News from the Friends of Reinstein

Reinstein Woods Offers Schoolyard Habitat Institute for Educators

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting registrations for a Schoolyard Habitat Institute happening Tuesday, July 29 to Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew. The Institute, designed for educators of students in pre-K to grade 12, will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

During the Schoolyard Habitat Institute, teachers will learn how to effectively use their schoolyard as an outdoor classroom. Participants will learn experience hands-on activities that align with Common Core and New York State learning standards. The activities are designed to fit into existing curricula in math, English language arts, science and other subject areas.  Additionally, resources for how to enhance outdoor spaces in and around schools will be provided. 

The two-day program provides 12 hours of instruction for which in-service or continuing education credit may be available. Participants will receive written materials to enable them to transfer their new knowledge directly to their school.  A materials fee of $40 includes lunch on the second day.

A registration form can be downloaded here (pdf, 14 Kb) or you can receive one by calling Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959.  Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.  Teachers must register by July 9, 2014.  

Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center is located at 93 Honorine Drive in Depew, about three miles from the Walden Galleria mall.  For more information, contact Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959 or visit www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html.