Iowa's Environmental Resources Workshop for Teachers
Earn two units of graduate credit and learn about Iowa's environmental resources through an activity-based short course (EARTHSCI 6233 Iowa's Environmental Resources for Teachers) through the University of Northern Iowa. Participate in several exciting, hands-on activities in the field, and meet other Earth science teachers from across the state. Discuss what’s working and what’s not in your classrooms and share your tried-and-true methods for teaching about the geology of Iowa.
- Applications due February 20, 2025
- Online via Panopto and/or Zoom: March 11 & 25; April 8 & 22
- On the UNI campus: June 23-26, 2025
This workshop is sponsored by the Iowa Limestone Producers Association, in conjunction with the UNI Department of Earth and Environmental Science and with assistance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
2025 Workshop
This year's focus: Environmental geology, geochemistry, and their importance to Iowa’s limestone industry.
The course begins with an online component in the spring to prepare you for the hands-on workshop visiting various geological sites and preparing curricular materials in June.
- Develop environmental to geological collections while obtaining a basic proficiency in their identification.
- Focus on the significance of these items in understanding and interpreting Earth’s history and the geology of Iowa.
- Learn about the various economic and environmental aspects of Iowa geology.
Online & On Campus
The online component of the workshop is offered via synchronous or asynchronous video conferencing (Panopto and/or Zoom) on Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m., March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22 through a series of two-hour classes covering the environmental and geochemical principles in Iowa. The on-campus component begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, June 23, with a reception and check-in on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The workshop ends at approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 26.
Each day begins with announcements and an overview of the day's planned activities. There may also be evening sessions, which consist of special presentations, laboratory work, and/or a review of the day's activities. This is an intensive course, and everyone is expected to participate in all workshop sessions.
When accepted for the workshop, further details will be sent on or before February 25, 2025.
Workshop Costs
Due to the generous support of the Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA) we are able to offer this workshop for a $200 registration fee, plus a technology fee of $38 (billed upon acceptance). This includes two units of UNI graduate credit, on-campus housing, most meals, transportation in the field and instructional costs.
Cancellations: If your plans change and you must cancel, please contact UNI Online and Distance Education at 319-273-7206 as soon as possible so we may allow those on the waiting list the opportunity to attend. Cancellations must be received no later than March 4, 2025, in order to receive a refund of the $200 registration fee.
Stay On Campus
Students who desire housing on the University of Northern Iowa campus should notify Dr. Heinzel, who will help make arrangements. Housing is air-conditioned. (Housing and most meal costs are covered by the ILPA)
Online & On Campus
The online component of the workshop is offered via synchronous or asynchronous video conferencing (Panopto and/or Zoom) on Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m., March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22 through a series of two-hour classes covering the environmental and geochemical principles in Iowa. The on-campus component begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, June 23, with a reception and check-in on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The workshop ends at approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 26.
Each day begins with announcements and an overview of the day's planned activities. There may also be evening sessions, which consist of special presentations, laboratory work, and/or a review of the day's activities. This is an intensive course, and everyone is expected to participate in all workshop sessions.
When accepted for the workshop, further details will be sent on or before February 25, 2025.
Workshop Costs
Due to the generous support of the Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA) we are able to offer this workshop for a $200 registration fee, plus a technology fee of $38 (billed upon acceptance). This includes two units of UNI graduate credit, on-campus housing, most meals, transportation in the field and instructional costs.
Cancellations: If your plans change and you must cancel, please contact UNI Online and Distance Education at 319-273-7206 as soon as possible so we may allow those on the waiting list the opportunity to attend. Cancellations must be received no later than March 4, 2025, in order to receive a refund of the $200 registration fee.
Stay On Campus
Students who desire housing on the University of Northern Iowa campus should notify Dr. Heinzel, who will help make arrangements. Housing is air-conditioned. (Housing and most meal costs are covered by the ILPA)
Activities & Topics
History
- Processes at work in the formation of Iowa's glacial landscapes and the bedrock below
- Environmental and geochemical characterization of Iowa's natural resources: minerals, rocks, soil and water
- Environmental policy and regulations in Iowa
- Collection and classification of minerals, rocks, soils and water
Processes & Principles
- Glacial processes, Soil formation, Water quality
- Field activities as classroom events; taking students to the field for learning activities
- Sand, gravel and aggregates from the ground to improvements in your life, "If you cannot grow it, then you have to mine it"
Geology and Land Use
- Agriculture, environmental geology; drainage tile, ag wells, aquifers
- Landfills and waste management issues
- Sustainable urban versus rural development
- Resource conservation, management, and hazards
Geochemistry
- Apply chemistry to Iowa's natural resources to identify challenges and opportunities
- Explore and use UNI's analytical tools including: XRD, XRF, and ICP-MS
Science Education
- Explore effective ways to meet Earth Science to Environmental NGSS and Iowa Core Standards
- Best-practices for Place-based learning techniques and opportunities
- Network with your local quarry, sand-pit and water resource professionals for future student field trips
- Learn about quarry and laboratory safety procedures