Dunes Educator Institutes
Throughout the academic year, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Dunes Learning Center (DLC) will provide high-quality, professional development opportunities for K-12 classroom teachers and non-formal educators. Workshops feature experts in various fields of study, hands-on activities and adventures within the national lakeshore. Illinois teachers can receive continuing education units (CEUs) and Indiana teachers can receive continuing recertification units (CRUs) for participating in these workshops. Indiana and Illinois teachers may apply for graduate credit through Indiana University Northwest and Chicago State University for an extra fee. For university credit, register with IUN through its web site: www.iun.edu or call Dr. Ken Schoon at 219-980-7766 and register with CSU by phoning Mike Siola at 773-995-2964. Fees listed here are for the registration, materials, meals and lodging associated with the workshop and are paid directly to the DLC. To register for any of the workshops, check out the Dunes Learning Center's website at www.duneslearningcenter.org. You can also contact the DLC directly at 219-395-9555 or by email at info@duneslearningcenter.org to receive a registration form. All workshops will be held at the DLC unless noted otherwise.

2011-2012 Dunes Educator Institutes

Register for workshops at www.duneslearningcenter.org. Click on educator resources.

October 15, 2011--Dunes 101
This FREE workshop introduces educators to the wealth of resources and programs available at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Participants will explore traveling trunks, learn from other teachers, and become comfortable leading students on park trails. Runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. Free workshop but bring your own lunch. Register by October 12. Worth one graduate credit hour if you bring students to the park on a field trip.

Additional Dunes 101 date: February 11, 2012

November 12, 2011 - Geology Road Trip
Join local author, Dr. Ken Schoon, and park staff as we traverse the region looking for signs of ancient shorelines and glacial remnants. Learn about the intersection of geology and human history during this presentation and tour. Begins at 9:00 a .m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Fee: $60 and includes materials and lunch. Register by October 28. Meet at Dunes Learning Center to begin tour. Worth one graduate credit hour if you bring students to the park on a field trip.

January 28, 2012 - Climate Change
While climate change is known to be a global phenomenon, this workshop will focus on the local impacts. Educators will learn about a variety of resources and lesson plans that can be used to teach this often overwhelming topic. Workshop includes a variety of materials and lunch. Begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Fee: $35. Register by January 20. Meet at Dunes Learning Center. Worth one graduate credit hour if you bring students to the park on a field trip.

March 10, 2012 - Project Learning Tree

Learn some of the great ready-made lessons and activities focusing on forests and local ecosystems from Project Learning Tree. Participants receive an excellent handbook of activities and get to test them in preparation for use in the classroom. Workshop includes lots of materials and lunch. Fee: $30. Runs from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Dunes Learning Center. Register by February 22. Worth one graduate credit hour if you bring students to the park on a field trip.

April 20-21, 2012--American Indians in the Region: A Fresh Look at the Past, Present, and Future
Most educators cover American Indians history in their classrooms and programs in some form or fashion. This workshop will provide a fresh look at Native American history in this region through visits to local resources. Working alongside tribal members of this region, participants will gain a valuable insight into American Indian roles today and into the future. This overnight workshop begins Friday at 4 p.m. and runs through Saturday at 5 p.m. Fee: $100, includes materials, food and lodging. Register by April 9.  Worth one graduate credit hour.

 
May 5, 2012 - Healthy Water-Healthy People

This day-long workshop provides educators with the tools to include water issues into their curriculum. Activities will be tested and shared that can be used in the classroom. Participants will receive excellent resources, and lunch is provided. Fee: $35. Workshop runs from 9 a.m.- 5p.m. at the Dunes Learning Center. Register by April 27. Worth one graduate credit hour if you bring students to the park on a field trip.