Conference Registration

Past Conferences

Conference 2004 – Workshops

See also: Conference 2004 program schedule

Friday Full-Day Sessions [F1] Friday, May 7, 2004 10:30 am to 4:30 pm	Friday Quarter-Day Sessions [Q1] Friday, May 7, 2004 10:30 am to 12:00 pm	Friday Half-Day Sessions [H1] Friday, May 7, 2004 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Saturday Full-Day Session [F2] Saturday, May 8, 2004 8:30 am to 4:30 pm	Saturday Half-Day Morning Sessions [H2] Saturday, May 8, 2004 8:30 am to 12:30 pm	Saturday Half-Day Afternoon Sessions [H3] Saturday, May 8, 2004 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Saturday Quarter-Day Session [Q2] Saturday, May 8, 2004 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm	Saturday Quarter-Day Session [Q3] Saturday, May 8, 2004 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm
Click to download the complete 2004 workshop descriptions: geoec-conf2004-workshops.pdf (Acrobat PDF file - ~130K) Click to download the handy workshop timetable: workshops-2004-timetable.pdf (Acrobat PDF file - ~25K) Click to download the Conference 2004 Schedule: geoec-conf2004-schedule.pdf (Acrobat PDF file - ~200K) Click here to select and download the conference registration and workshop selection forms.

 
F1-2. Out of the Classroom … and Into the Forest!
Are you looking for hands-on activities and field trip opportunities for your students to help them gain appreciation for, and knowledge about, Alberta’s forest spaces? Head out for the day with Inside Education (FEESA) for an active, hands-on workshop related to forest ecology and management in the East Slopes of Alberta. A tour of a local forest products mill may be included.

Established in 1985, Inside Education (formerly FEESA), provides bias-balanced, quality learning resources, presentations and professional development programs for Alberta teachers and students on a variety of topics including energy, climate change, waste, water, and forests. Steve McIsaac is Inside Education’s Program Director, while Erin Gluck is the Inside Education coordinator of the Des Crossley Demonstration Forest program.

 
F1-3. Walking In A Sacred Manner
Our time together will be a weaving which draws on threads of wisdom from diverse cultural and spiritual traditions of honouring the earth. This tapestry is an invitation to cultivate the sacred landscapes within and outside of ourselves. Threads of stillness, nourishment, celebration and exploration will move through a rhythm of meditation, movement, myth and ritual.

Judith Maxwell is a teacher, dancer, photographer, mother and spiritual pilgrim. For more than thirty years she has walked the earth in a sacred manner forming a deep relationship with the natural world.

Sherri Rinkel-Mackay has taught Kindergarten to Grade 8 and has facilitated a program of personal inquiry for groups of women. She also mentors with Galileo Educational Network. Her passion is Environmental Literacy, with a focus on our ancestral ways of knowing the earth.

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Q1-2. Be One with the Earth
There was a time when the Earth had no corners and the animals had nowhere to go. The trees were weeping with sadness and the rivers would not flow. Come listen to the stories and teachings that will take you on a journey of peace and harmony. This workshop will cover the traditions that aboriginal people used and still practice to this day.

Rocky Dumais is a Metis from Lac La Biche Alberta and the second youngest from a family of twelve children. He currently works for the Aboriginal Learning Services an organization through the Edmonton Catholic School District. Rocky uses the love of his culture to help and inspire young people.

 
Q1-3. Caribou Mountains Wildland Park: One of Alberta’s Sacred Places
Caribou Mountains Wildland Park is Alberta’s largest and one of the newest provincial protected areas. Located on the edge of Wood Buffalo National Park, it protects important populations of woodland caribou, a number of rare plant species, and the red throated loons. Join us for a dynamic exploration of this harsh northern land.

Carey Booth is the head of visitor services and education at Fish Creek Provincial Park and Andrea Barnes is the environmental educator for Kananaskis Country. They were both part of the scientific team that visited Caribou Mountains in July 2003 to learn more about the wildlife, vegetation and significant features for use in developing management strategies for the area.

 
Q1-4. Climate Change: Creating Solutions for Our Future
Over the next 50 years, climate change could drive more than a million species into extinction from a loss of habitat directly linked to the already documented changes in global temperatures. Teachers have the opportunity to work with students to learn about climate change and to become environmental heroes. We will look at, experience and receive a copy of a climate change resource designed for Division II science, complete with activities for students to investigate interactions between climate and human activity.

Louella Cronkhite is the Public Engagement Manager for USC Canada, a non-profit organization committed to the enhancement of human development through international partnerships.

Cheryl Dash is the Prairie Region Community Relations Officer for Alberta Environment. Cheryl has a Parks Interpretive background. She is co-chair of the communication committee for the Oldman River Basin Water Quality Initiative, and is involved in the development and implementation of an education strategy for the Castle River area.

