Biomimicry Unlocks Nature’s Secrets For Success shell, twice as tough as the most high-tech...

Providing Conservation Education Resources for Educators

Colorado ConnectionsAutumn 2008

Reprinted from the Durango Herald, Good Earth, May 10, 2006

Written by Leigh Gillette, SW Region Education Coordinator, Colorado Division of Wildlife

These days alarming news surrounds us. As our climate

changes, catastrophic weather destroys lives and crops. As conflict spans the globe as humans desperately strive for resources – oil, food, and land. Where is the hope for humanity’s survival?

Hope surrounds us. It is illustrated by a new science known as biomimicry or biomimetics in which nature is not a material resource for exploitation, but rather a model and mentor holding the answers to sustainable survival on Earth.

Humanity’s industrial system is less than 300 years old. In contrast, Earth systems of plants, animals andother organisms have been developing, perfecting, and sustaining themselves since life began. These life systems survive because they follow a set of natural rules: in nature, life is solar powered; every product is 100% recyclable; diversity is critical, and cooperation is crucial. All of earth’s organisms face the same survival challenges. The survivors meet the challenges without depleting their resources or “fouling their nests.”

Agriculture and Biomimicry:Our current human agricultural system relies heavily on fields planted with a single, monoculture crop, and 70% of the world’s staple crops are annuals requiring yearly replanting. Modern agriculture requires vast inputs of time, energy, andresources while leaving crops exposed to pest infestation, weather disasters, and soil erosion caused by yearly tilling.

At The Land Institute (www.landinstitute.org) in Kansas, biomimetic botanists are striving to develop crops grown in a perennial polyculture, simulating native prairies. Recently developed test plots feature mixed plantings of warm and cool season grains, sunflowers, and legumes. While still in the research phase, this agricultural experiment is meeting with success. The polyculture fields do not require yearly planting or plowing, they fertilize themselves (thanks to the legumes) and are beginning to show good yields of edible grain.

Materials Worth Mimicking:To manufacture any inorganic material, the industrial model requires mining. Mined

materials are then subjected to “heat, beat, and treat”: high temperatures, extreme pressures, and strong chemicals. The energy-intensive process yields useful products and unfortunately, toxic by-products.

In contrast, nature manufactures materials under more benign conditions: at body temperature, under normal pressure, in water, with gentler chemicals. Working within these limits, nature creates materials of complexity and durability surpassing what modern humanity can currently produce.

Abalone shell, twice as tough as the most high-tech ceramics without their characteristic brittleness, is one material under biomimetic scrutiny. The secret to the shell’s strength lies in its construction. To build its shell, the abalone starts at a molecular level, creating a sheet of protein that attracts calcium and carbonate

Biomimicry Unlocks Nature’s Secrets For Success

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FCIThttp://etc.usf.edu/clipart

Abalone shell is twice as tough as the most high-tech ceramics

Colorado Connections Autumn 2008

Colorado Connections is published three times per year and mailed free of charge to participants of Project WILD, Project WET, or Project Learning Tree workshops in Colorado. This newsletter is funded by the Colorado Lottery through Great Outdoors Colorado.

For address corrections or to be added or removed from this mailing list, please contact:

Tabbi Kinion, editor, 303-291-71656060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216

[email protected]

STATE OF COLORADOBill Ritter, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESHarris Sherman, Executive Director

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFEThomas E. Remington, Director

... Continued from page 1. Looking to Wildlife..By Tabbi Kinion, Editor

This issue is all about looking to nature to figure out the best way to do things - and some amazing medical breakthroughs have

happened and many more will happen by mimicking nature. Medical science has studied some amazing adaptations hoping to figure out ways to help people.

Imagine that your prey is 10,000 times larger than you. Vampire bats, which weigh about as much as change for a day at a parking meter, sneak up on sleeping cows to steal a meal of blood that flows from a small cut the bat makes with its sharp vampire teeth. To keep the bat safe, their saliva has many amazing properties to prevent the wound from scabbing over. Draculin is a glycoprotein found in their saliva. It functions as an anticoagulant which keeps the blood of the bitten victim from clotting. This anticoagulant is twenty times stronger than any other known anticoagulant and the synthetic version is prescribed for heart attack and stroke patients.

