Workshops
Rivers Curriculum, 7th-12th Grade
The Rivers Curriculum workshop is a comprehensive four-day workshop. It is presented in partnership with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the DePaul University-Lincoln Park Campus. This innovative curriculum uses rivers and watersheds as a focus for biology, chemistry, earth science, language arts, math and geography. Each of these subjects has their own manual with lessons, assessments and background information. The lessons are inquiry-based and hands-on, introducing students to complex river-based concepts and issues in a real world approach. Cost per teacher is $125. Available Credit: Two graduate credits from Aurora University (additional fee of $200); two Lane credits or 30 CPDUs. Contact us for details.
The next Rivers Curriculum workshop will be July 23-26, 2012.
Complete the Registration Form to enroll.
Grad credit through Aurora University
On the first day of the workshop please bring proof of your social security number, a photo ID, and a check for $200 made out to Aurora University. Grad credit may only be applied for on the first day.
CPDU and Lane Credit through CPS
Before the deadline of July 20, 2012, please enroll for this course online through CPS University. Visit the CPS HR4U Employee Sign On Page, and log in with your employee username and password. Click the CPS University quick link (in the menu on the bottom left of the page), and then navigate to the learner home page. Next search the catalog for “Rivers”. Rivers Curriculum (Rivers 101) should appear. Click on “Enroll” and follow the instructions.
River Citizen, 5th-8th Grade
Friends offers teacher workshops in all three of our curricula as well as specially tailored inservice days for your school.
Friends will organize a River Citizen workshop at your school for five or more teachers. Through a series of lessons and a field trip, students take on the role of scientists and investigate a local environmental issue, the health of the Chicago River and its watershed. Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as they conduct research, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, suggest solutions and take individual action towards improving the river. Lessons include background sections and assessment rubrics and address math, science, language arts and social science standards. Cost per teacher is $35. CPDUs available. Includes copy of the curricula and two accompanying videos. Contact us for details.
Exploring Rivers, K-4th Grade
We will organize an Exploring Rivers workshop at your school for five or more teachers. Exploring Rivers is a series of five curricula, one each for grades Kindergarten through fourth grade. Students delve into the fascinating world of rivers by exploring habitats, cycles, flow and erosion. Engaging hands-on lessons and investigations connect students to the world around them. The curriculum manual includes lessons, background information and assessment rubrics. Cost per teacher is $35. CPDUs are available. Includes copy of the curricula. Contact us for details.
Inservice Trainings
Friends will create a unique training for your next in-service day. Possible topics include: water quality monitoring, service learning, Chicago River history, integrating language arts and science, or the scientific method. Contact us for details.
Become a Friend