Education for activities directly with youth

WHO:  West Virginia State University Extension Service

WHAT:  Agricultural Education Training Sessions

WHEN:  Tuesday, Aug. 11, and Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 from 9am - 4pm

WHERE:  West Virginia State University Wilson Student Union Room 131

These workshop sessions will expose individuals to various agriculturally based curriculums and teach them how to conduct activities from the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program, Project Learning Tree, Project Wet, and the Wonders of Wetlands. It is open for teachers, community leaders, Master Gardeners, volunteers, 4-H Leaders, education majors, and anyone else interested in furthering youth agricultural education.

The Tuesday, August 11th session will instruct participants on teaching the JMG and Project Learning Tree programs. Wednesday’s, August 12th session will cover Project Wet and the Wonders of Wetlands.

The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program is an exciting youth gardening program that cultivates leadership and volunteerism by utilizing fun, hands-on horticulture projects.  This dynamic workshop will be a mixture of presentations and "hands-on" activities featured in the JMG Level One/Level Two curriculum materials. This format will allow participants to have a broad overview of the JMG program, find out how they can become involved with the JMG program in their community, www.jmgkids.us. Project Learning Tree® is an award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students in PreK-grade 12. Through PLT, students learn environmental content that correlates to national and state standards in science, social studies, language arts, math, and other subjects – and strengthen their critical thinking, team building, and problem-solving skills, www.plt.org.

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is a nonprofit water education program and publisher for educators and young people ages 5-18. The program facilitates and promotes awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources, www.projectwet.org. The Wonders of Wetlands is an acclaimed K-12 curriculum supplement published by Environmental Concern in partnership with the Watercourse. The publication contains important background information; more than 50 hands-on, multidisciplinary activities for indoor and outdoor settings; ideas for wetland construction, restoration, and enhancement.
 
The workshop runs 9am - 4pm both days. Attendees may register for one day at a cost of $25 or both days for $45. Registration includes lunch, snacks, curriculum, materials, and a visit to the Winfield Wetlands. Registration for the workshop sessions is limited to the first 25 applicants. Register early to save your spot! Please contact Melissa Stewart at 304-532-1670 or e-mail williaml@wvstateu.edu for more information and to reserve your spot.