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Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

School Programs

The CASE program offers a variety of approaches to experiential science learning for school groups at Keystone Science School's historic campus or natural areas throughout Colorado. Through its partnerships with public and private schools, KSS brings science alive through informal investigations and research projects that incorporate innovative teaching and hands-on learning. Staff members work closely with teachers to ensure that their KSS experience aligns with classroom curriculum as well as state and district standards. The result is an unforgettable experience studying any one of the School's curriculum choices in earth and snow science, aquatics and forest ecology or various environmental issues as well as astronomy. Welcoming close to 4,000 students each year, the CASE program serves as a unique and unforgettable educational resource for schools across the country.

Details

Resource Type: 
Activity
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Resource Topic: 
Insects
Forest habitat/systems
Fire and prescribed burning
Education Standards: 
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
    • The health and well-being of fish, wildlife and humans depend on the quality of their environment.
    • All living things depend on habitat that includes adequate supplies and suitably arranged food, water, shelter, and space.
    • The “Carrying Capacity” of an area determines the size of the population that can exist or will be tolerated.
    • Students should understand and actively participate in the stewardship and support of our natural resources.
    • Students should understand and accept and/or lawfully participate in hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, wildlife watching, shooting sports, and other types of resource-related outdoor recreation.
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
1st-12th
Contact Organization: 
The Keystone Science School
Contact: 
Dave Miller
dmiller@keystone.org
970-455-4229

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School Programs

Sign up for Naturalist led school programs now for the school season! Spaces fill up quickly so call us and ask for Angel.

Details

Resource Type: 
Activity
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Education Standards: 
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
    • Demonstrate decision making skills related to fish and wildlife conservation efforts.
    • Volunteer and participate in natural resource-related decision-making opportunities.
    • Human actions impact fish, wildlife and natural resources, and fish, wildlife and natural resources impact humans.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-College (graduate)
Contact Organization: 
Colorado State Parks- Roxborough
Contact: 
Angel Tobin
roxborough.park@state.co.us
303-973-3959

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Scat, Tracks, and Fur..."Who's Been Here?"

CLUES to DECODE who's passed before you will be revealed! Use SCAT, TRACKS, FUR, and BONES to uncover them!

Details

Resource Type: 
Activity
Resource Topic: 
Mammals
Ecosystems
Riparian (river) habitat/systems
Education Standards: 
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-Adult Education
Contact Organization: 
Colorado State Parks- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Contact: 
Phyllis Cron
pcron@ahra.salida.co.us
719-539-7289

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School Programs - Outreach/Classroom

Integrate nature into your classroom...An ACES educator visits preschool fifth grade classrooms, providing an hour of exciting, interactive, hands-on science learning. Choose from a variety of topics under the following grade level themes: Kindergarten: Nature in your Backyard First Grade: Exploring the Seasons Second Grade: Diversity of Life: Plant and Animal Lifestyles and Adaptations Third Grade: Community Connections, Naturalists in the Classroom Fourth Grade: Elements of Life.

Details

Resource Type: 
Curriculum Unit
Resource Topic: 
Forest habitat/systems
Watershed management
Ecology
Education Standards: 
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
    • Demonstrate decision making skills related to fish and wildlife conservation efforts.
    • Volunteer and participate in natural resource-related decision-making opportunities.
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
    • Students should understand and actively participate in the stewardship and support of our natural resources.
  • 21st Century Learning Framework
    • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of society’s impact on the natural world (e.g., population growth, population development, resource consumption rate, etc.)
    • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the environment and the circumstances and conditions affecting it, particularly as relates to air, climate, land, food, energy, water and ecosystems
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-5th
Contact Organization: 
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Contact: 
Adam Hancock
ahancock@aspennature.org
970.925.5756

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School Programs - Outdoor Education

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) has provided educational programs for schools and youth groups since 1975. ACES' experienced education staff makes more than 20,000 student contacts annually. ACES programs are designed to support teachers and students in meeting science, geography and math content standards. Ecological concepts form the foundation of ACES' programs which blend scientific inquiry with hands-on exploration and creative expression to accommodate all learning styles. ACES partners with over 30 schools in the Roaring Fork Valley providing field programs as well as partners with the Aspen School District to provide daily environmental education classes to Aspen Elementary School students.

