2020 Workshop Information
| simple_2020_nysoea_winter_weekend_schedule.pdf |
Workshop Descriptions
A Local, Affordable, Outdoor-Education-Day Model for Your School or Setting (Jacob S. Tanenbaum; 3rd-5th Grade Science and Technology Teacher)
For 9 years, Cottage Lane Elementary School has run an outdoor education day. Our entire public school goes to a local state park where classes visit learning centers run by local scientists, environmental educators, teachers, our local utility companies, and more. Come learn about how this model would work in your school or setting. We share the nuts-and-bolts of what has gone right and wrong, how to make planning for this kind of event as painless and low-cost as possible, and tip-sheets and checklists for a great day.
A Tisket, a Tasket, It’s Time To Make A Basket (Tom Stock, Outdoor Educator)
Your fingers will end up each having their own little brains. Learn the process of weaving a functional, rustic rattan basket from start to finish. Tom Stock will guide you step by step. You'll come away with something you can't buy at Walmarts. 12 people max, $5.00 materials fee.
Cordage! (Jared Kapsiak; Outdoor Education Consultant)
We will practice one of the oldest traditional skills common to human cultures worldwide. The Reverse-Wrap cordage making technique uses a minimum of material and creates a high-strength, durable, working tool. Harvesting & processing wild materials, crafting, working with improvised & synthetic materials, and student program projects will be discussed. Hands-on practice in class will show the versatility of this ancient and amazing skill. This is a crossover skill for nature education, team-building, historical technology, traditional skills, and survival workshops.
Crafts from Recycled Greeting Cards (Jane Rausch; Outdoor Educator - Sharpe Reservation)
We'll make 4 crafts from recycled greeting cards, a bookmark, a box, a bell ornament, and a mini booklet/journal.
Creating a Youth Climate Summit: The Story of YESS! ( Dan Shornstein; Director of Curriculum- Ashokan Center)
On February 6th ,7th and 8th, 2020, The Ashokan Center will hold our first Youth Empowerment and Sustainability Summit (YESS!) with over 20 schools from the local Hudson Valley, NYC and England and Sweden. Youth leaders who have helped plan the project will share the planning process and the summit program that was developed utilizing environmental educators and a host of presenters to inspire teachers and youth. Workshop participants will learn how to plan a youth climate summit including fundraising, collaborative planning and community outreach.
Environmental Justice: History and Introduction (Taylor Morton; Environmental Health and Education Manager.)
This workshop will give participants an opportunity to learn more about the past, present and future of Environmental Justice, through exploring key terms and an EJ timeline. Participants will have an opportunity to understand the complexities of environmental justice as it intersects with environmental policy and environmental education.
Have Camera, Will Travel (Wayne Fisher, Retired Science Teacher)
Learn tips and tricks to take beautiful and/or informative nature photos while watching and discussing photos from around the World. Suggestions for both digital camera and iPhone.
NYSOEA Youth Leadership Initiative (Shinara Sunderlal; Conservation Educator at the New York Aquarium)
Are you interested in taking the diversity and inclusion conservation further within NYSOEA? So are we! In this round table discussion, we will present ideas to create a self-sustaining pipeline for our camperships to evolve into internships. But we also want to hear from you! It could be ideas about successful strategies or fundraising options you have encountered. We are excited to collaborate with our members to enable an inclusive initiative!
Orienteering - Making it fun (Rick Glatz; Retired Teacher/ (still a) Naturalist)
Orienteering with map and compass is a skill that is lot of fun at any time of year. First you get the basics. Then we will do some "treasure hunts" and then "leapfrog" with a small group on a short trip. Both indoor and outdoor. Also, how to make it a natural history learning and group problem-solving experience.
Queering Your Nature Walk (River DiLeo; NYSDEC and Queer Scouts)
Statistically speaking, every program you do likely contains someone front the LGBTQ+ community. If you've never thought about how to support queer and trans kids as they explore and connect to nature, this outdoor walk will be great for you! We'll discuss natural history and developmentally appropriate ways to help LGBTQ+ youth feel comfortable in your programs.
RRR Tips and Tricks in Teaching about Recycling (George Steele; Educator)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recycle is what everyone talks about, and reduce is first in line but hardest to get across as to its importance. Here are some tips and tricks to help get across these concepts and get kids thinking about what they can do to deal with our solid waste problems. What is Away, making a repurposed Gatorade bottle bird feeder and going through an "industrial" method of recycle paperboard making that can be done with a class twenty-some students in less than an hour.