Both Cheryl and Louella are members of the GEOEC Executive.

 
Q1-5. Creating a Culture of Peace
Come join in a presentation/discussion of activities that Grade 7 students at Victoria School of Visual and Performing Arts engaged in to create a physical representation of a Culture of Peace. Models were based on themes of multiculturalism, care of the earth, human rights defenders, and cultural constructs found in every culture.

Heather Waldie has been teaching Grade 7 for the last six years at Victoria School of Visual and Performing Arts in Edmonton. She has had a keen interest in Peace and Global Education for over 20 years and strives to incorporate global education practices in her teaching.

 
Q1-6. Green Learning - Build a Wind Turbine

Teachers will be introduced to the Pembina Institute’s dynamic and innovative environmental e-education web site Greenlearning.ca. Greenlearning.ca is a student and teacher-friendly Web-based learning resource that covers compulsory curriculum for selected units. This session will provide a brief overview of the complete Greenlearning.ca offerings. Teachers will have an opportunity to test their knowledge of Alberta’s species using the “What am I?” tool, get an an overview of renewable energy sources and build a working wind turbine model. Come and explore, build and learn.

Dave Mussell has many years of experience in delivering workshops for teachers and students across Canada. He is a dynamic and innovative presenter. In his sessions, there is never a dull moment and teachers value their experience. Dave has worked with the Pembina Institute for over eight years developing and delivering climate change and energy education materials for the secondary audience.

 
Q1-7. Introduction to Standing Stake Qigong: Creating Sacred Space Within and Without
We will play with breath and motion and an “internal sacred space” will emerge for each participant. This space is relaxed and aware. Awareness of body imbalance is the beginning of healing and balance. Healing enlarges and delineates the sacred space of the individual. Sufficient play allows individuals to merge their internal sacred spaces with that of others. This underlies the Daoist concept of ‘making this life significant’.

Dr. Michael Caley is a long time student/player of Taijiquan and Qigong. He is also a student/player of Daoism, Confucianism, other classical Chinese philosophies and classical Zen. He and his 20 year collaborator, Dr. Daiyo Sawada, frequently explore the meaning of heart/mind for education, in conversation and print.

 
Q1-8. Is the climate changing … should we be going on a CO₂ diet?
How should we respond to the prospect of climate change? Should we be looking at going on a CO₂ diet, and if we do, where do we begin? This session will examine some instructional resources relating to climate change and how we can save energy and reduce greenhouse gases.

David Lunn is Program Manager with SEEDS Foundation where he developed a multimedia program on climate change for Canadian secondary schools. He taught with Calgary Board of Education where he was a biology teacher, science department head, and assistant principal.

 
Q1-9. Mending the path: Weaving the threads of participating consciousness
This workshop seeks to explore the shift from a modern consciousness based in fragmented and compartmentalized thinking to a participating consciousness defined by interdependence, mutual influence and co-creation. Participants will address how to live within this everyday mystery by exploring the power of the sacred space within.

Cathryn Brown, BA, MEd, is an adult educator living in Calgary. Her work connects global peace and international development with new paradigms for personal change and spirituality. She strives to create global justice by cultivating inner peace everyday.

 
Q1-10. Sharing Aboriginal Culture Through Dressing Up Your Spirit
This session featuring the enchanting sounds of the traditional flute combined with pulsating rhythms of powwow drumming music will be shared through stories and teachings of Aboriginal Culture. The presenter will be in full regalia to impart traditional sign language, native dance steps and inspiration to create your own song of life. Learn that much of our Aboriginal history is designed foe all human race benefit. Be prepared to experience a shift in your mental, emotional and spiritual being.

Amanda Woodward is of Okanagan Salish ancestry, mother of two boys under the age of 5 and Cultural Instructor with Aboriginal Learning Services of Edmonton Catholic School District. Her career and life is primarily sharing and teaching Native Heritage with people of all ages and races especially through music, storeytelling and dance.

 
Q1-11. Viriditas: The Greening Power of God
The Viriditas: The Greening Power of God workshop is a hands-on opportunity to see how staff, students and community members of Sister O'Brien School implement the use of a school-wide recycling program, solar cooking, energy conservation monitoring and various other multi-disciplinary projects. The focus of our project is to create awareness, foster respect and understanding, and to present more sustainable lifestyle choices so as to live out more fully our vocation as stewards of creation. This awareness allows students the opportunity to protect and maintain the sacred spaces in our community and our planet.

Kendra Martin Chubb is a teacher at Sr. O'Brien School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She has been actively involved in the Viriditas project for the past few years. She is passionate about working towards the paradigm shift in attitudes and lifestyle choices that must take place as we all work towards a sustainable future.