Details

Resource Type: 
Curriculum Unit
Resource Topic: 
Ecosystems
Forest habitat/systems
Fire and prescribed burning
Climate change
Watershed management
Ecology
Meteorology
Education Standards: 
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
    • Students should understand and actively participate in the stewardship and support of our natural resources.
    • Students should understand and accept and/or lawfully participate in hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, wildlife watching, shooting sports, and other types of resource-related outdoor recreation.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Kindergarten-12th
Contact Organization: 
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Contact: 
Adam Hancock
ahancock@aspennature.org
970.925.5756

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School Programs - Field Trips

FIELD TRIPS available at ACES' 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve or the 115-acre Rock Bottom Ranch Wildlife Preserve or other natural settings. TOPICS INCLUDE: beavers, trees, elk, owls, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, naturalist skills, natural community members, animal tracking, habitat, food chains, predator-prey, wetlands, endangered species, water, energy, geology, soil, journaling, ranch history, traditional dance and music, traditional arts, wild farming and more!

Details

Resource Type: 
Activity
Resource Topic: 
Insects
Exotic invasive species
Forest habitat/systems
Fire and prescribed burning
Air quality
Water quality
Pollution
Recycling
Ecology
Geology
Meteorology
Education Standards: 
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
    • Students should understand and actively participate in the stewardship and support of our natural resources.
    • Students should understand the value of our fish and wildlife resources as a public trust.
    • Students should understand and accept and/or lawfully participate in hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, wildlife watching, shooting sports, and other types of resource-related outdoor recreation.
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
    • Demonstrate decision making skills related to fish and wildlife conservation efforts.
    • Volunteer and participate in natural resource-related decision-making opportunities.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-College (graduate)
Contact Organization: 
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Contact: 
Adam Hancock
ahancock@aspennature.org
970.925.5756

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School programs - Evening Programs

Invite your students and their parents to participate in a special evening of storytelling and observation at one of ACES' nature preserves. Programs include: Beaver Tales, Owl Prowl, Creepy Crawlies, Wonders of Wetlands, Sky Watchers and Sunset Exploration.

Details

Resource Type: 
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Resource Topic: 
Insects
Exotic invasive species
Ecosystems
Forest habitat/systems
Fire and prescribed burning
Watershed management
Ecology
Education Standards: 
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-8th
Contact Organization: 
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Contact: 
Adam Hancock
ahancock@aspennature.org
970.925.5756

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School Programs - Apprenticeships

Do you know students interested in gaining first-hand experience with live animals, stewardship projects, naturalist skills, environmental education or wildlife rehabilitation? ACES offers an apprenticeship program throughout the year to qualified students. Program length, days and location vary depending on student needs. Contact the education department for more information about how students can get involved.(Middle and High School students)

Details

Resource Type: 
Activity
Resource Topic: 
Insects
Endangered species
Fire and prescribed burning
Watershed management
Ecology
Education Standards: 
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
    • Students should understand and actively participate in the stewardship and support of our natural resources.
    • Students should understand the value of our fish and wildlife resources as a public trust.
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Demonstrate decision making skills related to fish and wildlife conservation efforts.
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
5th-12th
Contact Organization: 
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Contact: 
Adam Hancock
ahancock@aspennature.org
970.925.5756

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Rocky Mountain Environmental Education Teacher's Institute

The EE Institute is a professional development course designed to actively involve educators in facilitating the investigation and evaluation of environmental issues with their learners. The institute models a variety of EE strategies to assist learners in exploring and seeking responsible courses of action toward the resolution of environmental issues specific to their community.