Think about it - if we could put astronauts in hibernation for six months, stick them in a space ship, and shoot them off to Mars or further to explore the solar system. That idea may be science fiction, but so many critters can survive sleeping for six months every year that they are being closely studied. While sleeping for long periods may be possible in humans, the muscle atrophy that occurs from inactivity is the real mystery. Why can bears and other hibernators wake up and walk around after 6 months of inactivity? On a more practical, logical, and less science-fictiony note, preventing atrophy in the muscle structure of bed-ridden patients would be greatly beneficial for people recovering from injuries. Bears and bats have it figured out - so it’s up to us to discover what their bodies already know!

dissolved in seawater. The protein template causes these minerals to crystallize into perfectly aligned, incredibly strong microscopic brickwork. Once covered with minerals, the protein sheet acts as a shock-absorbing mortar, and the abalone lays down another layer of protein to continue shell formation. Then, when shell formation is complete, a different protein sheet is deposited, inhibiting additional mineralization. Research into abalone shell formation is inspiring industries that create thin mineral films (for windshields, computer disks, etc), as well as those wishing to prevent mineralization in the pipes of city water systems.

Because it is a science of positive action and real-life solutions, Biomimicry is exciting and inspiring study for students as well. Have you ever studied spiders and spider webs with your students? Biomimetic scientists have, too, and here’s why: spider web silk is a super-material! It’s waterproof, five times stronger than steel, and perfectly elastic, even when stretched 40% beyond its original length. Spider silk is five times tougher than Kevlar, the material that we use in chainsaw chaps, canoes, and bulletproof vests. To create Kevlar, petroleum-derived products are boiled in a pressurized vat of boiling sulfuric acid – a very toxic process. Spider silk forms within the spider’s body from only flies, cricket, and other insect raw ingredients. Its also 100% recyclable – spiders eat their spent webs!


Learn MORE about Biomimicry

Biomimicry is a new term to most in the science community. Biomimicry studies nature’s models, systems, processes and elements and then imitates or takes creative inspiration from them to solve human problems.

Studying biomimicry gives learners a new appreciation for living things such as spiders, insects or even a simple house plant. Below are some Web sites and book ideas that helped us learn more about this emerging discipline.

Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired By Nature By Janine M. Benyus

Janine Benyus’ book is an interesting explanation of what biomimicry is and helps unveil the potential of this not-new way of looking at the world. In the opening chapter, she writes:

Where ecology meets agriculture, medicine, materials science, energy, computing and commerce, they (those working in biomimicry) are learning that there is more to discover than to invent. They know that nature, imaginative by necessity, has already solved the problems we are struggling to solve. Our challenge is to take these time-tested ideas and echo them in our own lives.

At 320 pages, this book provides an in-depth look at this new discipline.

http://www.biomimicryinstitute.orgThe Biomimicry Institute is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to nurture and grow a global community of people who are learning from, emulating, and conserving life’s genius to create a healthier, more sustainable planet. Explore their education section to find useful educator information as well as activity ideas.

http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features.html#The Canadian Broadcasting Centre is the home of David Suzuki’s Nature of Things documentary series. Rare wildlife, unique perspectives, cutting-edge science and technology - this award-winning series cuts through the hype to bring you the latest stories from the front lines of science and the environment. Search the list for the Biomimicry episode.

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/feb2008/id20080211_074559.htmThis Business Week article highlights several companies using biomimicry for design inspiration. Many companies are using these concepts to create better products for consumers.

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003625.htmlThis article is a ”quick primer on what it (biomimicry) is, why it’s useful, and why you’ll be seeing a lot more of it in years to come.”

http://www.biomimicryguild.comSince 1998, the Guild has been helping companies and communities find, vet, understand and emulate life’s time-tested strategies. By emulating 3.8 billion years of well-adapted technology, we help innovators design sustainable products and processes that create conditions conducive to all life. This Web site demonstrates the more practical side of this emerging field.


Jo ScarbearyProject WET Coordinator

Let’s face it; the water we’re drinking today may well have

been dinosaur slobber some time ago. We like to think of recycling as a new and modern concept, but Mother Nature has been perfecting her recycling systems for hundreds of thousands of years. It turns out that your local water provider may just be capitalizing on a few of those ideas and practices.