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H1-2. Curriculum-based Activities in a Naturalized Space
Participants will take part in hands-on activities designed to meet curriculum goals, that can be easily replicated with their own students in a schoolyard setting. They will learn what equipment is recommended to make schoolyards more accessible as teaching resources, and will be introduced to the vast range of activity-based resources (websites, books) that are available. Please come dressed to be outside.

Jane Reksten is the Schoolyard Naturalization Project Leader at the Calgary Zoo for the past two years, and brings a background in Environmental Studies and Horticulture.

Melissa Sikes is an environmental educator, most recently acting as co-ordinator of the School Nature Area Program at the Goodwin Conservation Center in Connecticut.

 
H1-3. Evoking Places With Objects
Sacred spaces in the wild touch us in mysterious ways. This mystery will be approached indoors using objects, reflective discussion and journaling. This workshop draws upon our environmental education experience in Wild Alberta at the Provincial Museum of Alberta using objects and images to evoke a sense of place.

Heather Gross is currently the Education Coordinator for the Provincial Museum of Alberta’s new Wild Alberta gallery. She is a geographer who has been an interpreter at both the Provincial Museum of Alberta and William A. Switzer Provincial Park.

 
H1-4. Extending Physical Awareness
Participants’ hearts and bodies will be engaged by doing and feeling. The limitations of our habitual awareness will be discussed as a means of engaging minds and opening participants to new experience. Participants will be invited to become aware of all natural space as sacred, opening the way to a deep and respectful relationship between human and nature at the level of both educator and students.

Wes Gietz (Comox, BC) has learned from Tom Brown Jr. awareness, philosophy, ceremonies, and skills of wilderness living. He teaches these ways, as well as the concepts and techniques of mentoring, through Windwalker. He is President of the Firemaker Society in British Columbia. In his business life, he has his MSc and MPA and several years of management consulting.

 
H1-5. Fostering Safety and Self-reliance in and for the Wild
Moved to H3-5

 
H1-6. How Everything Got to Be This Way
Take a whirlwind trip through time, right from the Big Bang all the way to the present. Ben presents the latest in cosmology and geology, told in an old-fashioned, campfire-talk way, beginning with the universe and homing in on our galaxy, our solar system, our planet, western Canada, the Canadian Rockies and finally the actual location of the conference. A great session for those who like to think BIG!

Ben Gadd has lived in Jasper, Alberta since 1980. He is the author of Handbook of the Canadian Rockies, Raven’s End and five other books. Educated as a geologist, he pursued a career in natural history, working in the summer as an interpretive guide and in the winter as a writer and lecturer. Ben directs the Jasper Institute and serves on the board of Friends of Jasper National Park. He designs nature trails, produces interpretive signage and consults with protected-area managers. He is heard frequently on CBC Radio and has appeared in many television items and several documentaries.

 
H1-7. Is my ‘Crik’ Sick? Is My Lakeshore Lame? An Overview of the Riparian Health Assessment Tool
Riparian areas are sacred spaces, that like people, need to function properly to be healthy. Riparian health assessment is a tool that allows us to measure ecological functions of a particular wetland, lakeshore or streambank and rate its condition as healthy, healthy with problems or unhealthy. This field session will help to tune our eyes and allow us to begin to appreciate the key pieces of a riparian landscape and evaluate what we see.

Norine Ambrose first obtained a diploma at NAIT, followed by her B.Sc in Zoology at the University of Alberta. She has worked with a variety of researchers and agencies on wildlife conservation, leading up to her current role as Program Manager for Cows and Fish.

Kelsey Spicer Rawe is a Riparian Specialist with Cows and Fish based in Camrose, Alberta. After obtaining a B.Sc in Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta, Kelsey worked across Alberta from Medicine Hat to the Peace Region in the fields of agriculture and conservation until beginning to work with Cows and Fish in 2000.

 
H1-8. Men’s Traditional Dance and the Story of the Drum
Men’s traditional dance is a great warrior dance; intertwined are stories of hope, pride and courage. Why is it important to dance? to drum? Who can dance? Who can drum? When do we dance and drum? If you are seeking the answers, you will not want to miss this fun interactive workshop.

Adrian LaChance works with Aboriginal Learning Services for the Edmonton Catholic School District. He enjoys drumming and dancing with Rocky. Who is Rocky? He drives a truck.

 
H1-9. Resources and Basic Techniques for Orienteering Skills
Alberta is one of the “hot beds” of orienteering in North America. Come and learn the basics of modern orienteering, and about the resources that are available in Alberta. This will be both a practical and presentation session; come prepared to “O” in the woods – and bring your compass if you can.