Say no to single-use plastics: Beeswax wraps 101 (Megan Eckert; Educator- Hudson Valley Seed, Inc.)
This workshop will focus on reducing single-use plastics by learning to make beeswax wraps! These wraps create an alternative to plastic wrap and zip lock bags, and are way cheaper to make than they are to buy! Join me for a quick tutorial on making these delightful wraps and make your own to take home.
Sustainable Cities: Diversity in Design ( Colin M. Remick; Outdoor Education Instructor)
5 cities around the world truly exemplify the idea of sustainable, green design. Copenhagen Denmark, Stockholm Sweden, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Vancouver, Canada. These cities exist in dramatically different environments with diverse levels of affluence and access; they however share the trait of forward thinking and proactive design for eco-friendly cityscapes. Through a hands-on design challenge, participants will examine how to approach a problem from multiple strategies, and how to best marry design and efficiency for student activities in the classroom to examine how these diverse cities each have something to teach us when it comes to sustainability.
Transformation, Equity, Accessibility: What's Your Nature Story? (Candyce Johnson; Teacher Education Coordinator- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Jonathan Billig; Interdisciplinary Outdoor Educator)
Come be part of the "everyone" in "outdoors is for everyone!" After lunch we will create art together and hear each other's stories, about why we love the outdoors and working in and for it, what has supported us in our outdoor journeys, and what barriers we experience in the field and in general. This is a time to move from "inclusion" of different stories to "transformation," recognizing that in the diversity of our stories is the integrity of our collective energy.
Teaching Climate Change to Save A Planet (Fred Stoss; Environmental Librarian)
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last fall. It is the most comprehensive and robust legislative initiative in the U.S., and teachers and educators at all levels (K-12+) and settings (formal and no formal) have vital roles they can and must play, if they want to be integral participants in making CLCPA a sustained, cross-generational, and multi-partisan success. This workshop will address the issue of climate change from a New York Perspective, and how NYSOEA Members and others my embed effective climate change education into their activities, programs, and projects; and help lead New York's children, youth, and adults on a path to a world that is no longer constrained by greenhouse gases.
Winter Tree Mysteries (Tom O’Dowd; 7th Grade Science Teacher & Outdoor Educator)
Winter seems like a hard time to find life outdoors but tree buds, branches, and bark are bursting with life. Let’s explore tree identification and appreciation on a mellow forensic walk. Bring binoculars and hand lens if you can, but being warm and curious should be enough.
Afternoon Activity Block:
Tool Care Session (Jared Kapsiak; Outdoor Education Consultant)
Come hangout & do some TLC and maintenance on outdoorsy tools, knives, gear for woodsy activities. Learn how, if you've got projects to-do & questions to answer. Jared will be bringing supplies for cleaning & upkeep. Re-conditioning wood, leather, taking care of metal tools, preventative maintenance, and general how-tos will all be discussed and demoed. Come relax & work on tools with great folks!
Create Your Own Unique Gemstone Jewelry ( Dorothy Panayotou; Why Science Consultant)
Have you ever wanted to wear a piece of jewelry that you designed and created yourself? Now is your chance. The Earth has provided us with numerous and various gemstones that we can use to create a one of a kind necklace bracelet, and / or earrings. You will learn simple stringing techniques to create your jewelry. Gemstones will be provided by the instructor and may include: amethyst, agates, hematite, tiger's eye, quartz, garnet, etc. Students will learn how to use colors in their artistry to create a pleasing piece. The instructor will provide stones in many colors, thus allowing for greater creativity. There will also be natural pearls, glass beads, crystals, spacers, and various clasps to secure your piece. Sterling silver findings will also be available. The instructor will finish the piece, if needed due to time constraints, and so that you can focus on the design process. Fee of $5-30 depending on materials used.
Restoration: Earth-Wear (Neter Antoine; Mind/ Body Educator)
In Restorative Yoga, the practice is focused on moving deeply inward; a meta practice to meet the world with honest reflection. Restoration: Earth-Wear encourages participants to consider the natural environments that they encounter, in both their daily lives, as well as the landscapes where generations past might be the last to know them. Then, resolutions can be made around how to best restore what is worn - as a whole and apart. Neter Antoine will guide this workshop through meditative breathing techniques that will inspire the body, and supported poses that will ground the mind. Here's to mindful moves that are as bold as love!