As water flows through the water cycle it invariably gets dirty at certain stages, but since the water we have is all the water that ever was or will be it also must get cleaned throughout the cycle. In nature, as water percolates slowly down through sand and gravel, and eventually through deep rock, many of its contaminants are removed in the process. In fact, if your drinking water is treated, chances are that this is the same process your local water utility is using. At drinking water treatment plants, water is typically forced through Anthracite, a form of granular coal, which removes the vast majority of impurities from our water source, similar to a massive Brita water filter. Instead of allowing the requisite hundreds or thousands of years that Mother Nature usually takes, we add a little outside pressure to the system to speed up the process a bit. In newer treatment facilities, ultraviolet light is also being used to purify the water, reminiscent of the evaporation stage of the

water cycle.

By looking at cellular biology we know that some cell membranes are selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through, yet blocking others. This is what keeps our blood clean and allows our body to absorb nutrients from food. Using this principle of reverse osmosis, some advanced water treatment plants push water through a specialized membrane and are able to remove minute particles from the water. This works especially well for purifying ocean water or water from wastewater effluent. We also know from observing Mother Nature that bacteria are good at cleaning up dead organic matter; they help clean up our forest floors and are hard at work in our digestive tracts. At wastewater treatment plants, special bacteria are happily munching on organic material removing it from our water as well.

To learn more about how your local water supply system works, just give your water provider a call. They’ll answer any questions you have about where your water comes from and how it’s treated and you can often take your students on a field trip to a treatment plant. It’s a great learning experience and good exercise, too.

Keeping Our Water Clean: Lessons from Mother Nature


Colorado Standards Correlationswww.coloradocorrelations.org

Visit coloradocorrelations.org to find out how your favorite activities meet Colorado Model Content Standards for Education. This interactive Web site allows you to search by activity or by topic.

Every activity in WILD, WET, PLT and FLP is there! Each activity has been carefully researched for correlations to science, math, reading and writing, history, geography, and visual arts standards.

Apply NOW for a 2009 WILD Colorado Schoolyard Habitat Grant

Application Deadline March 1, 2009

Colorado teachers and students have worked on wetland creations, xeriscaping, windbreaks, nature trails, urban wildlife habitat projects

and many other projects around their schools thanks to the Division of Wildlife’s WILD Colorado Schoolyard Habitat Grants program. Any Colorado educator trained in Projects WILD, Water Education for Teachers (WET), or Learning Tree (PLT) is eligible to apply for up to $1000 for a schoolyard habitat project. Projects must be student-led and student-oriented as part of the qualifying criteria.

Grant applications are due by March 1, 2009. Download the application from the Web site below, review the re-quirements, plan your project, obtain needed signatures, and send it to your Division of Wildlife regional education coordinator.

For more information, contact your Division of Wildlife regional education coordinator, or send an e-mail to Tabbi Kinion, Project WILD state coordinator. Contact information can be found on page 15.

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/TeacherResources/Look for “Schoolyard Habitat Grants”


Fish Hatchery On-line GameManage Your Own Fish Hatchery!

The Colorado Division of Wildlife’s hatcheries are a crucial tool for managing Colorado’s fishery resources—

providing fish for our state’s lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Hatchery managers and technicians use math and science skills on a daily basis. Extensive understanding of life science, biology, and chemistry concepts underlie all of their decisions.

Now your students can ‘put themselves in the shoes’ of a hatchery manager! The Fish Hatchery Game mirrors a year in the life of a hatchery manager. The problems that

students must solve are the real deal and answer that age-old complaint, “But I’ll never use this stuff again . . .” It takes knowledge, determination, and disciplined work to raise fish in Colorado. Hopefully, your students are up to the task!

Using sound, video, text, logic, and computer skills, the Fish Hatchery Game portrays the work of a ‘typical’ cold-water DOW fish hatchery. Working through the game, students are presented interesting (and often challenging) math and biology concepts in a meaningful, relevant, and fun way. The game is divided into four sections. Each section will take your students 15-20 minutes to complete, leaving time to introduce ideas or practice similar math problems, and further discussion. A score sheet is provided so students can keep track of how they do. (The game keeps track of scoring within each section, but it is not carried over section-to-section.)

The Fish Hatchery Game was designed for middle school students, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Check it out at:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/TeacherResources/HatcheryManager.htm

Mark your calendar!! Teaching Outside the Box

Environmental Education Conference April 24th-26th, 2009

Snow Mountain Ranch Winter Park, Colorado

Visit http://www.caee.org for registration information.