Mark Lund has been active in the paddling, orienteering and nordic ski communities in Alberta for over 30 years. He is presently employed at Grant MacEwan College, in Edmonton, as a multi-function educator teaching a variety of subjects from Computer Applications for Education, to Outdoor & Environmental Education.

 
H1-10. Sacred Space - from the Heavens to the Earth
Science offers us an epic story of our origins. An important task now is to ponder this new cosmology, or universe story, and grasp its deep implications for our way of being in the world. It is the same blaze, whether in the initial flaring forth some billions of years ago, or in the belly of a Supernova, whether at the heart of our Sun, or at our own inner core. This workshop provides a creative way – in the visual of and reflective ‘walk’ through a 13 billion year spiral timeline – to grasp the essence of our cosmic roots as ‘sacred space’.

Originally from the Peace River country, for 11 years Maureen Wild taught at and directed an ecological learning centre in New Jersey and now she runs the Centre for Earth and Spirit on Vancouver Island.

 
H1-11. Take Action! Simple Steps to Environmental and Social Action in the Classroom
Teachers often try to help students move from awareness to understanding to action – but the actual “action” component is a big challenge, for logistical, political, and value-based reasons. Helping young people learn to take action on global and environmental issues is more important than ever … In this workshop we’ll review the current research on action education, participate in activities, and explore new techniques on how to lead students to action. A free teachers’ guide will be provided, along with information on CPAWS’ new Community Action Challenge program.

Kim Kiel coordinates school programs for CPAWS. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Communications from the University of Alberta, and has worked with adults and children in environmental education and interpretation since 1995.

Gareth Thomson is the Education Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), a non-profit, non-governmental society dedicated to the preservation of natural ecosystems. Gareth is a certified teacher, has worked as a full-time environmental educator for the past 14 years, and has workshopped thousands of teachers.

 
H1-12. Wetlands: A Rubber Boot Adventure!
Wetlands keep us balanced; they restore balance in ecosystems and help humans in their pursuit of inner balance. Ecologically, they protect the health of watersheds. Socially, they are enjoyable places to visit. This session will equip you with ideas and materials that will enable you to engage your students in learning about wetlands. A visit to a nearby wetland will help you to further your understanding of wetland plants and animals. While webbed feet are not necessary, rubber boots will be useful!

Heather Wheeliker has been an environmental educator for close to 15 years, working primarily for Alberta Environment on topics such as species at risk and land uses. Heather’s conservation efforts are inspired by her home surroundings of wetland and forest, east of Edmonton.

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F2-2. From the Foothills of the Rockies to the Columbia Icefield
Join Ben Gadd for an all-day natural-history field trip along the David Thompson Highway and the Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier. We will stop at Abraham Lake, Windy Point, Saskatchewan River Crossing (bathrooms, coffee, incredibly tacky souvenirs), the debris flow at Mt. Wilson, the Weeping Wall and the Athabasca Glacier. Participants should bring warm clothing for the higher-elevation part of the trip, dark sunglasses and bag lunches.

Ben Gadd has lived in Jasper, Alberta since 1980. He is the author of Handbook of the Canadian Rockies, Raven’s End and five other books. Educated as a geologist, he pursued a career in natural history, working in the summer as an interpretive guide and in the winter as a writer and lecturer. Ben directs the Jasper Institute and serves on the board of Friends of Jasper National Park. He designs nature trails, produces interpretive signage and consults with protected-area managers. He is heard frequently on CBC Radio and has appeared in many television items and several documentaries.

 
F2-3. Mountain Biking in the Foothills - for intermediate and advanced riders
Do you want to go for a ride? Join the Ma family on a bicycle tour of the sacred spaces in and around the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve. The morning will be spent dusting off the bikes and honing your skills. Then we are off on a mountain bike adventure to Siffleur Falls. After an awe-inspiring carb-loading break (lunch) we will trek back to the parking lot and across the highway. Explore ancient spaces – see historic wild horse corrals and centuries old meeting places. At the end of the day, Loyal (aka Mountain Bike Yoda) can help with any specific questions or concerns about tripping, gear, or technical skills. Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch, and appropriate cycling gear.

Karina Ma has completed her afterdegree in Elementary Education. Following in her father’s footsteps, she is a mountain bike coach and cycling enthusiast. She is currently working for the Edmonton Catholic School’s River Valley Programs.

Loyal Ma is a local bike shop owner, mountain bike coach and technical delegate for the Canadian Cycling Association. Loyal is a NCCP mountain biking course conductor and a UCI International Commissaire. He is known by his team as the “Mountain Bike Yoda”.

