people to understand and to commit to the enduring
value of conserving wildlife and wild places.
National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson, WY)
http://www.WildlifeArt.org/Learn/OnlineCurriculum/
The NMWA Education department is dedicated to providing exceptional
educational programs to students of all ages both at the museum and through
outreach programs. Connections between people, wildlife and fine art are
central themes to educational programming at the NMWA. Learn about art history,
American History, conservation, wildlife, biology, ecology, and cultural
anthropology in our multidisciplinary programs.
Targhee
Institute (Grand Targhee Resort in the Tetons, WY)
Targhee Institute is a non-profit organization created to incre
ase educational and cultural opportunities in the Greater Yellowstone
Area. The Institute offers programs for all ages in the arts and natural
sciences. They promote the philosophy of "Discovery Through
Doing" and the appreciation and preservation of the natural world.
Teton Science Schools
http://www.tetonscience.org/index.cfm?id=educational_programs_home
Since 1967, Teton Science Schools have been educating, training and
inspiring students of all ages about the natural world. TSS is a
recognized leader in education for not only the Jackson Hole community and
Wyoming, but on national and international levels as well. Contact
them for summer and school field programs, assistance in the classroom,
activities.
Teton Science School – Wildlife Expeditions (Jackson, WY)
Wildlife
Expeditions has a well-earned reputation of locating all kinds of wildlife in
the Greater Yellowstone Geo-ecosystem and providing fascinating educational
experiences in a fun and relaxed environment. Animals that may be observed
during our expeditions include elk, moose, bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn
sheep, mule deer, wolves and bears.
SOUTHEASTERN WYOMING
Cheyenne
Botanic Garden
(Cheyenne, WY)
Paul Smith Children’s Garden
Outdoor and
indoor activities; Platinum LEED building; solar & wind power
Science Posse (University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY)
Connecting students with scientists. You can travel
to our labs on the campus of the University of Wyoming, or we will travel to
your classroom in person or through the virtual Science Posse. (And it's free!)
Please explore the site and find
ways we can connect with you!
University of
Wyoming Berry Conservation Center (UW
– Laramie, WY)
Green Roof (Berry
Prairie)
Programs and Visits: http://www.uwyo.edu/berrycenter/interact/index.html
University
of Wyoming Louis O. & Terua P. Williams Conservatory (UW – Laramie, WY)
The
Conservatory is a place of learning and an oasis of tranquility for many
university students, faculty, staff and visitors. Free admission. Open to public on weekdays.
University of Wyoming, Cooperative Exension
4-H
4-H is an informal, practical, learning-by-doing educational program
for youth. The purpose of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop
life skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing,
productive members of society. Professional and volunteer staff provide
educational projects and activities in animal science, home economics, natural
resources, and handcrafts, as well as leadership and citizenship.
http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/comm/4h_military.htm
University of
Wyoming Geological Museum (UW – Laramie, WY)
Variety
of displays to illustrate Wyoming's past environments, highlighted by a 75-foot
Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus) skeleton that dominates the museum's exhibit hall.
Another highlight is "Big Al," a display of the most complete
Allosaurus fossil ever found. Hundreds of rock and mineral samples from
throughout Wyoming's geological history are also displayed. Schedule a tour of
the museum for your classes by calling 307-766-2646 or emailing us at geolmus@uwyo.edu
University of
Wyoming Insect Museum (UW – Laramie, WY)
The only research
collection of insects in the state of Wyoming. Present holdings are estimated
at more than a quarter of a million specimens. Hours by appointment; free
admission. (307)766-5338
University of
Wyoming, Planetarium (UW – Laramie, WY)
UW Dept of Physics
and Astronomy. Shows for the public, as well as for K-12
and college classes and community groups.
See website for
list of current programs, hours and fees.
(307) 766-6150
REGIONAL/NATIONAL SOURCES
American Hiking Society
Promotes
and protects foot trails and hiking.
