Environmental Education and Interpretation
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State Parks offers these educational experiences:
For Schools |
The DCNR Bureau of State Parks' environmental education program aims to develop a citizenry that is aware of and concerned about the total environment and its associated problems, and which has the knowledge, attitude, motivations, commitment and skills to work individually and collectively toward solutions of current problems and the prevention of new ones. To achieve these goals, a program of services is offered for the citizens of Pennsylvania and visitors to the state that promotes:
- An understanding that humankind is an inseparable part of the ecosystem and whatever humans do may alter their surroundings.
- A basic knowledge of the natural laws which govern the environment, skills to permit solving environmental problems, and recognition of each individual's responsibility toward finding solutions to environmental problems.
- The development of a stewardship ethic toward the conservation of Pennsylvania's natural, historical and cultural heritage, and the prevention and correction of continued environmental degradation.
Environmental Education Centers
Four environmental education centers offer year-round educational programming.
Jacobsburg
Jennings
Kings Gap
Nolde Forest
For Schools
Student Field Learning Experiences: Outdoor environmental education programs for school groups, called field learning experiences, are available for preschool through grade 12 at four environmental education centers and 20 nine- to 12-month state park sites. Most field learning experiences follow the sequence and continuum outlined in the Activities For Environmental Learning, a supplemental curriculum developed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. Using this conceptual-based environmental education activity continuum, these activities develop environmental awareness, environmental knowledge and environmental valuing and problem solving skills at the appropriate grade level.
Environmental Forum: Selected students from high schools investigate a local environmental issue through sessions at the state park site and local community sites. Student teams develop projects and take positive environmental action toward the issue in their school and/or community.
Environmental Problem Solving: Groups or classes of middle and high school students use environmental problem solving methods to investigate and take action concerning local environmental issues.
Watershed Education: Students and teachers assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. Spring and fall Water Quality Seminars are hosted by the environmental education centers to share regional and statewide results and to provide additional water quality information.
Special Populations: The complete array of environmental education services offered is also available for special populations. Special programming is available for groups with physical and mental disabilities. Consultant services for teaching environmental education with special populations is also available at some sites.
For Teachers
In-Service and Pre-Service Workshops: The Bureau of State Parks regularly offers both credit and non-credit in-service courses through local intermediate units. Graduate credits in environmental education are offered through Penn State and Slippery Rock universities. We also provide workshops for individual schools and school districts. Workshops are designed to give educators the knowledge and skills necessary to implement environmental education with their students. Check out our current schedule of teacher workshops taking place in state parks and environmental education centers.
Curriculum Development: Assistance is available on an "as staff is available" basis to assist schools in developing environmental education curricula and programs.
Site Development: Assistance is available on an "as staff is available" basis to assist schools in planning and implementing school environmental education sites and environmental study areas. We can provide assistance in planning, layout, pre-inventory, design and utilizing and coordinating other resource agency personnel.
For the Public
DiscoverE: This series of exciting outdoor programs for young people ages 4-17 makes every day an adventure, every state park a new, wondrous experience!
Pennsylvania’s natural resources and historic sites are discovered through exciting programs provided by trained educators and interpreters. By combining recreation and education, we hope to motivate children to learn more and return often, leading to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment and conservation leadership.
Explore DiscoverE
Community Programs: A wide range of free public programs are offered throughout the year at most sites. Program themes include environmental issues, cultural/historical, natural history and ecology field trips. Special family programs are planned for adults and elementary-aged children. Program brochures are available at most sites.
Interpretive Services: The Bureau of State Parks provides both day and night guided walks, campfire programs, historical programming, interpretive brochures, exhibits and other interpretive services. Explore the Calendar of Events for information on upcoming progams and events.
ECO Camp: Exploring Careers Outdoors – a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors. A highlight of the week is an overnight camping trip in a nearby state park, and information on future employment opportunities will be available upon completion of the week’s programs. Key topics and recreational activities will surround the themes of water, land, forests, and wildlife. Youth participating in the camp may have opportunities for continued involvement with agency staff and programs, through potential options such as internships, mentoring programs, job shadowing or return as future camp leaders.
Explore the ECO Camp brochure
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