 
F2-4. The Land: Not Just Another Pretty Space
CANCELLED

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H2-2. EcoSmart 2004 Workshop: Waterworld
Bringing the outdoors in: this workshop uses water as a topic to reconnect children to nature. You will learn about water as a sacred resource and ways in which your students can have an early exposure to the pleasures of a natural habitat. We will be setting up a class room pond and identifying some of the pond animals that live in and around it. Further we will talk about overconsumption of water and ways students can save water at home and at school.

Michèle Elsen is an environmental educator for EcoSmart, which offers Conservation Action Programs for Schools. Her job is to help schools think green and reduce their ecological footprint by raising environmental awareness in students and other building users.

 
H2-3. Endangered Species and Grizzly Bears: Conservation Education Program From CPAWS
In this workshop you’ll ‘learn by doing’ key activities from our popular conservation education programs, which focus on endangered species and grizzly bears. We’ll tell you how you can get free teacher kits and in-school presentations by CPAWS staff, and take you on a guided interpretive hike of the area. Our emphasis will be on topping up your teaching toolkit with as many activities and resources as possible! Please come prepared to spend the majority of time outdoors.

Erin Couillard delivers school programs for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) in Calgary. A recent graduate from the University of Calgary, she holds a B.Sc. in Geography, and has worked in the field of environmental education and interpretation for six years with both Alberta Parks and CPAWS.

Gareth Thomson is the Education Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), a non-profit, non-governmental society dedicated to the preservation of natural ecosystems. Gareth is a certified teacher, has worked as a full-time environmental educator for the past 14 years, and has workshopped thousands of teachers.

 
H2-4. Going Deeper: The Wilderness Solo and Other Sacred Practices in Environmental and Outdoor Education
Contemporary outdoor and environmental education programs have deep and sacred roots. “Going Deeper” examines the roots of wilderness solos and related practices across history and cultures, and explores contemporary models with both youth and adults. Designed for both experienced practitioners and those unfamiliar with solos, the workshop will be practical, inspirational and thought-provoking.

After guiding hundreds of youth and adults through wilderness solos, Julian Norris still has more questions than answers. Co-founder of the Ghost River Rediscovery program in Alberta, he has worked with therapeutic, transformational and culturally-based outdoor programs across North America and beyond.

 
H2-5. Seeing With New Eyes – Strengthening Our Foundation for Art, Life & Spirit
Courtney Milne employs his photography as a way of demonstrating how we can expand our way of seeing and deepen our connection to the natural world. Emphasis will be placed on principles of perception, connection, intent, awareness, inspiration, and vision.

Courtney Milne was born in Saskatoon, and has been a freelance photographer since 1975. He has written more than 180 illustrated articles for photographic magazines and produced three books on the Canadian Prairies. He is the author of ten books of photography and has conducted workshops, seminars, worldwide photographic tours, and presented more than 200 public performances of his multimedia shows.

 
H2-6. Nature Walk With the Nature Nut
Join John Acorn “The Nature Nut” for one of his favourite activities – leading a nature walk. John has led thousands of people on such walks, and his approach can be summed up with “whatever we see, we see.” If you are interested in nature walk techniques, or just hankering for a chance to get out and learn some interesting tidbits about the local environment, this is the activity for you.

John Acorn is well-known to nature program fans as the “Nature Nut”, star of a half-hour television series. John, who has a Master of Science degree, is a respected entomologist and science educator. He is an experienced educator and consultant and has worked as a museum consultant, display designer, writer and interpreter.

 
H2-7. Planning Environmental and Outdoor Education Off-site Activities
Yeah, I want to go on a field trip to increase my student’s interaction with the sacred spaces of this remarkable planet!!! But, ahhhh! What do I do? Where should I go? How do I get there? How do I prepare? Is it safe? What about volunteers? Am I qualified? What if someone gets hurt? And the paperwork! Oh-NO!!! Well you know what? It’s not that difficult to engage your students in quality off-site experiences. This workshop will explore some of the considerations involved in preparing to involve your students in off-site excursions. Bring your off-site plans to this interactive workshop and be prepared to get involved.

Jeff Reading has more than 25 years experience with teaching environmental and outdoor education and is a Past President of the GEOEC. He has taught at every grade level, worked at an assortment of outdoor education centres and summer camps, participated as a member of search and rescue teams and was the first teacher-in-residence at the Fisk Creek Environmental Learning Centre in Calgary. Jeff and his family just completed a year of traveling around the world and is currently the Specialist for Off-Site Activities/Outdoor Education with the Calgary Board of Education.

