IDEEA Conference Summary

This weekend I attended the annual Idaho Environmental Education Association Conference in Boise.  I have attended once before, and it was a meaningful experience so I was excited to return.  The theme was EE in the backyard and beyond, so I decided to submit a proposal to present about the Declo STEM Day.  I was pleased with the interest that teachers and nonformal educators showed in my message that parents can be so effective as partners at our schools.  I know I really don't have a classroom of my own, so I try to support other teachers by providing resources and energy that benefit our kids. 

The conference was great because we have some passionate educators throughout the state that share their stories and talents with us.  I went on a field trip to a Bird Preserve that a local Audubon Society chapter was working to improve and restore.   We took a night tour of the MK Nature Center.  We heard from retired Idaho teacher and astronaut, Barbara Morgan.  I saw good friends and met a few new friends.  I am grateful for the time I spent in Boise. 

A side trip was to Bonneville Point, where Captain Bonneville arrived in the Treasure Valley with his expedition, and when he saw the trees in the valley below, he said, "Le Bois, Le Bois" which translates into The Trees.  Or so the story goes...

A small group of us attended the evening trip to the MK Nature Center.  It is a great site in Boise...reminds me of my GHS Ecology Center so much!!

Idaho Environmental Educators Association Conference

I had a great time at this conference last year, and I am planning to attend again in Boise on March 1 and 2.  I wanted to share the information now since the early bird registration fee is due on February 1.  If you teach any of the natural sciences or just enjoy incorporating environmental concepts into your curriculum, I would recommend you going to this Conference.  And the Zoo Boise visit should be so fun!  I loved the field trip last year to Birds of Prey.

http://www.idahoee.org/conferenceagenda.htm

More from IdEEA and Discovery Center

I had a great time with a few old friends, and many new friends at the Conference.  We are so lucky to live in this beautiful state full of natural resources and dedicated and passionate teachers.  I have new favorite websites, like Journey North and lifeoutdoors.org.  I have new friends at MOSS and Timberline HS...Hi Dick!  I appreciated the theme of Green STEM: Natural Partners.  And after the conference ended, I visited the Discovery Center of Idaho.  So fun!  I am very excited that thanks to the Target grant, our 4th graders get to visit there in May as part of their Boise trip.

IdEEA Field Trip to Birds of Prey

What a great day in Boise!  I have really enjoyed the Idaho Environmental Education Association Conference.  This afternoon I finally made it to the World Center for Birds of Prey, and I am really impressed with their facility.  I asked about their Family Day a few weeks ago, and they said it was crazy!  Like 1200 people visited!  How cool is that!

IdEEA Conference next weekend in Boise

I have just confirmed my plans to attend the Idaho Environmental Educators Assoc Conference in Boise.  The theme is "Natural Partners: Environmental Education and Green STEM" and the workshops, field trips, and other activities look great!  I am very excited to here from state leaders in EE and STEM programs.  It is not too late to sign up, although the fees have risen.  Teachers can also pay for 2 PD credits as well.
http://www.idahoee.org/conferenceagenda.htm