Tennessee's Watchable Wildlife web site
We are proud to formally announce the launch of the new website of Tennessee’s Watchable Wildlife, www.tnwatchablewildlife.org. The website has information on the birds found in Tennessee that can be easily searched by a bird’s habitat, color, use of backyards and feeders, or taxonomic group. Each species has a profile where you can find out about the occurrence of the bird in the state, see pictures, hear songs and calls, and find places to see it. Descriptions of more than 170 places to watch wildlife in Tennessee have been developed with information about habitat, wildlife to observe, detailed directions and interactive maps, and more.    more  

Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards
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Teacher In-service Training - February 27
In-service Training Opportunity
William P. Ridley 4-H Center
Columbia, Tennessee

What: Teacher Workshop—Outdoor Science Education
Where: William P. Ridley 4-H Center, Columbia, TN
When: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Time Frame: 8:30-4:30
Cost: $30.00/person—fee includes all classes, snacks and lunch
Grade Levels: K-8
Subjects Offered: GPS; Team Building; Rocks/Minerals/Fossils; Weather; Wildlife
Registration is due by Friday, February 5, 2010

Check-In: 8:30-8:45
Opening 8:45-8:55
Session I 9:00-10:00
Session II 10:15-11:15
Working Lunch 11:30
Session III 12:30-1:30
Session IV 1:45-2:45
Break 2:50-3:10
Session V 3:15-4:15
Departure 4:30

GPS—Are you feeling left behind in today’s technology-based world? This session will teach you how to use a handheld GPS unit in a fun and challenging way. A quick lesson on the history and science behind these amazing devices will be followed by actively participating in the “amazing race” scavenger hunt! (wear your walking shoes)

Team Building—This session will include a variety of cooperative games and the low ropes course (weather permitting) to help teach team work (class includes low to moderate physical activity).

Rocks/Minerals/Fossils—Is it a rock? What type of mineral is it? You mean Indian money was actually an animal? During this hands-on session, participants will be in search of rocks, minerals and fossils. A variety of scientific tests will be conducted to help you determine which specimen you may have found on your hunt and possibly find fossils.

Weather—Now it’s your turn to predict the weather….In this hands-on session, you will use various meteorological instruments and interpret data to help you forecast the weather. Participants will also discuss how weather has changed our earth.

Wildlife—Eat or be eaten….that’s an animal’s way of life in the great outdoors. During this session, hands-on activities will focus on animal adaptations, habitats and the food chain.

Activities will incorporate Tennessee’s science standards
Participants will rotate through all five topics





William P. Ridley 4-H Center
In-service Training
Registration



*Name:___________________________
School Name:________________________

Address:__________________________

__________________________

Phone:_____________________________

Email:_____________________________

Grade Level/Subject:__________________
*One name per form

Please make checks payable to the University of Tennessee—total amount due $30.00/person



Please mail your registration and payment to:

Ridley 4-H Center
Attn: In-service Training
850 Lion Parkway
Columbia, TN 38401

If you have any questions, please contact Terri Quillin at:
931-388-4011
or
tlquilln@utk.edu    more  

Project WET Workshops and Correlations to TN Standards
Austin Peay State University’s Center for Field Biology sponsors Project WET (Water Education for K-12 Teachers) workshops across the state. Click above to learn more about Project WET and the updated correlations of Project WET to the Tennessee curriculum standards.    more  

Tennessee State Parks - Outdoor/Indoor Classroom Presentations
With 53 state parks, more than 200 trained Park Rangers and unsurpassed natural, cultural and historical resources, outdoor classroom presentations and park field trips are just a phone call away!
   more  

New Correlations Now Available for Project Learning Tree
If you want a list of all the PLT Activities correlated to standards at a particular grade level, click on that grade under the list of Attachments on the Project Learning Tree Tennessee page.

If you want to look for related PLT activities for a particular Subject in a particular Grade, click on the PLT Correlations link under Resources on the Project Learning Tree Tennessee page. Then select the subject you want and then the grade you are interested in.
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Tennessee No Child Left Inside Initiative
A coalition has formed in Tennessee to promote and support opportunities that encourage children to engage with the outdoors.    more