 
H2-8. Reflections on Water: Using a Deliberative Dialogue Approach to Talk about the Issues of Access to Fresh Water
Deliberative dialogue is a powerful process where participants are guided through issues that are challenging, controversial, and complex. For many years, most Canadians have taken for granted the availability of clean, fresh water. Recent issues at home and around the world have drawn attention to the fact that drought, pollution, groundwater depletion, and water-borne illness are very real even here in Alberta, Canada. If ‘water is life’, how should this valuable resource be treated? Participants will work through the deliberative dialogue process and conclude with a discussion of how deliberative dialogue can be used as a powerful global and environmental education tool.

Lynette Shultz is currently a PhD student in Education Policy Studies and works on various projects in the areas of global education, citizenship education, and the public engagement of Canadians in international issues. She has worked as Global Education Coordinator for Learning Network, as a school principal, and a classroom teacher.

 
H2-9. Sacred Spaces for All: Including Participants with a Disability in Outdoor Adventures
With close to 20% of the Canadian population experiencing some kind of disability, chances are good that you will have a participant with special needs wanting to take part in your program. This participatory session will provide strategies for adaptations and meaningful inclusion.

Val Mayes has an undergraduate degree in Outdoor Recreation, a Masters in Adult Education and 25 years experience in the field of recreation. This includes time as a camp counselor, community recreation coordinator, recreation therapist, outdoor educator, and private consultant.

Sarah Mclennan has a BA in Economics and Environmental Studies, and is a graduate of Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training. She has extensive experience working with people with disabilities in the outdoor sector as a program coordinator, outdoor educator, instructor, leader, and coach.

 
H2-10. The Art of Scientific Storytelling
Science is full of stories, some more obvious than others. The history of science and its various branches is one of the most exciting stories of humankind. Just as drama adds a new dimension to the Languages Art class, it can be a powerful tool in the science classroom. Join us on a journey full of stories, laughter and learning. You will be invited to listen, create and share your stories. Come and learn the art of storytelling and see how it can be incorporated into your science classroom!

Ken Ealy is the Aboriginal Science/Math consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School District.

Liz Goodwin is a teacher turned science consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School District.

 
H2-11. Waste: Get in the Loop
Everything goes in cycles – recycling and composting are just two examples. So what is this resource we call waste, and how is it managed? The new “Get in the Loop” poster kit will be introduced as one of many resources to help you to teach your students. Outdoors, there will be opportunity to compare how we and how nature manage waste.

Heather Wheeliker has been an environmental educator for close to 15 years, working primarily for Alberta Environment on topics such as species at risk and land uses. Heather’s conservation efforts are inspired by her home surroundings of wetland and forest, east of Edmonton.

 
H2-12. What in the World? World of 100 Simulation Game
Global Education encapsulates two threads of educational thinking: world mindedness and child-centeredness. World mindedness refers to the commitment to the principle of one world, in which the interest of individual nations must be viewed in light of the overall needs of the planet. Child-centeredness is the idea that children learn best when encouraged to explore and discover for themselves. (Pike and Selby, 1999) Join Sue Arlidge, in a POWERFUL, real-world simulation designed for high school social studies educators.

Sue Arlidge, a high school teacher, has worked passionately in the field of environmental and global education for over fifteen years. She’s been lucky enough to call herself an educator for the Calgary Zoo’s education department, the University of Calgary’s Kananaskis Field Station, the Central Rockies Wolf Project, Kananaskis Country and Parks Canada. When her answering machine is on, it’s likely she’s out rompin’ in the Rockies with her boys.

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H3-2. Exploring Nature through Movement and Sound
CANCELLED

 
H3-3. Nature Photography
CANCELLED

 
H3-4. Prairie Bones: Creating Sacred Spaces
Take your insides out. Engage in a creative workshop in an environment of shared learning: An outdoor exploration with instruction in writing and creating.

Learn techniques for teaching environmental education. Express your creativity through designing a “sacred spaces journal”. Discover experiential education techniques and an active model of global education.

Susan Johnstone and Zane Hamm are sisters who grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan. Susan’s background is in Global Resources at UBC, and experience with the Rural Secretariat. She hones her skills in educating rural youth, community gardening, and creative writing. Zane is passionate about experiential education, berry-picking, and creating projects from art found in nature.

 
H3-5. Fostering Safety and Self-reliance in and for the Wild
Knowing and caring for wild sacred spaces is born in time spent there. In this indoor / outdoor workshop, you’ll practice using YouthSafe Outdoors Self-reliance in the Outdoors Instructional Resources. These tools are designed to help you teach students how to assess and manage outdoor risks for themselves and to help them develop a deep sense of personal responsibility for themselves, their group, and the wild places they explore.

Glenda Hanna, Ph.D., Principal of Quest Research and Consulting Inc., is the creator and Project Manager of YouthSafe Outdoors (YSO). Endorsed by GEOEC, YSO provides resources to support schools in the planning, leadership, modeling and instruction of safe off-site activities and outdoor pursuits.

