For
Educators
   
Rock Springs Nature Center is located on the southwestern edge of Decatur. To get to Rock Springs Center from Decatur go south on Route 48 and turn right onto Rock Springs Road. Watch for signs. Plenty of parking is available.
Please note --- an alternate route to Rock Springs Nature Center via Wyckles Road from Decatur is closed due to bridge repairs over the Sangamon River.
| The Macon County Conservation
District is committed to providing educators of all kinds;
classroom teachers, homeschoolers, and youth group leaders,
with enriching educational opportunities for their students
and themselves. The District offers materials for classrooms,
destinations for field trips, Mobile Nature Center presentations
and training opportunities for educators and assistance with
scout badge work and requirements for all scouting groups
and levels. |
|
Our Educational
Guide is available to all teachers.
If your school hasn't received one or you would like extra
copies, give us a call at 217-423-7708. |
Museum in a Box Teaching Kits
These
interactive kits are available to educators in the Macon
County, IL Area. The
kits are correlated with the Illinois State Learning Standards
and vary in appropriate grade level from PS - 5th and 5th
- HS. All can be adapted to higher or lower levels. To reserve
a kit for your classroom, or for more information call 217-423-7708.
Fees:
Macon County Schools $5.00 for 2 weeks, $2.00 per day late
fee
Out of County Schools $10.00 for 2 weeks, $2.00 per day late
fee
 The topics are:
Nature in a Box
Astronomy,
Bats, Birds of Prey, Dinosaurs, Earthworms, Fossils, Frogs & Toads,
Insects, Nature's Music, Prairie, Reptiles, Skeletons,
Trees, Talkin' Turkey, Rhythm & Recycle, and Wetlands,
Ponds & Streams.
History in a Box
Civil
War Soldier, 1860's Farm Life, Native American
Life-ways & Train Songs.
Storytelling Kit
Musical Insects and Trains: Chugging Along
Illinois
Department of Natural Resources Trunks
The following trunks are also
available for loan through the Macon County
Conservation District. These trunks were created
by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
and can be checked out for a two week period
of time. There is no fee associated with rental
of these trunks.
Aquatic Illinois, Fossils
of Illinois, Illinois Birds, Illinois Insects & Spiders,
Illinois Wild Mammals, Illinois Trees, and
People & Animals from Illinois' Past.
The trunks are correlated with the Illinois
State Learning Standards and vary in appropriate
grade level from PS - 5th and 5th - HS. All
can be adapted to higher or lower levels. To
reserve an IDNR trunk for your classroom, or
for more information call 217-423-7708.
Professional Development Activities
Teacher's Workshops at Rock Springs Nature Center
 All
workshops are sponsored by the Macon County Conservation District.
Those attending can
earn Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs). Teachers can earn Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) in three upcoming teachers’ workshops.
 Mar. 18 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Women of Early Illinois
This workshop will be an overview of the impact of women on Illinois history from 1700 to 1900.
Fee $10. Earn 4 CPDUs.
Mar. 25 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Endangered and Exotic Illinois
Learn about plants and animals that are threatened or endangered in Illinois, why they are struggling, and the invasive plants and animals from other parts of the world that are part of the problem.
Fee $10. Earn 4 CPDUs.
All workshops meet at Rock Springs Nature Center.
Please confirm the exact date and time of workshop
when registering. Please call
217-423-7708 or email mccd@maconcountyconservation.org to
register. The Rock
Springs Nature Center is located on the
southwest edge of Decatur.
For direct notification of upcoming
workshops call or email your contact information. For reservations
or information call 217-423-7708 or email mccd@maconcountyconservation.org.
Educational Programming at Rock Springs Center
Awareness Hikes: K - 3rd Grades
September - mid November
April, May
These hikes emphasize sensory awareness and appreciation of nature. All hikes accentuate discovery and the wonder of the natural world.
Going Batty: K - 3rd Grades
September - mid November
Focusing on Illinois bats, this program will help children learn truth from myth about these fascinating mammals. A variety of activities will entertain and educate the students. Fee activity. State Learning Standards 12A, 1a, 1b, 12B, 1a, 1b.
Discovery Programs: 4th - 6th Grades
September - mid November
These 2 hour programs include a slide presentation, hike, and "eco" games.