Details

Resource Type: 
Workshop, Course
Time: 
Thu, 2012-06-14 09:00 - 17:00
Location: 
100 Puppy Smith St
Aspen, CO 81611United States 39° 11' 47.148" N, 106° 49' 19.4592" W

Language: 
English
Grade Levels: 
Adult Education
Contact Organization: 
Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education - CAEE
Contact: 
info@caee.org
303-273-9527

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Rocky Mountain Arsenal Time Capsule

The Time Capsule is a traveling educational kit containing books, props, maps, photographs and posters. The teacher's guide contains 12 hands-on, interdisciplinary activities that trace the history of the Refuge, from native prairie, to farming, to industry, to National Wildlife Refuge. It's all here - the story of a unique place and its inhabitants!

Details

Resource Type: 
Kit, Trunk, Equipment or Supply
Resource Topic: 
Ecosystems
Education Standards: 
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
3rd-6th
Contact Organization: 
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS)
Contact: 
Stacy Armitage
stacy_armitage@fws.gov
303-289-0931

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Rock N' Time: Learning Geology at Lory State Park

A 35 -45 minute outside EE discussion and activity for grades 2-6th with capability to adapt "lecture" information and activity to other locations and modified text. Group discussion is about local geology with rock samples. Activity involves 9 students (each time)demonstrating 9 periods along a timeline from planet's beginning to today. Great to follow this with an age appropriate hike.

Details

Resource Type: 
Lesson Plan
Activity
Resource Topic: 
Ecosystems
Geology
Education Standards: 
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
2nd-6th
Contact Organization: 
Colorado State Parks- Lory
Contact: 
Linda Hamilton
lory.park@state.co.us
970-493-1623

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Rock Bottom Ranch

A Project of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, dedicated to fostering ecological literacy through environmental education, sustainable agriculture and wildlands preservation.

Details

Resource Type: 
Curriculum Unit
Resource Topic: 
Ecosystems
Ecology
Education Standards: 
  • AFWA Conservation Content Standards
    • Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish and wildlife, the outdoor landscape, and the quality of our lives.
    • Students should understand and actively participate in the stewardship and support of our natural resources.
    • Students should understand the value of our fish and wildlife resources as a public trust.
  • Benchmarks for Conservation Literacy
    • Ecological systems are dependent upon the interactions between living and nonliving systems.
    • The health and well-being of humans is dependent on fish, wildlife and the natural environment.
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-12th
Contact Organization: 
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Contact: 
Matthew Coen
rockbottom@sopris.net
970.927.6760

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Resource Review System

The Colorado EE Resource Review Plan defines a model for a statewide review system for environmental education (EE) resources. At both the state and national level, EE Material reviews were published most recently in 1998 by the National Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) in The Environmental Education Collection: A Review of Resources for Educators, Volumes 1-3. Since that initial review period, EE providers have not had materials or programs reviewed or the reviews published. To fill this void, the Colorado EE Advisory Council decided to develop the following process. The overarching goals have implications for several related elements of EE design and delivery, including: quality-assurance mechanisms; marketability of EE programs; program integrity; leadership development; and credibility and value of EE in Colorado. The following are the basics steps involved in this review process: 1) Submitter provides self-review analysis of resource. 2) Three trained reviewers analyze the resource, verifying or rejecting claims of submitter. 3) Submitter is notified of results; decides whether or not review is to be made public. 4) Results made available to the public through Program Profiles on EE Information Clearinghouse.

Embark on a journey of excellence! Excellence has no end-point. There is always the next step to take, the next small improvement that you can make, the next new idea to be imagined, the next enhancement you can create. Challenge yourself! Your clients and learners deserve the best you can give. Have you challenged yourself to produce the best environmental education (EE) programs or materials possible? Are you building excellence into your design of EE resources? Why not assess how your EE programs/materials stack up according to the national guidelines for excellence? Now is your chance – take the challenge of excellence – renew, refresh, reinvigorate your EE program/materials. Discover untapped potential in your EE resources and in yourself!

Details

Resource Type: 
Curriculum
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
N/A
Contact Organization: 
Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education - CAEE
Contact: 
Ali Goulstone Sweeney
alisweeney@caee.org
303-273-9527

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Continued Education Credits in the Park!