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Q2-2. Cultural Diversity and Sustainability
This session will examine some social aspects of sustainability, including cultural diversity and social equity. Participants will look at some of the issues regarding the monocultural tendencies of globalization, and begin discussing ways in which educators can help mediate them, with the ultimate goal of promoting sustainability at both local and global levels.

Matt Hiebert has taught in Guatemala, Taiwan, and Calgary, and is involved in a project training teachers in Western China. He is currently on the board of Sustainable Calgary, pursuing a graduate degree, and teaching grade four. In his spare time he enjoys writing about himself in the third person!

 
Q2-3. Explore Environmental Science and Aboriginal Ways of Knowing with the Science Alberta Foundation
The Science Alberta Foundation provides a treasure trove of hands-on engaging science through the Science in a Crate and Wonderville programs. Be a wetlands ecologist, explore aboriginal ways of knowing, or find out how ranching supports burrowing owl populations in this “let’s have fun” workshop.

Hyacinth Schaeffer is the Director of Learning for the Science Alberta Foundation. Her experience teaching science in elementary, junior and senior high school and as Science Supervisor help to ensure that SAF provides programs that meet Alberta curriculum requirements and model best practice in science instruction.

 
Q2-4. Protected Areas: preserving our future
In this session, participants will help to design the partnership between educators and Parks Canada that can initiate a new relationship between students and the special and “sacred” places we have designated as national parks, national historic sites and World Heritage Sites. Participants will have an orientation to some of the new Parks Canada resources available to them and be involved in shaping the direction for future products and services.

Sue Wolff has been working with Parks Canada in the field of public education since the early 70s. Sue is currently Parks Canada’s Education Specialist for Alberta with a goal to make our national parks and historic sites more relevant to teachers and their students.

 
Q2-5. Riparian Areas - The Sacred Link Between Land and Water
Riparian areas are the areas of water-loving vegetation that border streams, lakes, and wetlands. These “ribbons of green” tie all of us together on the landscape by way of their ecological functions and values provided to society. This presentation will highlight, using a variety of photographic images, the value of riparian areas, their linkages with biodiversity and ideas for sharing the science of riparian areas with youth.

Norine Ambrose first obtained a diploma at NAIT, followed by her B.Sc in Zoology at the University of Alberta. She has worked with a variety of researchers and agencies on wildlife conservation, leading up to her current role as Program Manager for Cows and Fish.

Kelsey Spicer Rawe is a Riparian Specialist with Cows and Fish based in Camrose, Alberta. After obtaining a B.Sc in Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta, Kelsey worked across Alberta from Medicine Hat to the Peace Region in the fields of agriculture and conservation until beginning to work with Cows and Fish in 2000.

 
Q2-6. Seeds and Needs: interactions between seed plants and humans
In this hands-on session participants will learn activities relating to seed plant adaptations, as well as human uses and impacts on plants. These activities relate to the grade seven science curriculum and provide opportunities for greater appreciation of the environment that surrounds and supports us.

Currently a Physical Education student at the University of Alberta, Chris Field has been an outdoor educator for seven years with the Strathcona Wilderness Center, City of Edmonton, Alberta River Watch, Edmonton Catholic School Board, and the Bennett Environmental Education Center.

Graduate of the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. - Biology major, Tai Munro teaches science and other outdoor programs for River Valley Programs. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Environmental Education and Communication.

 
Q2-7. Wildlife Math: Snow Travel
Do animals with bigger feet and smaller body weights travel better over the surface of the snow? Can you tell the story of what happened to an animal based on the evidence left behind? Animal tracking provides a meaningful context to explore area and perimeter, data and graphing, spreadsheets, ratios, decimals, shape and measurement. Come see what the students discovered!

Chenoa Marcotte began her teaching career as an Environmental Educator in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. She currently teaches at the Calgary Science Charter School in Calgary.

Martina Metz has been teaching for twelve years, the past five of which have been at the Calgary Science Charter School. She is committed to making her classroom a sacred place of open dialogue where students' voices are genuinely honoured.

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Q3-2. Ellerslie Environmental Project - Protecting, Preserving, Sustaining
Ellerslie Campus in Edmonton is surrounded by imminent fast advancing urban development. Through our environmental project we have been working to preserve and enhance our “sacred place” – approximately 4.5 acres of natural land. Learn about our tree planting program, our wetland, our resident birds and our challenges as we endeavour to work with planners, developers and community to secure a natural area well into the future. With PowerPoint, video, chants, role playing and interactive participation – we want to share our story, network and gather advice!

Bob Carter is a teacher at Ellerslie Junior High School. As an Outdoor and Environmental Educator, Bob has a strong interest in environmental awareness and protection and makes regular use of Ellerslie’s unique grounds to further students’ understanding of and appreciation for their environment.