Five program choices include: invertebrates, vertebrates, ecology,
plants, and nineteenth century farm life. Pre-trip curriculum material
will be sent to the teacher. (These programs can be adapted to higher
grade levels.)
 Christmas for the Birds: Pre-School - Kindergarten
Late November - December
Children will learn about birds at our window on wildlife. They will also make pine cone bird feeders to hang on the trees and shrubs at the Nature Center. Fee activity. State Learning Standards 12A, 1a, 1b, 12B, 1a, 1b.
Christmas on the Prairie: First and Second Grades
Late November - December
Students will learn about Christmas of the past at Homestead Prairie Farm. Was there a Santa? Did the settlers have a Christmas tree? What kind of gifts did the boys and girls receive? Answers are supplied in this hands-on program. One hour. Fee activity. State Learning Standards 16a, 1a, 1b, 1c, 16B 1(w), 16C, 1b(us), 16D, 1(w), 16E, 1(us), 17C, 1a, 17D, 1.
Maple Syrup Time: 3rd - 5th Grades
February
Learn about maple sugaring in the past and present. Students will visit Homestead Prairie Farm for look into the past, observe a modern operation and learn about how and why trees have sap and some uses for other types of sap. Fee activity. State Learning Standards 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 12C, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 13B, 2b, 2c, 2f, 3c, 3d.
Let's Rock: 2nd - 4th Grades
March
Learn the basics of rocks and minerals and their use in our everyday life. Program also includes a look at fossils and a visit to the Rock Springs "mine". Fee activity. State Learning Standards 12E, 1a, 2a, 2b.
Bethel School Days: Pre-school - 8th Grades
Late October - early November
Late April - early May
Available at Friends Creek Regional Park, Argenta, IL. Turn of the century one-room school experience in Bethel Schoolhouse. Adapted to the appropriate learning level for the group. State Learning Standards 16A, 1a, 1b, 1c, 16B, 1a(us), 1b(us), 16C, 1a(w), 16D, 2b(us), 3a(us), 3b(us), 16E, 2b(us), 3b(us).
Animals in Winter: Pre-school - 8th Grades
January - February
One to 1 1/2 hour program covering animal activity in winter. May include slide presentation. Hike to look for animal tracks and other signs that not all animals hibernate all winter. Adapted to appropriate age. State Learning Standards 12A, 1a, 1b, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. (Spring)
Spring Awareness Hikes: Pre-School - 3rd
April - May
These hikes emphasize sensory awareness and appreciation of nature. The hikes stress a different concept for each level. All accentuate discovery and the wonder of the natural world. See grade level concepts below:
Sensory Hike Pre-School 3/4 hour in length.
Colors, shapes, touch, sounds and smells of nature will be experienced. State Learning Standards 12A, 1a,1b.
Changes - Seasons Kindergarten 3/4 to 1 hour in length.
Life is awakening for Spring after a long Winter. Kindergarten students will discover who is doing what on the trails this spring. State Learning Standards 12A, 1a, 1b.
Nature's Homes First Grade 3/4 to 1 hour in length.
Everything needs a home, a place to live. Plant and animal homes will be explored. State Learning Standards 12A, 1a, 1b 12B, 1a, 1b.
Who Eats Whom? Second - Third Grades 3/4 to 1 hour in length.
Animals in the wild must be able to find their own food. Students will have a chance to look for clues to food webs in an "outdoor food market". State Learning Standards 12A, 1a,1b, 12B, 1a,1b 12B 2a, 2b.
Meet the Trobaughs K-3rd Grades 1 hour
April - May
Learn about life in the past from stories of the Trobaugh children, then tour the 1860's house they lived in. *Limited to one class of 30 students per session. State Learning Standards 16A, 1a 1b, 16C 1b(us) 16C, 1a(w), 1b(w) 16E, 1(us) 17D, 1.
Discovery Programs 4th - 6th Grades 2 hours
April - May
These 2 hour programs include a slide presentation, hike, and "eco" games. Pre-trip curriculum material will be sent to the teacher. (These programs can be adapted to higher grade levels.)
There are three topics from which to choose:
 Mother Nature's Neighborhood - Ecology and natural communities. State Learning Standards 12B, 2a, 2b 12E, 2c.
Big Green Machine - Green plants, emphasizing tree identification and wildflowers. State Learning Standards 12A, 2a 12B, 2a, 2b.
