STEAM into Monarch Butterfly Conservation

In 2022, the migratory monarch butterfly was classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Educators and students can do something to help!

This three day intensive workshop will provide K-12 educators with background knowledge and tools to challenge students to find an interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) approach to help solve an authentic problem.

A “Content Driven Design Challenge” will inspire educators to appreciate monarch natural and cultural history, explore challenges faced by monarchs and learn how to address a conservation challenge. The final outcome will be the design and installation of a pollinator garden at the NJ School of Conservation through the science and engineering design model. This workshop will integrate STEAM curriculum aligned with NJ Student Learning Standards, including the NJ Climate Change Education Standards.

Other workshop benefits include:

• Working with like-minded educators from across New Jersey
• Building deeper connections to nature and natural history education
• Access to experts in education, nature and gardening design
• The opportunity to stay and play at the NJ School of Conservation in Stokes State Forest – the oldest and most beautiful environmental education center in New Jersey

Workshop Facilitators:

Dena Corbin- Founder and Program Designer, Natural Ground 1

Megan Edson- Township of Ocean Intermediate School

Erik Mollenhauer– Founder, Monarch Teacher Network

Holly Romahan- Hardyston Township Elementary School

Tanya Sulikowski- Director of Education, NJ School of Conservation

Bruce Taterka- Mendham High School

Vince Walencik – NJ Technology and Engineering Educators Association

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Tentative Workshop Schedule :

Day 1:

9-10a- Educators arrive at NJSOC, Check-in and get settled in cabins.

10a – 11a- Introductions, Orientation and Workshop Overview

11a-12p- The Monarch Butterfly Content Driven Design Challenge

12-12:45p- Lunch

12:45- 1:45p- iNaturalist to Engage Budding Naturalists

1:45-2p- Break

2- 5:30p – Monarch Cultural and Natural History

5:30- 6p- Break

6- 7:30p – Dinner (Build Your Own Butterfly Pizza – A Bonus Design Challenge!)

7:30- 9p – Campfire/Evening Activity

Day 2:

7- 8a- Morning iNaturalist walk or fitness hike (optional)

8- 8:45a- Breakfast

8:45- 9:15- Break

9:15a-12:15p – Monarch Cultural and Natural History Part 2

12:15-1p – Lunch

1-1:30p- Break

1:45-2:45p- Content Driven Design Challenge

3-5p- Native Plant Pollinator Garden Design

5-5:30p- Break

5:30-7p – Dinner

7- ?p- Sunset Paddle on Lake Wapalanne/ Campfire/Evening Activity

Day 3:

7- 8a- Morning iNaturalist walk or fitness hike (optional)

8- 9a- Breakfast

9a-12:30p- Native Plant Pollinator Garden Installation

12:45-1:30p- Lunch

1:30- 2:30p- iNaturalist Data Crunching

2:30-3:30p- Content Driven Design Challenge Next Steps

3:30- 4:30p – Wrap Up, Evaluations and Depart

Please note: The workshop fee includes cabin-style lodging at the NJ School of Conservation for two nights, food and workshop materials. Scholarships may be available.

Contact the NJ School of Conservation’s Director of Education, Tanya Sulikowski, with any questions. tsulikowski@friendsofnjsoc.org.