LEEF Fall Mini-Conference

Learn how to connect your students to authentic participatory science through bird counts. Participants will receive tips and tools to hold seasonal bird counts at their location. Excite your students with the discovery of what feathered friends visit your campus throughout the year. This presentation will include a short bird count with loaner binoculars.

We have all taught about a butterfly's life cycle—from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly—but let’s take a step beyond the traditional approach and delve into the intricate connections between butterflies and the flowers they visit. In this interactive session, we'll explore not just the stages of a butterfly's development, but also the critical role that specific flowering plants play in supporting these beautiful insects.

This interactive presentation puts the spotlight on sit spot routines, which is the practice of observing nature from the same place repeatedly. Through this routine, students of all ages can build a deeper connection with nature, hone their observational skills and practice mindfulness. Katie Caldwell will share what she learned through implementing sit spots at Archbold's Ecology Summer Camp including tips, tools and recommendations for facilitating. Participants will even get the opportunity to practice at their own sit spot!

Audiences and players will learn about different kinds of pollinators. They will also discover some of the challenges they face when collecting pollen and nectar, such as avoiding predators.

At the Spring 2024 LEEF Annual Conference a group of passionate and/or aspiring climate educators came together to share activities and ideas. It was informative and inspiring to participate in a few activities, share our challenges, and envision a path forward. Let's do it again! Those attending this session will participate in a few new student-centered activities, contribute to a state-wide plan, and continue to map our next steps toward building a climate-literate Florida!