Audubon Wyoming
The entire state of Wyoming serves as the
classroom for our Community Naturalists as they reach out to their communities
with engaging and exciting nature programs! Our goal is to eventually hire
naturalists to serve various communities throughout the state. We
currently have three Community Naturalists on staff: Wanda Peters, Casper
Dusty Downey, Statewide
Jacelyn Downey, Statewide
Wyoming
Wildscape: design, plant and maintain landscaping to benefit people and
wildlife. (WY Audubon)
http://www.audubonwyoming.org/PDFs/WyomingWildscape-June2005.pdf
Birding.com
Information
on bird biology and identification, birding events and organizations, maps and
locations to birdwatch in WY
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
A
world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. Our
hallmarks are scientific excellence and technological innovation to advance
the understanding of nature and to engage people of all ages in learning
about birds and protecting the planet.
Project Feeder Watch (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Project
FeederWatch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards,
nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. FeederWatchers
periodically count the birds they see at their feeders from November through
early April and send their counts to Project FeederWatch. FeederWatch data help
scientists track broadscale movements of winter bird populations and long-term
trends in bird distribution and abundance.
Denver Zoo (Denver, CO)
Department of Environmental Quality
(WY DEQ)
Sections based on environmental media: air quality, water quality,
solid and hazardous waste, active mine reclamation, abandoned mine lands,
industrial siting and administration.
Junior Anglers and Hunters of America (JrAHA)
Mission: foster connectivity to nature by
being a gateway for accessing opportunities outdoors and by teaching outdoors
recreational skills, safety & ethics, environmental responsibility and
conservation practices”.
Leopold Project
The mission of the Leopold Education Project is to create
an ecologically literate citizenry so that each individual might develop a
personal land ethic. Materials and
programs developed for educators, but of interest to private citizens as well.
National Park Service (NPS)
Information on
visiting national parks (field trip contacts), science, programs. Educational resources for teachers and kids.
Traveling trunks, games, professional development.
Project Learning Tree (PLT)
Wyoming Project Learning Tree (WY PLT)
http://www.plt.org/-every-student-learns-outside
Project Learning Tree is a multi-disciplinary environmental education
program for educators and students in PreK-12. PLT, a program of the
American Forest Foundation, uses the forest as a "window" on the
world to increase students' understanding of our environment; stimulate
students' critical and creative thinking; develop students' ability to make
informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill in students the
commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers); Worldwide Water Education
http://projectwet.org/water-resources-education/
Water education program and publisher. The program facilitates
and promotes awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water
resources through the dissemination of classroom-ready teaching aids and the
establishment of internationally sponsored Project WET programs.
Project Wild
http://www.projectwild.org/educators.htm
http://www.projectwild.org/resources.htm
Project WILD is a supplementary, interdisciplinary, instructional
program for educators of students in K-12. Emphasizing wildlife because
of its intrinsic value, Project WILD addresses the need for human beings to
develop as responsible citizens of our planet. A national network of
State Wildlife Agency Sponsors ensures that Project WILD is available
nationwide – training educators in the many facets of the program. In
Wyoming, the WY Game & Fish Department administers Project WILD.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Missoula, MT)
Mission: to ensure the future of elk,
other wildlife and their habitat.
Save Nature (savenature.org) (San Francisco
Bay area, CA)
Take a Child
Outside
Annual program: Take a Child Outside Week: September 24—September 30
Suggested outdoor activities and interactive map.
U.S. Fish and Wildife Service (USFWS)
http://www.fws.gov/educators/
(kids and educators)
Wyoming Association of Conservation
Districts
http://www.conservewy.com/DISTRICTS.htm
(map and contact info of local districts)
Wide variety of projects and programs offered to the schools
and communities. WACD assists landowners and resource users
with conservation practices and provides leadership in natural resource
management issues and efforts.
Wyoming Birds (Wyoming
Birds.com)
Wyomingbirds.com is designed to provide information for those
interested in wild birds. Our specific goals including providing information in
the following categories:
• Information on feeding birds
• Information on birds and events, primarily
relating to some aspect of backyard birds
• Information broader in scope including new products
and wild bird related news and events
Wyoming Game
and Fish
State agency with information on wildlife, habitat, hunting
and fishing, events and programs.