Hoop’n It Up (Karen Roberston )
Tired of Winter’s gloomy weather days? Hop on into Spring and come join us in creating an Easter wreath made with embroidery hoops, colorful flowers and a few Easter eggs. NOTE: This craft is first-come first-serve, with a limit of 12 participants.
For 9 years, Cottage Lane Elementary School has run an outdoor education day. Our entire public school goes to a local state park where classes visit learning centers run by local scientists, environmental educators, teachers, our local utility companies, and more. Come learn about how this model would work in your school or setting. We share the nuts-and-bolts of what has gone right and wrong, how to make planning for this kind of event as painless and low-cost as possible, and tip-sheets and checklists for a great day.
A Tisket, a Tasket, It’s Time To Make A Basket (Tom Stock, Outdoor Educator)
Your fingers will end up each having their own little brains. Learn the process of weaving a functional, rustic rattan basket from start to finish. Tom Stock will guide you step by step. You'll come away with something you can't buy at Walmarts. 12 people max, $5.00 materials fee.
Cordage! (Jared Kapsiak; Outdoor Education Consultant)
We will practice one of the oldest traditional skills common to human cultures worldwide. The Reverse-Wrap cordage making technique uses a minimum of material and creates a high-strength, durable, working tool. Harvesting & processing wild materials, crafting, working with improvised & synthetic materials, and student program projects will be discussed. Hands-on practice in class will show the versatility of this ancient and amazing skill. This is a crossover skill for nature education, team-building, historical technology, traditional skills, and survival workshops.
Crafts from Recycled Greeting Cards (Jane Rausch; Outdoor Educator - Sharpe Reservation)
We'll make 4 crafts from recycled greeting cards, a bookmark, a box, a bell ornament, and a mini booklet/journal.
Creating a Youth Climate Summit: The Story of YESS! ( Dan Shornstein; Director of Curriculum- Ashokan Center)
On February 6th ,7th and 8th, 2020, The Ashokan Center will hold our first Youth Empowerment and Sustainability Summit (YESS!) with over 20 schools from the local Hudson Valley, NYC and England and Sweden. Youth leaders who have helped plan the project will share the planning process and the summit program that was developed utilizing environmental educators and a host of presenters to inspire teachers and youth. Workshop participants will learn how to plan a youth climate summit including fundraising, collaborative planning and community outreach.
Environmental Justice: History and Introduction (Taylor Morton; Environmental Health and Education Manager.)
This workshop will give participants an opportunity to learn more about the past, present and future of Environmental Justice, through exploring key terms and an EJ timeline. Participants will have an opportunity to understand the complexities of environmental justice as it intersects with environmental policy and environmental education.
Have Camera, Will Travel (Wayne Fisher, Retired Science Teacher)
Learn tips and tricks to take beautiful and/or informative nature photos while watching and discussing photos from around the World. Suggestions for both digital camera and iPhone.
NYSOEA Youth Leadership Initiative (Shinara Sunderlal; Conservation Educator at the New York Aquarium)
Are you interested in taking the diversity and inclusion conservation further within NYSOEA? So are we! In this round table discussion, we will present ideas to create a self-sustaining pipeline for our camperships to evolve into internships. But we also want to hear from you! It could be ideas about successful strategies or fundraising options you have encountered. We are excited to collaborate with our members to enable an inclusive initiative!
Orienteering - Making it fun (Rick Glatz; Retired Teacher/ (still a) Naturalist)
Orienteering with map and compass is a skill that is lot of fun at any time of year. First you get the basics. Then we will do some "treasure hunts" and then "leapfrog" with a small group on a short trip. Both indoor and outdoor. Also, how to make it a natural history learning and group problem-solving experience.
Queering Your Nature Walk (River DiLeo; NYSDEC and Queer Scouts)
Statistically speaking, every program you do likely contains someone front the LGBTQ+ community. If you've never thought about how to support queer and trans kids as they explore and connect to nature, this outdoor walk will be great for you! We'll discuss natural history and developmentally appropriate ways to help LGBTQ+ youth feel comfortable in your programs.
RRR Tips and Tricks in Teaching about Recycling (George Steele; Educator)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recycle is what everyone talks about, and reduce is first in line but hardest to get across as to its importance. Here are some tips and tricks to help get across these concepts and get kids thinking about what they can do to deal with our solid waste problems. What is Away, making a repurposed Gatorade bottle bird feeder and going through an "industrial" method of recycle paperboard making that can be done with a class twenty-some students in less than an hour.
Say no to single-use plastics: Beeswax wraps 101 (Megan Eckert; Educator- Hudson Valley Seed, Inc.)