International Migratory Bird Day Resources Available Year-Round!

International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was created to focus public attention on the need for action to conserve birds and their habitats. Though the official date for IMBD

is the second Saturday in May each year, IMBD events now take place throughout the year. Each year, a team of coordinators and sponsors work together to select a conservation-based educational theme. Once chosen, the theme becomes the focus of education materials and

the art featured on the annual t-shirt and poster. In the education catalog, you will find education materials and other items to help promote migratory bird conservation. For 2009, IMBD is excited to promote the theme: Celebrating Birds in Culture!

http://www.birdday.org

Experience Wildlife Up Close!

These events celebrate the amazing watchable wildlife events that happen across the state. For more information and other event listings visit:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/viewingCañon City Bird ‘N’ Nature FestCheck the official Cañon City Web site for the latest information.When: January 2009Where: Cañon Citywww.canoncitycolorado.com

Eagle Day FestivalCome and enjoy the programs, presentations and viewing opportunities. All activities are free but a valid parks pass is required.When: February 7, 2009Where: Pueblo State Parkwww.eagleday.org

Bighorn FestivalLook for bighorn sheep using binoculars and scopes, take a guided nature walk, hear presentations and experience wildlife up close.When: February 14, 2009Where: Colorado Springswww.gardenofgods.com

High Plains Snow Goose FestivalEnjoy a tour, educational programs, presentations, arts and crafts and a banquet.When: February 20-22, 2009Where: Lamarwww.highplainssnowgoose.com

Monte Vista Crane FestivalCome to a free educational workshop presented by wildlife experts, local naturalists and biologist. Tours are available to the nearby refuge and adjacent farmlands.When: March 6-8, 2009Where: Monte Vistawww.cranefest.com


Winter Workshops...

For more information about these programs and the most up-to-date workshop list visit

http://wildlife.state.co.us/education

December 7 Or February 8, 2009WilDliFe Watch WOrkshOpplains cOnservatiOn center, aurOra

Sharpen your senses to the sights and sounds of nature! Discover where, when, and how to watch wildlife responsibly; learn how to choose and use binoculars; learn how to use a range map and field guide; interpret wildlife habitats and signs on a workshop nature walk. Wildlife Watch workshops are jam-packed with dynamic presentations, hands-on activities, and practical demonstrations—capped by a guided, group nature walk where you'll try out your newly acquired viewing skills.Time: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.Cost: $15Audience: K-12th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Call 303-291-7258 or [email protected]

January 23-25liFe in the cOlD: Winter ecOlOgyhigh peak camp, estes park

Come learn the strategies that plants and animals use to survive winter, as well as the characteristics of snow and its implications for winter survival. This content-rich workshop will include expert guest speakers, outdoor learning experiences, and cool Below Zero activities (a supplement to Project WILD, developed in Canada, where they really know about winter!) Time: 7 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. SundayCost: $96 for 3/room or $130 for 2/room Audience: 5th-12th educatorsCredit: 1 credit for an additional feeContact: Shelly Morrell at 303-291-7328 or [email protected]

January 24aquatic prOJect WilDDOWntOWn aquarium, Denver

Aquatic Project WILD is a collection of grades preK-12 activities that emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to teaching about aquatic life. Using hands-on activities that create awareness, appreciation, understanding, skills and commitment, you and your students will learn to address environmental and aquatic topics within the framework of your existing curriculum. Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $25Audience: PreK-12th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Alyce Todd, 303-561-4638, or Colleen Shipley, 303-561-4565

January 31basic prOJect WetaWqua lOunge at the aurOra reservOir, aurOra

Explore Project WET activities at the Aurora reservoir, Aurora's primary drinking water storage. This dynamic workshop explores the curriculum-based Project WET activities with great hands-on, interactive activities for your classroom. Aurora Reservoir is a beautiful backdrop for this workshop! The content of this workshop is specific to the Aurora Public Schools curriculum, but all are welcome.Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Cost: $30Audience: K-5th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Joy Thompson, 303-739-2428

January 31-February 1 Or april 25-26prOJect WilD anD prOJect learning tree using sheltereD instructiOncalWOOD eDucatiOn center, JamestOWn