Wyoming Wildlife
magazine
Wyoming Wildlife
News
Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS)
Information about Wyoming’s vast geologic, mineral, and
energy resources. WYGIS.
Wyoming Mining Association (WMA)
The Wyoming Mining Association
serves as a unified voice, providing value at a reasonable cost to its
membership, by communicating, influencing, and promoting issues on behalf of
the mining industry. Information on
separate minerals; maps.
Wyoming Natural
Resource Foundation
Dedicated to conserving
Wyoming's natural resources, heritage, and culture. WNRF is a sister
organization to the Wyoming
Association of Conservation Districts and has
established partnerships with many local, state, and federal agencies, as well
as private and volunteer organizations.
Education and outreach programs.
Wyoming State
Forestry Division (WSFD; Office of
State Lands and Investments)
A community or urban forest is all the trees growing
in and around a city, town, or village. It includes trees in parks, school
yards, home landscapes,utility rights-of-way, vacant lots, greenbelts, and
along stream banks. Shrubs, ground covers, soil, wildlife, and water bodies are
also part of the urban forest. Streets, buildings, utilities, parking lots,
and, most importantly, people, are an integral part of the urban ecosystem.
Successful community forestry programs coordinate the management of these
natural features and human development in ways that reduce conflicts and allow
them to enhance and benefit each other. Trees for
Wyoming: comprehensive list of trees suitable for planting in Wyoming’s harsh
climate
Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources
Wyoming State Parks, Historic sites &
Trails
Select a park or site from the menu and discover a place in your
WY backyard to visit with your class, family, and friends.
Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust
Purpose of the
program is to enhance and conserve wildlife habitat and natural resource values
throughout the state. Any project
designed to improve wildlife habitat or natural resource values is eligible for
funding. The Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust is an independent state agency
governed by a nine-member citizen board appointed by the Governor. Legislative
oversight is guided by a select committee of six members, three each from the
House and Senate. The office is centrally located in Riverton, Wyoming.
Additional resources for
materials and EE information
Acorn
Naturalists (EE publications and materials)
Bullfrog Films
Bullfrog Films is the oldest and largest publisher of videos and films
about the environment in the United States. To bring together programs that
point the way to a new paradigm for living happily, healthily and sustainably
Good To Grow
Good to Grow! is a leadership initiative
launched by the children's museum field and guided by the Association
of Children's Museums
to support
children's museums in providing healthy choices and activities for children and
families in their communities.
Kids Dig Dirt! Green Paper: A Tool For Connecting Children and Families to Nature ACM welcomes
children's museums and community organizations that work with children to download this resource and work together to create experiences that connect
children and families to nature.
Grand Teton Association (GTA)
Grand Teton Association was founded in 1937 as a Cooperating
Association to provide informational materials to be sold to park visitors. All
sales items are approved by the Park Service and must serve educational and
interpretive functions. When you make a purchase from our park bookstores, you
are supporting the educational, interpretive, and scientific programs in Grand
Teton National Park. All profits from your purchases are used to finance new
publications and to assist the National Park Service to lead visitors not only
to admire but to better understand our parks.
IDEA WILD
Their
conserve biodiversity by providing biologists and educators working in
developing countries with equipment and supplies to aid in their conservation
efforts. Since their beginning in 1991, they have aided over 2500 projects in
82 developing countries. IDEA WILD was
founded by University of Wyoming alumni, Wally Van Sickle. Thanks to Wally’s
efforts in building IDEA WILD, conservation biologists charged with studying
some of the earth’s greatest treasuries of biodiversity are finally receiving
some of the funds and tools that they need.
North American Association for Environmental
Education (NAAEE)
http://eelink.net/pages/EE-Link+Introduction
(EE-linked networks)
The Wyoming Naturalist
natural history guides:
· eField
Wyoming (computer based)
· A Field
Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Wyoming
· Wyoming
Inflorescence: A photographic treatise on select plants
WY Department
of Education
State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Cindy Hill