MDC hosts Discover Nature Schools workshop for preschool teachers in Columbia

MDC's Discover Nature Schools program helps teachers prepare coursework that connects students with nature, and meets state education standards.  

Registration required by January 15

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites preschool teachers interested in improving conservation education in their classrooms and home-schools to attend an upcoming free training class on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MDC Central Regional Office, 3500 East Gans Road in Columbia. Space is limited and reservations are required by Jan. 15.

 “The Discover Nature Schools program is an excellent way to get students of all ages outside and to enrich their learning through outdoor experiences focused on Missouri plants, animals and natural systems,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Kim Cole.

The workshop is part of MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program which helps prepare educators to teach hands-on courses for their grades. MDC provides teacher guides for free, along with additional resources to support the curriculum.

“Learning in nature benefits children in several ways, including improving physical and mental health, improving test scores, reducing attention-deficit problems, and teaching problem-solving and other thinking skills,” said Cole.

MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program provides no-cost curriculum materials to teachers and schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum materials are available for preschool through twelfth grade and are aligned with Missouri state standards in order to help teachers and students meet required learning expectations. Approximately 99% of school districts and 40% of schools in the state participate in the program.

For questions or to register for the workshop, contact Kim Cole at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov or573-815-7901 ext. 3964.

For more information about MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, visithttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/9019.