This two-day session includes classroom instruction on the first day and a field trip on the second. We’ll delve into learning about Ozark karst geology and groundwater, with a focus on how to teach this Earth science to your students in fun and innovative ways.
On day one, Tuesday, July 25, we’ll cover karst A-Z, give suggestions for great karst field trips for students, introduce powerful online mapping tools, and go over the water testing kits (we’ll provide two free kits for your students’ use). Going outside, we’ll show how to do a Water Wonder Walk with your students, and teach you how to use the Enviroscape model (which you can check out for use in your classroom). We’ll introduce a wide assortment of lessons and activities for various grade levels that will be fun and engaging.
During the field trip on day two, Wednesday, July 26, you’ll travel on a comfortable charter bus to three classic karst destinations in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways: to Devils Well, an amazing sinkhole that opens up to reveal an underground lake; to Round Spring and the mouth of Round Spring Cave (but not inside it); and to Alley Spring. We’ll talk about the geology and biology in these scenic places and tell stories about past discoveries and explorations there.
The workshop and field trip will help teachers understand the mysteries of karst and the importance of preserving good water quality for our region’s health and prosperity.
At the end of the two days, you’ll have new teaching tools and be able to use Ozark karst as a backdrop for teaching basic Earth science concepts. We hope you’ll be inspired and excited to share these beautiful places and the science and stories behind them with your students.
Dress:
- Please dress casual, comfortable, and in school appropriate clothing for the workshop. You will be both sitting and moving about the community room and outdoors. We won’t be able to adjust the air conditioner so layers maybe advisable.
- Please check the forecast for Mountain View, MO. We will NOT be outdoors during any lightning or thunder, but we may be after a rain or during a sprinkle, so a jacket or raincoat may be advisable.
- Wear or bring one of the following: water shoes, rubber boots, or old tennis shoes to change into for the “Wonder Water Walk” activity. We plan to walk on various surfaces including asphalt, cement, grassy areas, puddles, and near stormwater drains. Our hope is that we will have had a recent rain, and if so, let’s be prepared!
- You may wish to bring sunscreen, hat, or bug spray for our outdoor “Wonder Water Walk.”
Electronics:
- In part of the workshop, you will be learning various “Online Tools.” You will need a laptop for this portion. Smaller devices could be used if you do not have a laptop available, but they may not work as well for these online tools (interactive GIS maps). Please do your best to have a laptop. Remember to bring your device charged AND bring charging cords as well.
- The Mountain View Community Center has Wi-Fi and you will be provided the password for the online component of the workshop.
- You should be able to get cell service at the Mountain View community room. However, we ask that cell phones for personal only be used during break times, unless necessary. Please keep your phone on silent during the workshop sessions. We thank you in advance.
- However, we do encourage the taking of pictures of the assorted activities you participate in for your own future teaching use, if pictures would be helpful to you.
Other Items:
- Please provide whatever notebooks, paper pads, pencils, pens or highlighters that you like to use during the workshop for your own note taking.
- Please bring a water bottle if desired for the workshop and “Wonder Water Walk.”
Dress:
- Bring a hat and/or sunglasses to block the sun.
- Dress for outdoor walking, light hiking, and possible stream wading. You will be traveling from one trip location to another in an air-conditioned charter bus, so you may want a light jacket for our bus travel time.
- Bring shoes for light hikes, such as tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Anticipate that your shoes might get wet and/or muddy.
- Water shoes or old tennis shoes will be needed if you decide to wade.
- Please keep in mind that we will NOT have a building facility available to change clothes.
- A tote bag or backpack for your gear and perhaps a towel, if you decide to wade.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray. We will be outdoors except when traveling. Please do not apply any sprays on the bus.
- When choosing your clothing, please be aware that we will be filming at various times during the field trip.
Other Items:
- Bring a filled water bottle to stay hydrated.
- If you want to bring a hiking pole you may do so. We will be staying on trails.
- Feel free to bring a camera or use your phone camera. Keep in mind, there will be periodic filming by SomewhereintheWoods
- Cell service will be spotty at best at our trip locations. We will provide you a field trip itinerary during the workshop so if there is an emergency your family will know where you will be or headed. We can’t guarantee it will be precise but we will do our best to stay on schedule.
- When we are training or teaching, please be courteous and avoid using your phone unless taking pictures for your own instructional use. You are free to use your phone on the bus during times we are not conducting on-bus instruction.
- Lastly, the charter bus company informed us that it is customary to tip the bus driver at the end of the trip. We will pass a hat for tips if you would like to contribute.
Tuesday, the workshop day:
- A simple lunch will be provided. If you have specific dietary needs, please contact Tegan Vaughn at tvaughn@scocog.org or 417-247-7875.
Wednesday, the field trip day:
- You need to provide your own sack lunch, drink(s), and snacks for the day. If you have food that needs to be kept cool, please pack your lunch in an insulated bag with frozen bottles or ice packs.
- A large cooler with ice will be provided for everyone to store their own drinks.
- Only drinks with screw caps are allowed to be used on the bus. No cans or cups are allowed, as per charter company bus rules.
- We will have lunch at one of our stops. If you need to eat on the bus, please tidy up after yourself.
Tuesday, the workshop day:
- We will hold the workshop on Tuesday, rain or shine.
Wednesday, the field trip day:
- The field trip will be postponed in case of inclement weather. Rain date for the field trip is the next day, Thursday, July 27.
Attendance and the stipend is available for grade 4-12 teachers in public school districts in the Missouri counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas, and Wright. Participating teachers need to attend 1 workshop and 1 field trip to receive the stipend, but teachers are welcome to attend both the April and July sessions if there is enough room. However, teachers will only receive the stipend once. Each workshop/field trip has a maximum of 25 participants and there may be a waiting list.
Teachers who participate in the two-day workshop/field trip are eligible to apply for their school district to receive one of four $5,000 awards. These awards are for districts to take their students on field trips to local Ozark karst features such as springs, streams, losing streams, sink holes, and caves. Funds may cover field trip travel expenses and related approved expenditures (such as school bus fuel, bus driver’s wages, lunch costs and drinking water for students, costs for substitute teachers, students’ protective gear, supplies, and any entrance or guide fees). These funds are to be spent by end of July 2024.
Registering does not guarantee a seat. Our team will review your registration application and we’ll get back to you via email to let you know the status of your registration application.
Other community members (non-teachers) who are interested in attending the workshops/field trips may request to attend, and will be welcomed if there is room, but will not receive the $300 teacher stipend or water quality testing kits—and lunch will not be provided. Contact Program Manager Tegan Vaughn,
tvaughn@scocog.org or 417-247-7875 to request a spot.
For additional information, contact Program Manager Tegan Vaughn at
tvaughn@scocog.org or 417-247-7875.
