Both formal and non-formal educators who work with students in upper elementary through high school are invited to a day of exploration and hands-on activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Sept. 25 workshop, entitled “Exploring Science Education Opportunities through Project WILD,” will introduce participants to a wide variety of supplemental curriculum activities.

The workshop will take place from 9am to 3:30pm at the Platte River Campground Picnic Area near Honor. It will focus on familiarizing participants with using the resources at the National Lakeshore to enhance their students’ educational experience while addressing state standards. Participants will receive the Project WILD Activity Guide, ideas for leading field trips in the dunes, and information about new distance learning opportunities. Presenter Nicole Schafer, Forest Health Specialist at the National Lakeshore, will provide information about natural resources and resource issues at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Project WILD is an award-winning, wildlife-based conservation and environmental education program that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. The newly released Project WILD Supplemental Curriculum and Activity Guide includes new sections on conducting field investigations, “In Step with STEM” activity extensions, and “WILD Work” career components, in addition to over 80 educational activities. Activities conducted throughout the workshop tie in with natural resources and issues at Sleeping Bear Dunes and across Michigan.

The workshop is being conducted with support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Six State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) are available for participants. Preregistration for this workshop is required, and registration is limited. To register, email or call (219)707-0055 by Friday, Sept. 17.