Learning Outdoors
Resources from Environmental Education - 10/15/20
New DNR Snapshot Wisconsin Trail Cam Data Dashboard
DNR Free Tree Program Gr 4
Story Edventures with EEK
Wigloo Creation
Written by EE Teacher Sally Turner
On a cool, crisp fall morning a site was chosen behind our E.B. Shurts Building to gather with rods of willow, a few tools and a plan. We set out to build a wigloo.
A wigloo is a structure made of willow rods from shrub-like plants that can grow to heights ranging from 4 to 10 feet. Its dome shape looks much like an igloo so willow+igloo=wigloo.
First, holes were pounded into the ground in the shape of a circle for vertical placement of the largest, longest rods. Additional willow was woven in front of, behind, and out three times around these stakes to secure the structure's footprint.
"What about a door?" We studied the primitive shape we created, determined how much space was needed for an opening, arched two stakes and secured them with a twisting motion.
It was time to raise and fill the walls! Remaining stakes were arced and looped together using a bird weaving technique. Over, under, in, out. Meandering, almost whimsical. With a rod and twist to make a circle, then an addition of two or more willows to the shape a window was born. Can we have three windows? Absolutely! Each willow piece added filled in holes, strengthened the wigloo walls and added aesthetic appeal.
With windows placed and secured it was time to shape the dome. Can you see how it takes a team, a village to make this happen? At this stage staff were inside and outside the wigloo working together passing rods in, out, and around. Almost finished.
The wigloo was lifted up by the base with 12" stakes exposed, the measure of the willow that was in the ground. These stakes were crimped and woven together to allow the wigloo to rest flat on the ground. Success!
Materials and tools were critical to the execution of this project; more importantly was the vision, commitment and heart on the part of staff to make this happen. Together we look forward to the day when we again welcome students and our community to our E. B. Shurts Environmental Education Learning Center. We are excited to invite you to enjoy our newest, actual open house, our wigloo!
Leaf Art
Moving in Nature
Planetarium Corner
Each week, Lisa Swaney (the Planetarium Director) will share some fun opportunities here!
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Calling all middle school and high school educators and space enthusiasts! Be the first to try this amazing opportunity for your classroom and students! Try Slooh today FREE for a few lucky classes or one lucky grade!. Slooh offers STEM enrichment for the 2020-2021 school year utilizing its engaging online astronomy platform and weekly webinars. This year, Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium will be piloting this online platform with a few lucky classes or one grade level. Expenses will be covered through the planetarium budget this year only. Who’s going to be the lucky one to go on the first quest with their students?
Science Room Spotlight
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This week's spotlight is Kaitlyn Mizewski at Rose Glen! She and her kindergarten class went in search of living vs nonliving things. They took pictures, and then sorted them into a book creator. Kids outside, mask breaks, and purposeful use of technology all in one!
Garden Corner
In Case You Missed It!
Support for Outdoor Learning
To see detailed outdoor learning ideas, check out this slideshow.
To see a flyer that outlines our support offerings this year, check out this link.
Sit-Upons
K-12 Resources from KEEP, LEAF, Project Learning Tree, and more!
Science Joke of the Week
We Want to Hear From YOU!
Email: ekoeppel@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/domain/173
Location: 810 West College Avenue, Waukesha, WI, USA
Phone: 262-970-4333
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDWEnvironmentalEducation
Twitter: @sdwenved