This workshop will focus on reducing single-use plastics by learning to make beeswax wraps! These wraps create an alternative to plastic wrap and zip lock bags, and are way cheaper to make than they are to buy! Join me for a quick tutorial on making these delightful wraps and make your own to take home.
Sustainable Cities: Diversity in Design ( Colin M. Remick; Outdoor Education Instructor)
5 cities around the world truly exemplify the idea of sustainable, green design. Copenhagen Denmark, Stockholm Sweden, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Vancouver, Canada. These cities exist in dramatically different environments with diverse levels of affluence and access; they however share the trait of forward thinking and proactive design for eco-friendly cityscapes. Through a hands-on design challenge, participants will examine how to approach a problem from multiple strategies, and how to best marry design and efficiency for student activities in the classroom to examine how these diverse cities each have something to teach us when it comes to sustainability.
Transformation, Equity, Accessibility: What's Your Nature Story? (Candyce Johnson; Teacher Education Coordinator- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Jonathan Billig; Interdisciplinary Outdoor Educator)
Come be part of the "everyone" in "outdoors is for everyone!" After lunch we will create art together and hear each other's stories, about why we love the outdoors and working in and for it, what has supported us in our outdoor journeys, and what barriers we experience in the field and in general. This is a time to move from "inclusion" of different stories to "transformation," recognizing that in the diversity of our stories is the integrity of our collective energy.
Teaching Climate Change to Save A Planet (Fred Stoss; Environmental Librarian)
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last fall. It is the most comprehensive and robust legislative initiative in the U.S., and teachers and educators at all levels (K-12+) and settings (formal and no formal) have vital roles they can and must play, if they want to be integral participants in making CLCPA a sustained, cross-generational, and multi-partisan success. This workshop will address the issue of climate change from a New York Perspective, and how NYSOEA Members and others my embed effective climate change education into their activities, programs, and projects; and help lead New York's children, youth, and adults on a path to a world that is no longer constrained by greenhouse gases.
Winter Tree Mysteries (Tom O’Dowd; 7th Grade Science Teacher & Outdoor Educator)
Winter seems like a hard time to find life outdoors but tree buds, branches, and bark are bursting with life. Let’s explore tree identification and appreciation on a mellow forensic walk. Bring binoculars and hand lens if you can, but being warm and curious should be enough.
Afternoon Activity Block:
Tool Care Session (Jared Kapsiak; Outdoor Education Consultant)
Come hangout & do some TLC and maintenance on outdoorsy tools, knives, gear for woodsy activities. Learn how, if you've got projects to-do & questions to answer. Jared will be bringing supplies for cleaning & upkeep. Re-conditioning wood, leather, taking care of metal tools, preventative maintenance, and general how-tos will all be discussed and demoed. Come relax & work on tools with great folks!
Create Your Own Unique Gemstone Jewelry ( Dorothy Panayotou; Why Science Consultant)
Have you ever wanted to wear a piece of jewelry that you designed and created yourself? Now is your chance. The Earth has provided us with numerous and various gemstones that we can use to create a one of a kind necklace bracelet, and / or earrings. You will learn simple stringing techniques to create your jewelry. Gemstones will be provided by the instructor and may include: amethyst, agates, hematite, tiger's eye, quartz, garnet, etc. Students will learn how to use colors in their artistry to create a pleasing piece. The instructor will provide stones in many colors, thus allowing for greater creativity. There will also be natural pearls, glass beads, crystals, spacers, and various clasps to secure your piece. Sterling silver findings will also be available. The instructor will finish the piece, if needed due to time constraints, and so that you can focus on the design process. Fee of $5-30 depending on materials used.
Restoration: Earth-Wear (Neter Antoine; Mind/ Body Educator)
In Restorative Yoga, the practice is focused on moving deeply inward; a meta practice to meet the world with honest reflection. Restoration: Earth-Wear encourages participants to consider the natural environments that they encounter, in both their daily lives, as well as the landscapes where generations past might be the last to know them. Then, resolutions can be made around how to best restore what is worn - as a whole and apart. Neter Antoine will guide this workshop through meditative breathing techniques that will inspire the body, and supported poses that will ground the mind. Here's to mindful moves that are as bold as love!
Hoop’n It Up (Karen Roberston )
Tired of Winter’s gloomy weather days? Hop on into Spring and come join us in creating an Easter wreath made with embroidery hoops, colorful flowers and a few Easter eggs. NOTE: This craft is first-come first-serve, with a limit of 12 participants.