Projects WILD and Learning Tree are interdisciplinary, supplemental environmental, and hands-on education programs suitable for learners of all ages, types, cultures and ethnic groups. Activities have been correlated with the Colorado Model Content Standards for Science, Geography, History, Math, and Reading/Writing, and are available in Spanish. This workshop is designed for educators who teach Linguistically Diverse Students. Participants will participate in demonstrations of sheltering techniques for content area instruction and will practice using rubrics for evaluating and modifying activities and text materials. Time: 9:30 a.m. Saturday to 4:00 p.m. Sunday (overnight workshop)Cost: $105Audience: 8th-12th educatorsCredit: 1 credit for an additional feeContact: Rafael Salgado, 303-449-0603 or www.calwood.org


More Winter and Spring Workshops...February 28WilD abOut WilDliFe—early chilDhOOD prOJect WilDstarsmOre DiscOvery center, cOlOraDO springs

This class focuses on animals and the environment, utilizing Project WILD curriculum and activities. Time will be spent increasing our knowledge of animals and the natural world, discussing age-appropriate techniques, discovering exciting ways to share nature with others, exploring literature connections, and creating materials to do the activities. Participants will receive the Project WILD and Early Childhood Project WILD activity guides and will leave with engaging ideas to enjoy the outdoors with their students.Time: 8:15 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.Cost: $25Audience: Anyone working with young children, especially Early Childhood Teachers of preK-2nd grade.Credit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Lynda Grove, 719-473-1741 x139

march 7basic prOJect learning tree FOr elementary teachers Denver bOtanic garDens, Denver

Trees are easy to locate and fun to study, and provide extensive services to communities. Colorado trees are demanding attention, so take advantage of these teachable moments to allow students to think critically about our changing forests. Receive PLT activity guides, learn from experts, experience PLT technology and differentiated, constructivist, inquiry methodology. Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Cost: $25 deposit, returned at the workshop Audience: preK-6th educators Credit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Shawna Crocker, 303-202-4662 or [email protected]

march 7prOJect WetDOWntOWn aquarium, Denver

Project WET is a collection of innovative and water-related K-12 activities that are interdisciplinary, hands-on, easy to use, and fun! The activities, taken from the Project WET Curriculum & Activity Guide, may focus on large & small group learning as well as laboratory investigations. You will have an opportunity to not only be the student during this workshop, but also practice teaching Project WET activities to fellow workshop participants.Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $35 Audience: PreK-12th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Alyce Todd, 303-561-4638, or Colleen Shipley, 303-561-4565

march 14basic prOJect learning treebluFF lake nature center, aurOra

When you think of forests, what comes to mind? The 100-acre wood, far-off woods, or the trees down your block? Explore the influence of urban forests on our nature and our neighborhoods using Project Learning Tree. Guest speakers, a tour of Bluff Lake, and a look at our urban forests complete this fun, fact-filled day! Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Cost: $10 Audience: K-6th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Kristin Libberton, 303-344-1282

march 14tree-by-tree— the mile high milliOnbasic prOJect learning tree FOrsecOnDary teachers Denver bOtanic garDens, Denver

Trees are easy to locate and fun to study, and provide extensive services to communities. Colorado trees are demanding attention, so take advantage of these teachable moments to allow students to think critically about our changing forests. Participants receive HS modules Global Connections: Forests of the World, Forest Ecology, and Forest Issues. Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Cost: $25 deposit, returned at the workshop Audience: 8th-12th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Shawna Crocker, 303-202-4662 or [email protected]

april 9basic prOJect WilDcOlOraDO DivisiOn OF WilDliFe, Denver

Learn about ways to teach your students about wildlife from the wildlife experts. Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Cost: $10 Audience: K-12th educatorsCredit: ½ credit for an additional feeContact: Tabbi Kinion, 303-291-7165 or [email protected]


Environmental Education Teacher’s Institute

A Distance Learning Course about Teaching Environmental Issues

January 19 - March 27, 2009

The online EE Institute is a professional development course designed to actively involve educators in facilitating the investigation and

evaluation of environmental issues with their learners. This course is offered by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education.

The institute models a variety of strategies to assist learners in exploring and seeking responsible courses of action toward the resolution of issues specific to their community.

Via distance learning, course participants will explore at their own pace and from the convenience of their home or office.

Participants will engage in selected readings, self-reflection, one-on-one communications with the instructor, and group debate via an electronic discussion board.