Scott Millar is the principal at Ellerslie Campus. As the leader of a growing learning community, Scott has accepted the challenge of maximizing the profile and community understanding of the high quality outdoor environmental programming at Ellerslie. Bringing all perspectives together for environmental preservation is the goal.

 
Q3-3. Five Minute Field Trips
The GEOEC created the Five Minute Field Trips activity guide as a wee treasury of the best of the best elementary activities for getting kids outside. Join Sue Arlidge as she plays out many of the ideas found in the guide. We’ll be quackin’ and running and experiencing the unbridled joy of a six-year-old. Come dressed for the out of doors.

Sue Arlidge, a high school teacher, has worked passionately in the field of environmental and global education for over fifteen years. She’s been lucky enough to call herself an educator for the Calgary Zoo’s education department, the University of Calgary’s Kananaskis Field Station, the Central Rockies Wolf Project, Kananaskis Country and Parks Canada. When her answering machine is on, it’s likely she’s out rompin’ in the Rockies with her boys.

 
Q3-4. From Commons to Commodities
“As our communal spaces – town squares, streets, schools, farms, plants – are displaced by the ballooning marketplace, a spirit of resistance is taking hold around the world.” (Naomi Klein on Reclaiming the Commons) The notion of “the commons” and the need to protect them from “commodification” have gained popularity in public discourse over the last few years. What do these terms mean? Is there evidence that this is happening? Where do international trade agreements fit in? Come participate in a discussion of these ideas, and of strategies for sharing these ideas with students.

Ricardo Acuña is Executive Director of the Parkland Institute – a public policy research and education institute at the University of Alberta. He has a background in international development, and often presents on questions of international trade and international relations.

 
Q3-5. Green Learning - Build Your Own Sacred Space
Teachers will be introduced to the Pembina Institute’s dynamic and innovative environmental e-education Web site Greenlearning.ca. Greenlearning.ca is a student and teacher-friendly Web based learning resource that covers compulsory curriculum for selected units. This session will provide a brief overview of the complete greenlearning.ca offerings. Teachers will have an opportunity to test their knowledge of Alberta’s species using the “What am I?” tool; get an overview of the Energy Transfers in nature and will then build a biosphere bottle to simulate Earth. Come and explore, build and learn.

Dave Mussell has many years of experience in delivering workshops for teachers and students across Canada. He is a dynamic and innovative presenter. In his sessions, there is never a dull moment and teachers value their experience. Dave has worked with the Pembina Institute for over eight years developing and delivering climate change and energy education materials for the secondary audience.

 
Q3-6. Is Earth the Centre of the Universe?
CANCELLED

 
Q3-7. Senior High Predator and Prey
Participants in this active session will adopt the role of different animals to learn what it takes to survive. They will need to find food, water and mates while avoiding the dangers of the environment. The topics of resource quality, food availability, predation, and reproduction will be covered.

Currently a Physical Education student at the University of Alberta, Chris Field has been an outdoor educator for seven years with the Strathcona Wilderness Center, City of Edmonton, Alberta River Watch, Edmonton Catholic School Board, and the Bennett Environmental Education Center.

Graduate of the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. - Biology major, Tai Munro teaches science and other outdoor programs for River Valley Programs. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Environmental Education and Communication.

 
Q3-8. The Role of Global Education in the Preservation of the Sacred
In this age of globalization, the survival of traditional cultures is increasingly threatened. This session explores the sacred nature of these cultures, and the importance of supporting their sustainability. The session will focus on a Change for Children project in northern Nicaragua, where indigenous people are working to preserve both their traditional way of being and their home within Nicaragua's endangered tropical rainforest. Participants will explore the concept that the promotion of aboriginal cultures as sacred spaces is necessary to their survival.

Laura Roberts is a recent Political Science graduate currently working with CFCA.

Nicole Smith is a teacher who is currently working as CFCA’s Education Coordinator.

 
Q3-9. The Struggle to Survive and Thrive – helping students to understand events in Africa
Kuai Biar is a Dinka refugee from Sudan living in Edmonton. He was conscripted into the Sudan Civil War as a boy and journeyed through East Africa to Alberta. “After struggling through the forests of Sudan and Ethiopia, I was shot in cross-fire and caught as a prisoner of war by the Sudanese government troops.” That tragedy changed his life forever. Kuai’s story is one of hope and of the human spirit overcoming incredible hurdles and flourishing. After Kuai tells his story we will explore how we can convey that spirit to our students.

Kuai Biar is a leader in the Dinka community in Edmonton. He works with people with disabilities and is a student at Norquest College.

Presented by Kuai Biar, facilitated by Earl Choldin.

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