A Skeleton in Their Closet - Vertebrates, emphasizing mammals. State Learning Standards 12A, 2a 12B, 2a, 2b.
Geology - Archaeology 4th - 8th grades 2 hours April, May Available at Griswold Conservation Area, Blue Mound, IL. See program description listed under fall.
Illinois Pre-History: 5th - 8th Grades
One hour covering Illinois pre-history from Paleo to historic Native Americans and one hour of hands-on archaeology lab. *Limited to one class. Fee Activity. State Learning Standards - 13A, 2c, 3c, 4c 13B, 2a, 2c 16A, 3c 16B, 3d(w) 16C, 3b(w) 17C, 2b, 2c, 3a 17D, 2b.
Exploring the Universe: 3rd - College
This program can be tailored to grades 3 to adults. Slide presentation and handouts take participants on a tour of the universe. Greek and Native American legends add to the program. Stargazing provides a highlight to the event. Projects or crafts are available. Fee activity. State Learning Standards 12F, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5a 13A, 4c 13B, 2b, 3b, 3c.
 Tour of Homestead Prairie Farm: 3rd - College
Tour of 1860's farm house and dooryard lead by interpreters in clothing of the period. State Learning Standards 15A, 2b 15B, 2b 15C, 21, 2b 16A, 3c 16B, 4(us) 5b(us) 16C, 2b, 2c, 3b, 4a(us), 4b(us), 5b(us) 16D, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 5(us) 16E, 2a(us), 2b(us), 2c(us), eb(us) 3c(us), 4b(us), 5a(w) 17B, 2a, 2b, 3b 17C, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3c, 4a, 4b, 4c 17D, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4 18C, 2.
Program Fees
School Programs
Awareness Hikes
Bethel School Days
Meet The Trobaughs, Animals in Winter
Tour of Homestead Prairie Farm
Macon County Schools - $ .50/student
Out of County - $ 1.00/student
Discovery Programs
Macon County Schools - $ .50/student
Out of County - $1.50/student
Illinois Pre-history
Archaeology-Geology, Birds of a Feather
Exploring the Universe, Ponds and Wetlands
Going Batty, Let's Rock
Macon County Schools - $ 1.00/student
Out of County - $1.50/student
Christmas for the Birds
Christmas on the Farm
Maple Syrup Time
Macon County Schools - $1.50/student
Out of County - $2.00/student
Field Classes
Specialized Programs
Fee contingent upon type of activity and length.
At Rock Springs Center
Macon County Schools - $1.00/student
Out of County - $1.50/student
Special Presentations
Mobile Nature Center in-class presentations
Macon County Schools - $30/class, $25/each additional class that day.
Out of County - $35/class, $30/each additional class that day + $.30/mile round trip.
Add $10 for over 100 mile round trip.
Special Presentations at Rock Springs Center
Macon County Schools - $1.00/student
Out of County - $1.50/student
Museum In A Box
Macon County Schools - $5/2 weeks, $2/day overdue charge.
Out of County Schools - $10/2 weeks, $2/day overdue charge
Mobile Nature Center
Filled with puppets, puzzles, games, books, binoculars, microscopes, craft supplies, pelts, skulls and more; the Mobile Nature Center can come to your school, or group meeting place. Ideal for outdoor events, science fairs, scout and community activities. Naturalists will be available to make presentation and/or engage participants in hands-on activities.
Macon County Groups -
Science Fairs, Outdoor Events, etc. - $30/hour for the first hour, $25/each additional hour.
Out of County Groups -
Science Fairs, Outdoor Events, etc. - $35/hour for the first hour, $30/each additional hour plus $.30/mile roundtrip.
Add $10 for over 100 mile round trip.
Star Lab Facilitation
Macon
County Schools - $100/ day
Out of County Schools - $125/day
+ $.30/mile roundtrip.
Add $10 for over 100 mile round trip.
Telescopes & Astronomy Demonstration
 Macon County Schools - $30/class, $25/each additional class that day.
Out of County - $35/class, $30/each additional class that day + $.30/mile round trip.
Add $10 for over 100 mile round trip.
*NOTE - Some presentations are by Macon County Conservation District Volunteers. Out of county availability varies.
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Macon County Conservation District