Course objectives include: • Examining the role of EE in addressing environmental issues. • Demonstrating effective strategies for helping learners explore environmental issues.• Exploring skills needed to investigate environmental issues.• Introducing a five-step framework as a process for approaching environmental issues. • Understanding the role of action in EE and the skills involved in responsible environmental action.

In the last portion of the course, participants develop their own classroom plans and outlines about teaching environmental issues - with an emphasis on local issues.

Registration: $100. Two optional graduate-level recertification credits are available through the Colorado School of Mines Teacher Enhancement program for an additional fee.

To register or for more information, contact CAEE at 303-273-9527 or [email protected].

http://www.caee.org

a.m. ColoradoNEW! Online Video Series

Hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts can now experience

the great outdoors on their computer by immersing themselves in a.m. Colorado, a new online video series from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Filmed in high-definition (HD) video and recorded in digital audio, a.m. Colorado captures the early-morning sights and sounds of some of Colorado’s most unique landscapes and wildlife species. At 6-to 7-minutes in length, these mini-documentaries provide stunning visuals and sound, and incorporate informative captions that both educate and entertain.

Current episodes feature the intricate mating dance of the greater prairie chicken, the spectacular breeding displays of the sage-grouse, the springtime gobble of the Rio Grande turkey, and present a “medley” of wildlife sights and sounds along the South Platte River.

“The image quality and sound are spectacular,” said Dennis McKinney, DOW video producer and videographer. “a.m. Colorado is the next best thing to being there.”

So, turn down the lights, turn up the sound, and open a window onto some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery and unique wildlife species.

a.m. Colorado and other DOW online videos can be accessed directly by visiting the following link:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/


Adams County 4-H School ProgramsFor information about any of the following, please contact Tom E. Fey with

the Adams County Extension Office at 303-637-8100.

http://www.adamscountyextension.org

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW

(NWSS) January 10th-25th , 2009

For the 2009 season, 1st through 6th grades from Colorado Schools can attend the NWSS School Tour Program with free admission through Adams County 4-H. Enroll on-line at: http://www.nationalwestern.com

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASS ROOM (AITC)

A fun, fast-paced program used as part of the fourth grade Colorado social studies curriculum. Adams County Cooperative Extension Youth Agents and trained volunteers offer a 50 - 60 minute presentation on Colorado agriculture.

EARTH GARDENS (Plant and seed dispersal in mid-May)EARTH GARDENS stands for Enriching an Awareness in Renewing Today’s Habitat, Growing Adventures to Respect Development of Environmental Networks through Schools. The program curriculum uses soil, plant science and gardening to develop life skills and respect for our world. Get more information and samples of lessons at

http://www.earthgardens.org

MINI GREENHOUSE (MGH), AprilThe MGH is an opportunity for students to learn the importance of plants to people, what plants need to live, and functions of plant parts. The Program is designed for primary grades and includes kits (base, top, three compressed peat wafers, three types of seeds) and teacher guides. Activities and demonstrations are designed to be completed in a 45-minute class period.

FARM DAY KIDS EXPO February 12th, 2009

Adams County 4-H in collaboration with the Adams County Farm Bureau and local FFA Chapters will host the Farm Day Kids Expo at the Adams County Regional Park and Fairgrounds. Many educational stations will be available and students will see modern tractors, watch mules pull old-style farming equipment, see other farm animals and learn where and how their food is grown.

EMBRYOLOGY (March-April) Hatching Eggs in the Classroom

(K-5th grade)Embryology is a fun, rewarding and educational project. Incubators are limited and reservations are on a first come/first serve basis. A $100 returnable deposit is required.

ENTOMOLOGY - BUG BREAKTHROUGH

(March – April)The Bug Breakthrough is hands-on curriculum designed specifically for 3rd grade. It gives students the opportunity to learn why insects are important to our world. Students can see metamorphosis take place in their very own caterpillar tents and keep journals of what they see and learn.

Bug Breakthrough is $50/class and includes:• Caterpillars (1 per student)• Feeding supplies• Netting• Cardboard • Teacher’s manual Metamorphosis occurs in approximately 30 days, so be prepared for this program to run most of April.

Enroll by March 13, 2009.


PLT’s NEW HS Module is Here!

Global Connections: Forests of the World

Project Learning Tree and the World Forestry Center have

joined forces to create a secondary module that provides a framework for exploring forests around the world.

