WILD about Earth Day! Educator Workshops

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

Spring is one of the most dynamic times of year—when leaves emerge, birds return, insects hatch, and ecosystems come alive. Join us in Tulsa for WILD About Earth Month, a hands-on professional learning experience centered on phenology—the study of seasonal changes—and how to engage students in active, outdoor learning.

In this workshop, educators will use the award-winning Project WILD and/or Growing Up WILD curriculum to investigate real-time spring phenomena through observation, movement, and inquiry. Participants will explore how to guide students in tracking patterns such as budding plants, animal behavior, and changing weather while building skills in data collection and scientific thinking. Activities are designed to get students outside, interacting directly with their environment, and making sense of what they observe.

During the morning, we will focus our time on Growing Up WILD and supporting preK-2nd grade learners. In the afternoon, we will explore Project WILD's "Terrestrial" Guide and lessons for grades 3rd through 8th. Each session will feature different activities and phenomena; educators are welcome to attend either or both sessions.

Special Field Experience

A highlight of the workshop will be guided, hands-on field investigations focused on observing and documenting spring phenology. Educators will rotate through active learning stations where they will practice data collection, journaling, and simple observation techniques that can be easily replicated with students. These experiences will model how to turn everyday seasonal changes into meaningful, student-driven investigations. Perfect for schoolyard science as the academic year draws to a close!

What to Expect

1. Phenology in Practice: Engage in hands-on Project WILD activities that track and interpret seasonal change
2. Active Outdoor Learning: Participate in movement-based and inquiry-driven lessons designed to get students learning by doing
3. Student Data Collection: Practice simple, repeatable strategies for observation, journaling, and tracking environmental patterns
4. Curriculum Guide: Receive your own Project WILD or Growing Up WILD activity guide to support continued classroom and outdoor instruction
5. Ready-to-Use Strategies: Leave with practical ways to incorporate phenology into daily instruction across subjects

Workshop Details

• Date: Saturday, April 25th
• Time: 9 AM to Noon (Grades PreK-2: Growing Up WILD), 1 to 4 PM (Grades 3-8: Project WILD 'Terrestrial')
• Location: Tulsa, to be announced!
• Cost: $10 (includes curriculum guide to take home and workshop supplies)
• Scholarships: Available if cost is a barrier to participation

Why Attend? This workshop is designed to help educators:

• Use phenology as a powerful tool for teaching science through real-world observation
• Engage students in active, hands-on outdoor learning that builds curiosity and critical thinking
• Incorporate data collection and pattern recognition into everyday instruction
• Create meaningful connections between students and their local environment
• Bring Earth Month learning to life through experiences students can see, track, and investigate over time

Step outside, follow the seasons, and go WILD About Earth Month!

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:

Jack Hilgert, [email protected], (405) 613-3835, Oklahoma Project WET and Project WILD

Rachael Robinson, Director of Education, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, (405) 425-0288

ABOUT THE CURRICULUM:

Project WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.

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