EEAI is teaming up with Riverside Intermediate School and the Central Indiana Education Services Center to bring a unique professional development experience to central Indiana.
Participants will have a variety of session speakers to choose from throughout the day and will have the chance to take a self-guided tour of Riverside Intermediate's property and extensive outdoor education spaces, meeting with teachers, students, and program partners along the way.
Event Schedule
K-12 teachers can receive up to 4.5 PGP points for attending the full day.
9:30 AM - Registration
9:50 AM - Opening Remarks
10:00 - 10:45 AM - Session 1
11:00 - 11:45 AM - Session 2
12:00 - 12:30 PM - Lunch
12:45 - 1:30 PM - Session 3
1:45 - 2:30 PM - Session 4
Sessions and Tour Stops
Check back frequently, we'll be announcing more sessions and topics!
"Growing Our Heritage: The Living Laboratory of Fishers Junior High" with Deborah Kletch Fishers Junior High
Step into the world of young citizen scientists as they connect with Indiana's historic trees through hands-on research and environmental stewardship. In this transformative five-year project, students work alongside experts from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Purdue University, and the US Fruit and Nut Growers Association to measure, document, and monitor the functionally extinct American Chestnut, Asian Chestnuts, and their hybrid varieties in the FJH Outdoor Classroom. Watch as mathematics and environmental science come alive through real-world data collection, as students master tree identification and health assessment while contributing to vital conservation efforts that will impact their community for generations to come.
“Art in Nature” with Laura Getz Southeastern Elementary
Participants will immerse themselves in the textures of the natural world starting with a mindful texture walk through the woods. Learners will observe and engage with the variety of surfaces in nature—such as tree bark, leaves, rocks, and soil—focusing on the tactile sensations and intricate patterns that surround them. Then nature artists will return to their workspace where they will allow these textures to inspire their unique art using pens and watercolor paints. This activity encourages relaxation, observation, and creative expression, allowing participants to connect with nature through both their senses and their art.
“Indiana-Themed Courtyard: Creating a Place-Based Outdoor Space” with Taryn Hassler Noble Crossing Elementary
In redesigning our school’s courtyard, we aimed to create an immersive learning space that connects students to Indiana’s history and ecology. Our landscaped beds represent the state's three geographic regions—Great Lakes Plains, Till Plains, and Southern Hills & Lowlands—alongside a Pioneer Garden, a Backyard Garden, and a White River bank. These spaces incorporate native plants, state symbols like limestone and peonies, and align with science and social studies standards to provide hands-on, place-based learning opportunities. With funding from our PTO and foundation grants, we are enhancing the space with a weather wall and educational signage, allowing teachers to lead interactive learning tours. This session will explore how outdoor environments can foster interdisciplinary learning and engagement.
Inside and Out with Project WET & Project WILD, Kathy Madren Indiana DNR
Come participate in engaging hands-on activities to be introduced to Project WET and Project WILD and learn how these teaching tools might support your work in the classroom while meeting educational standards. Project WILD - Adaptation Artistry: An activity that emphasizes the body parts and abilities of an animal that allow it to successfully survive in its environment. Project WET - Macroinvertebrate Mayhem: An activity to explore how some insects spend part of their life cycle in water, and how the water quality plays a large role in their ability to survive.
“Exploring Geological Time” with Taryn Hassler Noble Crossing Elementary
During Hamilton County’s Bicentennial, we engaged students in an exploration of how our land has transformed over time. Beginning with aerial photos of our school’s site, we traveled back through history—imagining our town’s founding, the arrival of pioneers, the lives of Native Americans, the era of ancient forests (before earthworms!), and the dramatic impact of glaciers. We examined the shifting continents, the prehistoric creatures of the Ice Age, and the time when our land lay beneath an ancient sea. This session will share strategies for helping students connect with the deep history of their surroundings through place-based learning, historical inquiry, and interactive storytelling.
“Unlocking Inquiry: The Power of Question Formulation in Place-Based Learning” with Missy Burger Greenwood High School
In this session, educators will explore the transformative impact of the Question Formulation Technique (QFT). Attendees will discover how this student-centered strategy empowers learners to generate their own questions while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and deeper engagement with the environment and their local community. We’ll explore how to use the QFT to enhance inquiry-based learning and drive project-based initiatives. Join us to learn how to incorporate the QFT into your teaching to foster an engaged classroom that thrives on local relevance and inspires creative problem solving in the next generation.
Buzz into Learning: The Fascinating World of Bees with Scott Pallikan
Discover the incredible world of bees and their vital role in our ecosystem! In this engaging session, a local beekeeper will share insights into bee behavior, pollination, and the importance of protecting these essential pollinators. Learn about hive structures, the lifecycle of bees, and how they contribute to food production. Educators will walk away with practical ideas for incorporating bee science into their classrooms, fostering environmental awareness, and even starting their own pollinator-friendly projects.
Exploring Our Waterways: A 6th Grade White River Float
Our 6th-grade students embark on a hands-on adventure down the White River, connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental science. Through this guided float trip, students investigate water quality, study local ecosystems, and observe human impact on the river. Using scientific tools and inquiry-based exploration, they test for pollutants, identify aquatic life, and discuss conservation efforts. This session will highlight how outdoor experiences like river floats foster environmental stewardship, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for Indiana’s natural resources.
A Trail of Discovery: Enhancing Learning with our Nature Trail with Heather Asher Riverside Intermediate
Our school’s nature trail has been transformed into an interactive learning experience using QR codes to connect students with educational videos. As they explore, students can scan codes to access information about native plants, local wildlife, geological features, and environmental science concepts. This self-guided approach encourages curiosity, inquiry-based learning, and outdoor exploration. In this session, learn how to integrate technology with nature-based education, create engaging digital content, and inspire students to connect with their local environment in meaningful ways.
Creating a Monarch Waystation: Student-Led Conservation in Action with RSI Students
Our Nature Club took on the mission of supporting monarch butterfly conservation by creating a certified Monarch Waystation. Through hands-on learning, students researched monarch migration, selected native milkweed and nectar plants, and designed a habitat to provide food and shelter for these vital pollinators. This session will share how student-led projects like this foster environmental stewardship, scientific inquiry, and community engagement. Learn how to create your own waystation and empower students to take action in protecting pollinators.
Thorpe Creek Elementary Nature Space with Jackie Renick and Carissa Buck
The TCE Nature Space is a natural and pristine area at Thorpe Creek Elementary, offering students the opportunity to explore a wildlife preserve, bird sanctuary, and an entomologist’s dream—all within the school's campus. On any given day, Kindergarten through fourth-grade classes can be found catching butterflies and dragonflies, investigating insects, or observing birds nesting in our newly 3D-printed birdhouses. This space is designed to ignite students' passions, all while supporting and enhancing their learning.