Forests of the World provides formal and non-formal educators with a series of activities to help students and educators gain an increased understanding and appreciation of the diversity of world forest environments, with an emphasis on the human interaction with and dependence on those environments. The module activities provide students with opportunities to apply scientific processes and higher order thinking skills while investigating world forestry issues and conducting service learning action projects. This module is appropriate for many HS classes, including Environmental Science, Geography, World Studies, Economics, and AP classes.

Learn more about the specific content and student activities from the PLT Web page:

http://www.plt.org

Want this or other secondary modules but can’t find a convenient workshop near you? Contact [email protected] to learn about independent study opportunities! Available any time!

PLT Makes National News Magazine

We are excited to share a great story about environmental

education featuring PLT that appeared in the September 15, 2008 issue of Newsweek. Success stories like Oil City Elementary Magnet School are continuing to raise the visibility of PLT in the national dialogue about greening our nation’s schools, and in our “No Child Left Indoors” efforts. This article will help position us well as we launch our GreenSchools! initiative.

Follow this link to read the full article:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/157577

Volunteer Facilitators Make our Projects Great

Once a year the coordinators for Project WILD, WET and Learning

Tree have the opportunity to publicly recognize a few of our volunteers. It’s always a difficult decision - so many amazing people in our state have made the commitment to help educators teach about natural resources through our professional development workshops.

This year, we are happy to recognize the following award winners:

The Long HaulMike Wilde, Glenwood Springs

We’re in This TogetherCrystal Martinez and

Dorothy Shapland, Aurora

First ImpressionsStacy Hale, Fort Collins

Drawing on NaturePatty Breece, Colorado Springs

Eco-EnrichersCarrie Trimble, Pueblo

Outta the BoxKaren Carver, Durango

Above and BeyondJim and Cheri Hughes, Durango

Red Hot Facilitator

Lu Ellen Boren, Durango

Field, Forest and StreamSharyl Kay Lawson, Aurora

Plant a TreeSara Davis, Denver


Colo School of Mines Extended Studies Catalog Online

Every semester the Colorado Statewide Extended Studies program posts a Resource Directory of courses from Colorado colleges and universities at

http://www.coloradoextendedcampus.org/rde

Spring 2009 classes for educators (including Projects WILD, WET, PLT and FLP) will be posted in early winter.

Colorado School of Mines winter classes are posted on their Web site at http://www.mines.edu/Outreach/Cont_Ed/teacher.shtml

Ever increasing postage costs have forced the change from paper catalogs mailed three times a year to the online version. You can still find the same selection of great instructors, fun and valuable classes and low-cost tuition for professional development or pleasure.

Small Stamp. Big Difference.

Now is the time for all of us to help ensure the future of wildlife in Colorado. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), the agency that manages the more than 900 species of wildlife in the state, needs your help.

Please purchase a 2009 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp. For only $10.25, each Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp provides a donation to wildlife habitat and includes the Colorado Search and Rescue fee as well as granting access to all State Wildlife Areas. You can purchase your Habitat Stamp or one for your child*:

• By phoning 1-800-244-5613 • Online at www.wildlifelicense.com/co (product code #61), or • In person at a sporting goods store or any CDOW office

If you’re really feeling warm and fuzzy, you can buy a gift Habitat Stamp for someone special at a sporting goods store or CDOW office.* If you LOVE wildlife… Buy your stamp today, and share this information with as many people as possible.

Coloradans are making a difference! Over 35,000 acres of Colorado wildlife habitat has been preserved through the Habitat Stamp program since 2006. Find out about these properties at

http://www.wildlife.state.co.us Together we’re...

Keeping Colorado Wild! *Please note that the purchase of a Habitat Stamp will require several pieces of information about the person who will receive the

stamp so you/they can be added to the CDOW database. (Required: residency, name, mailing address, height, weight, sex, DOB, and SS#) (Optional: drivers license # and e-mail)


ORDER ON LINE AT WWW.GROWINGYOURFUTURE.COM The Colorado Reader is a student activity newspaper designed especially for elementary and middle grade students. Each issue of the Colorado Reader focuses on a different aspect of agriculture and natural resource topics. The Colorado Reader provides a means for integrating information about our food, fiber and natural re-sources into the classroom while reinforcing Colorado Content Standards. This program is FREE. Each class-room packet contains 25 readers and accompanying teacher’s guide which contains lesson plan ideas and addi-tional resources to expand classroom activities.