Create a science program that fits your schedule and teaching interests by choosing shorter evening and weekend programs throughout the year. Enjoy in-depth, hands-on exploration of the wildlife and ecosystems along the South Platte River. Over the course of 1 full year you may select at least 15 contact hours of classes to receive 1 credit toward your certification. For more information, please call or email Skot Latona at 303-730-1022x11

Details

Resource Type: 
Activity
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Resource Topic: 
Boating/canoeing
Birding/wildlife watching
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles and amphibians
Insects
Plants
Ecosystems
Wetland habitat/systems
Adaptation
Ecology
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Knowledge
Grade Levels: 
N/A-College (graduate)
Contact Organization: 
South Platte Park
Contact: 
Skot Latona
skotl@ssprd.org
303-730-1022 ex. 11

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Ecosystem Adventure

South Platte Park offers this field trip to school classes and other large groups interested in discovering how the pieces of a nature's jigsaw puzzle fit together to create an ecosystem. Students use an interactive river model then hike to explore a real river ecosystem. They seek out clues of the food web, report to each other about the non-living components, and watch natural processes change an ecosystem. The program in ~2 hours long and geared toward 3rd-5th grade learners.
State Standards covered include: erosion concepts, abiotic and biotic interactions, and habitat comparisons. All learning is inquiry-based and hands-on!

Details

Resource Type: 
Field Trip
Nature Center
Resource Topic: 
Mammals
Birds
Fish
Reptiles and amphibians
Insects
Ecosystems
Wetland habitat/systems
Riparian (river) habitat/systems
Ecology
Education Standards: 
Time: 
Sat, 2013-05-25 03:46
Language: 
English
Grade Levels: 
3rd-5th
Contact Organization: 
South Platte Park (Carson Nature Center)
Contact: 
School Programs Coordinator
skotl@ssprd.org
303-730-1022
Original Link: 
http://www.ssprd.org/southsubnew/page_disp.asp?p=SPPTeacherBrochure121611.pdf

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Remarkable Reptiles

Explore the reptilian science of live snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodilians; and participate in a variety of exciting activities as we venture through the scaly world of reptiles.

Details

Resource Type: 
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Resource Topic: 
Reptiles and amphibians
Language: 
English
Grade Levels: 
2nd-5th
Contact Organization: 
Denver Zoo
Contact: 
Brenna Massa
outreach@denverzoo.org
720-337-1634

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Recycling: It's Your Responsibility

A Unit to meet Colorado Civics Standards

Details

Resource Type: 
Curriculum Unit
Resource Topic: 
Recycling
Stewardship
Education Standards: 
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
3rd-5th
Contact Organization: 
Recycling: It's Your Responsibility
Contact: 
Sarah Clark
sclark@jeffco.k12.co.us

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Rattlesnakes!

Chat with naturalists about these critically important reptiles. Find out how you and snakes can stay safe while hiking and biking trails, why we need snakes in our parks and how they survive.

Details

Resource Type: 
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Resource Topic: 
Reptiles and amphibians
Education Standards: 
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
Preschool-Adult Education
Contact Organization: 
Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Contact: 
Alicia Vermilye
avermily@jeffco.us
720-497-7601

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Rattlesnake Safety, No Bull

Snake safety program will be presented by previous GOCO Interpreter, Bob Kennemer.

Details

Resource Type: 
Speaker, Presenter, Performer
Resource Topic: 
Reptiles and amphibians
Education Standards: 
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
N/A
Contact Organization: 
Colorado State Parks- Lathrop State Park
Contact: 
Jonathan Kelly
lathrop.park@state.co.us
719-738-2376

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Raptors Revealed

Meet an incredible live bird of prey and discover the adaptive tools raptors have to be successful predators in their environment. Then dissect owl pellets in a hands-on lab to scientifically explore raptor diets.

Details

Resource Type: 
Lesson Plan
Activity
Resource Topic: 
Reptiles and amphibians
Adaptation
Predator-prey relationship
Education Standards: 
Language: 
English
Education Continuum: 
Information
Grade Levels: 
3rd-6th
Contact Organization: 
Denver Zoo
Contact: 
Jessica Glick
outreach@denverzoo.org
303.376.6734

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