5/30/2007

Teacher workshop focuses on natural wonders of Mississippi River

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Teachers can learn how to introduce their students to the natural wonders of the Mississippi River by attending an on-river workshop that earns them graduate-level credit.

The three-day “Exploration of the Mississippi River” workshop begins Aug. 13 with registration closing June 15. The workshop is targeted toward fourth through 12th grade teachers, and is not limited to science teachers.

Participants will learn about the history of the river, current management practices and issues on the river with Department of Natural Resources researchers, managers and educators. They’ll also learn techniques used to monitor the ecological health of the river, and receive a guide full of activities and background information for teaching about the Mississippi River.

“The Mississippi River is one of those resources a lot of people take for granted, but it’s played a huge role in the history of the state and it has phenomenal diversity,” says Jeff Janvrin, DNR Mississippi River habitat specialist and the workshop’s facilitator. “Teachers often teach about the ocean, the rain forest, the Great Lakes. We want to provide them with the resources to teach about the river as well.”

Two graduate level credits will be offered through Drake University and the cost for those credits will be in addition to the $60 registration fee. The fee includes lodging at the Indoor Group camp at Wyalusing State Park, meals, and field trips. For more information contact Jeff Janvrin (608) 785-9005.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janvrin (608) 785-9005