2008-2009 _____New Order _____Renewal Order

Teacher Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

School Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________________

County: __________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _________________________Grade: _______________Number of Students: ________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Would you like to receive our E-newsletter 3 times a year? Yes No

Agriculture producers and organizations sponsor classrooms and offset the cost of distributing the materials through our Adopt A Classroom program. Would you be willing to have your class send a thank you note to your sponsor? Yes NoOtherwise please include purchase order or check with order form. Purchase order number: ______________________________________________Additional Materials and Information

Cattle in Colorado History is a brief study of the development of the cattle business in Colorado’s early history and other facets of the industry, including the rancher’s equipment and importance of beef products. Cattle in Colorado History is intended for use in fourth grade in conjunction with Colorado History. FREE Understanding Water Activity Book introduces basic water concepts, supply, uses, treatment, pollution and conservation. Vocabulary, reading, writing, geography, math, science and art are reinforced. We in-clude a page to check off the Colorado Content Standards this book help your students achieve.

Individual copy $10.00 Classroom set of 30—$75.00 Need a sponsor to cover cost. Wool & Sheep Activity Book contains activities on raising sheep and on wool production.

Individual copy—$5.00 Classroom set of 30—$35.00 Need a sponsor to cover cost. CFA COMICS are 16 page publications designed for middle school students. FREE

Watershed Defenders ~ number needed ________________ Major Ag ~ number needed _________________

Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Institute is a two credit course held in two locations (Ft. Collins and Ft. Morgan) in June 2009. If you mark this box we will send you a flyer about the course with pre-registration and scholarship information.CO-AG sign me up to receive FREE classroom sets of The Denver Post or Rocky Mountain News Elec-tronic Editions instead of print copies. This is a 100% "green alternative" to using print copies in the class-room. Teachers will receive all electronic curriculum developed throughout the school year and weekly emails with all new information posted to our website.

Return to

Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, PO Box 10, Livermore, CO 80536

New CFA Comics


a

Enhance YOUR program with the ProjectsWILD, WET, FLP and PLT Workshops tailored to your needs at a time convenient for you

Schedule a Project WILD, Project WET, Project Food, Land and People and/or Project Learning Tree professional development workshop for your organization. These award winning, educator-

tested programs enhance what you are already teaching. We customize workshops to your audience (early childhood through high school) to show you how these amazing activities help meet your needs while addressing Colorado Model Content Standards.

Workshops are 6-8 hours per program and can be held in one day or over multiple days after school. An experienced and professional Facilitator guides you through these fun, interactive workshops. During the workshop you will learn more about local natural resources and receive the newest support materials. The cost per educator for these custom, high-quality trainings is minimal and recertification credit is available.

Contact Regional or State Coordinators listed below for more information. Or visit coloradocorrelations.org for current workshop offerings.

Contact your Regional or State coordinator!Colorado Division of Wildlife, Project WILD Southeast - Steve Lucero 719-227-5203 [email protected] Southeast Rural - Linda Groat 719-336-6608 [email protected] Northeast, incl. Denver - Shelly Morrell 303-291-7328 [email protected] Northwest - Kathleen Tadvick 970-255-6181 [email protected] Southwest - Leigh Gillette 970-375-6709 [email protected] Statewide - Tabbi Kinion 303-291-7165 [email protected]

Colorado State Forest Service, Project Learning Tree Shawna Crocker 303-202-4662 [email protected] CSFS, PO Box 25286-MS306, Denver, CO 80225

Colorado Watershed Network, Project WET Jo Scarbeary 720-252-7794 [email protected]

Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, Project Food, Land & People Bette Blinde 970-881-2902 [email protected]

ColoradoConnectionsIn this issue of

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDDenver, CO

Permit 1533

Project WILDColorado Division of Wildlife6060 BroadwayDenver, CO 80216

State of ColoradoBill Ritter, Governor

Department of Natural ResourcesHarris Sherman, Executive Director

Return Service Requested

Providing Conservation Education Resources for Educators Autumn 2008

In this issue: - Biomimicry and the future - Upcoming educator workshops - New things for your classroom - Fun FREE Stuff!

For the latest updates and workshop listings visithttp://wildlife.state.co.us/education

If you are receiving multiple copies of this publication please contact:[email protected] or call 303-291-7258

Biomimicry Unlocks Nature’s Secrets For Success shell, twice as tough as the most high-tech...

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